Extension program offers course for new Nevada livestock producers
Extension’s Herds & Harvest Program is offering a new series of classes for beginning livestock and poultry producers that will allow them to earn a Farm to Fork certification.
The University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Herds & Harvest Program is hosting a new Farm to Fork Certification Program, 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays in March.
The courses in this program will offer information for beginning farmers and ranchers on the process of livestock and poultry production, from raising livestock to selling the products on the market.
The program’s courses will be conducted via Zoom and will draw upon the knowledge and experience of established Nevada livestock and poultry producers and university experts. There will also be an in-person field trip touring local farms and ranches. Participants who complete the course will receive their Farm to Fork Level 1 Certification. Course topics include the following: • March 2: Overview of Farm to Fork for livestock production: focusing on jurisdictions and regulations existing in Nevada, livestock production for local consumption, developing a business plan, public and private land grazing, and identifying resources. • March 9: Livestock nutrition and reproduction: focusing on the basics of livestock nutrition, feed management, reproduction and characteristics of meat based on nutritional management. • March 16: Poultry nutrition and reproduction: focusing on the basics of poultry nutrition, feed management, reproduction and characteristics of meat based on nutritional management. • March 23: Defining grow local and developing marketing plans: focusing on developing a grow local product, creating a marketing plan and how to sell a local product. • March 30: Farm financial management in the 21st century: focusing on financially building a farm, building business skills and assets, estate planning, and balance and cash flow basics. University students will provide financial analysis of different agricultural ventures.
Field trip dates announced upon registration: Field trips to tour local farms and ranches. Participants can choose which one of the two tours they wish to take, according to their location and interests.
For information, contact Staci Emm, Extension educator for Mineral County, at emms@unr.edu or 775-475-4227, or Kaley Chapin, outreach specialist, at kaleys@unr.edu or 702-467-2668. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call or notify Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at plessick@unr.edu or 702-257-5577 at least three days prior to the scheduled event.
The Extension Herds & Harvest Program combines a series of workshops on different topics and provides educational business management and mentoring skill building to support Nevada agricultural producers. This project was supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
