This program will be a hybrid model of education utilizing Zoom and personal connections in Nevada agriculture. The field trip will be mandatory in order to receive your Level 1 certification. Each online course will be up to 2 hours long with breaks. The course outline is below:
Course 1: Overview of small acreage production including identifying your resources, understanding your jurisdictions, and setting your goals.
Course 2: Understanding livestock production will focus on livestock needs and requirements to include the Quality Assurance Program, animal health considerations, and meat vs other animal products (eggs, wool, dairy, and bees, honey, and wax).
Course 3: Understanding crops and soil will focus on plant needs and considerations in determining the best plants for your land space. This will include an overview of how plants grow, nutrients and day length requirements, different crop requirements, and soil basics.
Course 4: Investigate the different small acreage markets from specialty crops to hay and livestock, and how to market your products. Options that will be discussed include farm stands, direct market, sale yards, the NV Grow Program, social media, and USDA vs. Custom Exempt.
Course 5: Farm Financial Management in the Twenty-First Century will focus on financially building your farm, building business skills and assets, estate planning, and balance and cash flow basics. UNR students will provide financial analysis of different agricultural ventures.