Crop Institute presents berry production workshop

With increased consumer demand for locally grown food, berries are a lucrative yet challenging crop to grow in Nevada.

Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute offers a Commercial Berry Production workshop on Dec. 6, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., at the WNC Carson City Campus, 2201 West College Parkway, Carson City. Cost is $35 for those registering by Sunday, $45 afterward. Lunch is included, and seating is limited.

Online registration is available at http://www.wnc.edu/ce/sci/.

The workshop is intended for producers interested in commercial berry production, and will introduce the business and production aspects of operating a successful berry operation.

Participants will learn about the best varieties for Nevada’s high desert climate, along with pruning and harvesting, berry production in high tunnels, pest control and irrigation management.

It will also explore the economic viability and sustainability of commercial berry production.

Featured speaker Brent Black has been an associate professor and extension fruit specialist at Utah State University since 2005. An industry leader in high desert berry and orchard production, his major focus areas are new cultivars and rootstocks, alternative fruit crops, system sustainability, irrigation management, and season extension technologies. Black has worked with local farmers for more than a decade.

Jack Jacobs of Jacobs Berry Farm in Gardnerville will talk about his challenges and successes since beginning commercial berry production in 2010. His farm has become a popular tourist destination, and Jacobs works with local researchers on experimental plots at his farm.

The WNC Specialty Crop Institute is an innovative program that teaches alternative farming methods to local growers. Funding is provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. For information, call Ann Louhela at 775-423-7565 Ext. 2260 or email ann.louhela@wnc.edu.