Cooperative Extension offers session for growers

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension offers three “Great Ideas From Growers” sessions, where small farm producers from across the state can share their knowledge and experiences to help each other improve their businesses.

“This provides an opportunity for owners of small, specialized farms to learn from others’ experiences,” said Extension Educator Holly Gatzke, who will lead the sessions.

Based on information requested from producers, topics this year will focus on production (crop selection and planting, insect control, harvesting and packing techniques, etc.) and crop planning. The sessions will be from 5-6:30 p.m., Feb. 2, Feb. 9 and Feb. 23.

“This forum helps producers work together as an industry to build successful agricultural businesses that meet the increasing demand for locally grown specialty products,” Gatzke explained.

Great Ideas From Growers is part of Cooperative Extension’s Herds and Harvest Program. Herds and Harvest is designed to help farmers and ranchers develop agricultural entrepreneurship, implement sustainable agricultural marketing strategies and improve profitability. Since starting in 2011, Herds and Harvest has reached more than 600 farmers and ranchers across the state, and three-quarters of surveyed participants reported that what they learned from Herds and Harvest benefited their operations.

Great Ideas From Growers will be available by interactive videoconference at Cooperative Extension offices in Caliente, Carson City, Minden, Eureka, Hawthorne and Pahrump; at the Owyhee High School on the Duck Valley Reservation; Room 130 in the Greenhaw Technical Arts Center at Great Basin College in Elko; and at the Churchill County School District Office in Fallon

To participate by phone, call 775-726-3109, ext. 107, or 775-962-1300 to get a pin. For more information about Great Ideas From Growers, contact Gatzke at 775-962-1300 or 775-726-3109, ext.106