Programs

Ag Workforce Development

DFI creates opportunities for new and aspiring farmers to receive intensive on-farm training and/or expand fruit and vegetable operations. Opportunities include formal farm apprenticeships and commercial farm incubators. Both foster the transfer of agricultural skills through farmer-to-farmer mentorship — building a stronger food system for Nevada.

 

Agricultural Solutions

The Extension's Agricultural Solutions program connects farmers and ranchers with timely, research-based guidance for Nevada’s unique agricultural challenges. We focus on issues raised directly by producers during farm visits, calls, and community meetings — ensuring that our information responds to real needs in the field.

 

Cattlemen's Update

Cattlemen’s Update is Extension’s annual educational program offered for beef cattle producers to learn about issues affecting profitability and product quality in the Great Basin region.

   

Food Business Center

Providing training and technical assistance to help Nevada producers diversify and expand their product portfolio, optimize operational processes and ensure that those entering food processing are compliant with US requirements.

     

Grow Organic Nevada

This program connects transitioning farms with certified organic mentors and provides technical assistance to farms working to become certified. Stay tuned for community-building workshops and on-farm trainings on topics such as organic practices, certification, rules and regulations, marketing and conservation and biodiversity!

 

Healthy Food Systems

The Healthy Food Systems Program works to increase access to and knowledge about healthy foods within the community through direct education and policy, systems, and environmental changes. The program focuses on local food production, food preparation and processing, nutrition, and food security to successfully educate the community on how food systems influence health.

     

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management program is a long-term management strategy that uses a combination of tactics to reduce pests to tolerable levels with potentially lower costs for the pest manager and minimal effect on the environment.

 

Master Gardeners of Nevada

Program trains local gardeners to provide research-based horticulture information to Nevadans.

     

Meat Workforce Development Program

The program trains and provides certifications in meat harvest and processing for beef, lamb, pork and poultry. Training is a combination of in-classroom lectures, hands-on experience and tours.

   

On-Farm Food Safety Strategies

The Initiative's Food Safety Program provides resources for growers throughout the state of Nevada. The Initiative partners with the Nevada Department of Agriculture to demonstrate produce safety practices, share guidance and provide training.

 

Organic Plant Nursery

Providing high-quality organic plants starts for commercial farms, large gardens, schools and nurseries. All plant starts are grown in the Initiative's certified organic greenhouse.

 

Pest Solutions

Low-risk garden pest and weed solutions for Nevada

 

Small Farm Resiliency Strategies

Small farm resiliency strategies aim to link fruit and vegetable growers to the best available regional information and decision-making tools on an ongoing basis, as well as sharing practical guidance.