The Herds & Harvest Program is hosting a Farm to Fork Certification Program providing a certification program Feb. 21 – April 27 geared toward new or up-and-coming ranchers and farmers that will allow them to obtain a Nevada Beginning Farmer & Rancher Level 1 Small Acreage and Farm to Fork Certification. The classes will take place 6 – 8 p.m., Wednesdays, Feb. 21 – April 24, with additional field trips touring small-acreage farms and ranches in Washoe and Douglas counties being offered April 26-27.
The program’s courses will be conducted via Zoom and will draw upon the knowledge and experience of established Nevada agriculture producers and University experts. Participants who complete the course, attend a tour or one of the spring Nevada agriculture conferences, and complete a business plan review will receive their Level 1 Certification. Course topics include:
- March 27: Livestock needs and requirements, including basics of livestock and poultry nutrition, feed management, reproduction and the Quality Assurance Program.
- April 3: Meat quality, processing and training, including the characteristics of meat based on nutritional management and an overview of meat regulations in Nevada and the statewide meat program.
- April 10: Understanding Nevada water, focusing on the basics of water rights and water law in Nevada.
- April 17: Farm financial management in the 21st century, focusing on financially building a farm, building business skills and assets, estate planning, and balance and cash flow basics.
- April 24: Partners and funding, including an overview of opportunities and resources available to Nevada producers.
- April 26-27: Field trips touring local farms and ranches in Washoe and Douglas counties will be available to participants, who can choose to attend either a tour or one of the aforementioned conferences as part of the certification requirements.
The cost for the program is $60 per person, and registration can be completed online. For more information, contact:
Staci Emm, Extension educator for Mineral County, at emms@unr.edu or 775-475-4227
Kaley Chapin, outreach specialist, at kaleys@unr.edu or 702-467-2668.