The Herds & Harvest Program hosts a Nevada Beginning Farmer & Rancher Level 1 Certification Program incorporating Small Acreage and Farm to Fork content geared toward new or up-and-coming ranchers and farmers. The classes take place on Wednesday evenings from 6 – 8 p.m. via Zoom. The course concludes with a field trip touring small-acreage farms and ranches.
The program’s courses draw upon the knowledge and experience of established Nevada agriculture producers and University experts. Participants who complete the course, attend a tour or one of the spring Nevada agriculture conferences, and complete a business plan/review will receive their Level 1 Certification. Course topics include the following:
- Business plan development
- Plants/soil
- Value-added programs
- Nevada laws/jurisdictions
- Livestock needs/production
- Meat quality and processing
- Nevada water
- Farm financial management
- Nevada funding opportunities for producers
2026 BFR Certification Schedule:
The Nevada Beginning Farmer and Rancher (BFR) Certification Program will integrate lessons from both the Small Acreage and Farm to Fork classes in a hybrid education model utilizing Zoom and personal connections within Nevada agriculture. To receive your BFR Level 1 Certification, participants must complete the online course sessions, attend an in-person field trip, complete a business plan, and participate in an individual business plan review.
Below is the course overview. Please note that session topics and details may be adjusted slightly based on participant needs and presenter availability.
Course Schedule
- January 21, 2026 | 6-8:00 p.m. - Introduction – Overview of small-acreage and farm-to-fork production, including resource identification, understanding jurisdictions, developing a business plan, and setting goals.
- January 28, 2026 | 6-8:00 p.m. - Meat Quality, Processing & Training - Characteristics of meat based on nutritional management, along with an overview of Nevada meat regulations and the statewide meat program.
- February 4, 2026 | 6-8:00 p.m. - Plant & Soil Health -Understanding plant and soil fundamentals, including plant needs, nutrient and day-length requirements, and soil basics to determine the best plants for your land.
- February 11, 2026 | 6-8:00 p.m. - Value Added Programs - Learn about Nevada value-added opportunities, marketing strategies, farm stands, direct marketing, sale yards, Nevada Grown, and the use of social media. Participants will also develop a marketing plan.
- February 18, 2026 | 6-8:00 p.m. - Livestock Production – Basics of livestock and poultry nutrition, feed management, reproduction, and the Quality Assurance Program.
- February 25, 2026 | 6-8:00 p.m. - Partners, Funding & Regulations - Hosted live at the Roots 2 Results Conference in Las Vegas, NV. Attendees may participate in person or virtually. Session includes an overview of opportunities and resources available to Nevada producers.
- March 4, 2026 | 6-8:00 p.m. - Farm Financial Management -Focus on building farm financial stability, business skills, assets, estate planning, and understanding balance sheets and cash flow.
- March 11, 2026 | 6-8:00 p.m. - Understanding Nevada Regulations and Water Law - Introduction to Nevada water law and a recap of key regulations related to starting an agricultural business.
- Field Trip: Dates TBD - Participants will tour local farms and ranches in Reno and Douglas County, including attending a popular Farm to Fork Dinner. Participants may choose to attend either a field tour or one of Extension’s agricultural conferences (Roots 2 Results – Southern NV or Roots 2 Results – Northern NV).
Program Cost: $75
Eventbrite fees will be added at checkout for a final total of $81.88.
For more program information, contact:
Kaley Chapin, Lead Agriculture Program Coordinator, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
kaleys@unr.edu | Phone: 702-467-2668
Staci Emm, Extension Professor, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
emms@unr.edu | Phone: 775-475-4227
Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should contact Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at plessick@unr.edu or 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event.
The Extension Herds & Harvest Program provides a series of workshops focused on business management, mentoring, and agricultural skill building to support Nevada producers. This project is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
