Subscription farming class offered next month

Subscription farming provides a unique opportunity for Nevada farms to sell directly to consumers while re-introducing them to the benefits of local, seasonal eating.

The Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute offers a workshop, “Subscription Farming, Farm to Consumer,” on Dec. 7 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at the Jeanne Dini Center, 120 N. California St. in Yerington.

Cost is $35 for those registering by Saturday, $45 afterward. Lunch is included. Seating is limited, and registration is required.

Featured speakers include owners and staff from five local farms that manage successful subscription farm operations: Custom Gardens Organic Farm, GirlFarm, Lattin Farms, Workman Farms and Holley Family Farms. The farms represent a diversity of operations with as few as a dozen members to more than 300.

Workshop participants will learn how to start and manage a CSA, considering planting schedules, best size membership for their operation, recruiting customers, record keeping, the benefits of collaborating with other farms, and more.

Subscription farming, also known as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), has become a popular way for farms to sell directly to consumers and to extend the sales season. Customers sign up before planting season and then receive weekly baskets of seasonal produce during harvest season.

The WNC Specialty Crop Institute is an innovative program that teaches alternative farming methods for local growers. Funding is provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Information/registration: Ann Louhela, 775-423-7565 Ext. 2260 or ann.louhela@wnc.edu