Workshop offered for small-scale poultry owners in Northern Nevada

Small-scale backyard poultry has become quite popular in recent years in northern Nevada. University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Herds and Harvest Program is offering a small-scale poultry class Dec. 8 to help poultry owners get a good start and maintain a healthy flock.

Topics include:

What a small-scale operation will cost, taught by Malieka Landis, with the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet for this session.

Getting started: facility requirements, chicken sources, free ranging tips, manure management and safety concerns, taught by Rob Holley from Holley Family Farms.

What’s legal and what’s not, taught by Teresa Long and Michael Tourey with the Washoe County Health District.

Facility options, chicken breeds, egg sales and acquiring licenses, taught by Nancy Ogan from Ogan Family Farm.

Zoning regulations, taught by Chad Giesinger with Washoe County Planning and Development.

Health and nutrition, feeds and feeding, egg production and sales, taught by Wendy Baroli from Girl Farm.

Predator prevention, taught by Jessica Heitt from the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Producer certification labeling and grading standards, taught by Jake Dick from the Nevada Department of Agriculture.

Common diseases in backyard poultry, vaccinations, prevention and home treatment, taught by Veterinarian Matt McSweeney from Lone Mountain Veterinarian in Carson City.

The workshop is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office, 4955 Energy Way in Reno. Register online at http://uncepoultry.eventbrite.com, or by contacting Jessica Harris at 775-336-0242 or harrisj@unce.unr.edu.

The cost is $20 per person and includes snacks, lunch and workshop materials. Those attending are encouraged to pre-register to ensure ample space and educational materials are available. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to the scheduled event.

Cooperative Extension’s Herds and Harvest Program helps farmers and ranchers develop agricultural entrepreneurship, implement sustainable agricultural marketing strategies and improve profitability. Since 2011, the program has reached several hundred farmers and ranchers across the state. Two-thirds of the participants report they would make changes in their business practices because of what they learned through the program. The program is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, part of the United States Department of Agriculture.