Small Farm conference offers continuing ed credits

A total of 39.5 continuing education (CEU) credits is being offered to Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) during the Nevada Small Farm Conference Jan. 22-24.

The category breakdown is as follows: Nutrient Management: 1; Soil & Water Management: 5.5; Integrated Pest Management: 2.5; Crop Management: 14.5; and Professional Development: 16.

The conference registration fee has been reduced to early bird prices of only $105 for the conference and $40 for a pre-conference workshop on Thursday.

The 2015 Nevada Small Farm Conference is the place to be for farmers and ranchers, beginning or experienced, rural or urban, and business and community members. The conference is at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks and features workshops and conference sessions that include candid discussions about the challenges facing producers.

The CCA program of the American Society of Agronomy is a benchmark of professionalism. The CCA certification was established in 1992 to provide a benchmark for practicing agronomy professionals in the United States and Canada. Many advisers/consultants who spend the majority of their time advising growers or farm managers/operators on agronomic practices and can meet the standards of the program apply for certification.

Farmers and employers prefer to work with Certified Crop Advisers because they have demonstrated commitment, education, expertise, and experience to make a difference in a client’s business. Once certified, CCAs must earn 40 CEUs every two years to maintain their certification.

Sponsors include WNC Specialty Crop Institute; University of Nevada, Reno CABNR; Whole Foods Market; Silver State Stainless; Nevada Department of Agriculture; Pacific Grading Service; Washoe County Department of Regional Parks; US. Foods; Farm Supply; Toro; Rail City Garden Center; University of Nevada Cooperative Extension; Great Basin Community Food Co-op; Western Nevada Development District; Gibson, Gale & Associates; Andelin Family Farm; Rincon-Vitova Insectaries

For conference details and registration information, visit the conference website, www.nevadafarmconference.com, or contact Ann Louhela at 775-250-1339 or ann.louhela@wnc.edu.