Certification Program

About the program

Registration has closed for 2026. Please contact us for more information.

Extension's 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.

Course topics

The program’s courses draw upon the knowledge and experience of established Nevada agriculture producers and University experts. Course topics include:

• Water, plants and soils
• Value-added programs
• Business plan development
• Farm financial management
• Meat quality and processing
• Livestock needs and production
• Nevada laws, jurisdictions and funding opportunities
• A field trip touring small-acreage farms and ranches

Certification requirements

Participants who complete the course, attend the field-trip tour or one of the spring Nevada agriculture conferences, and complete a business plan review will receive their Level 1 Certification.

2026 certification program

• Schedule overview: Classes are held on Wednesdays, Jan. 21 - March 11, from 6 – 8 p.m., via Zoom.
• Additional details: See the course's calendar or registration pages.

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.