The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Extension’s Herds and Harvest Program is hosting a new Farm to Fork Certification Program, 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays from March 2-30. 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 UNR 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:
• 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 analyses of different agricultural ventures.
• Field trips to tour local farms and ranches— Field trip dates will be announced upon registration. Participants can choose which one of the two tours they wish to take, according to their location and interests.
The cost for the program is $60 per person, and registration can be completed at nevada.formstack.com/forms/btr_2022. For more 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. — UNR
