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Holly Gatzke

Photo of Holly Gatzke, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension

Holly Gatzke

Northern Area Director, Extension Educator, County Educator

Summary

Holly's program areas are developing a local food industry in Nevada and assisting the county in economic, workforce, youth and community development.

Programs

heifers grazing in field

Herds & Harvest Program - Nevada Beginning Farmer and Rancher Project

Developing educational courses, workshops, technical assistance, business advice and mentoring support network for Nevada agricultural producers who are beginning or diversify a farm or ranch operation.

Nevada Radon Education Program personnel, Susan Howe and Nadia Noel

Nevada Radon Education Program

The Nevada Radon Education Program is a partnership with the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health to educate Nevadans about the health risk posed by elevated levels of radon in the home. The Extension program offers literature, educational presentations and low cost radon test kits in many county Extension and partner offices.

3D printing cb

Small Business development in rural Nevada

Extension offered business planning classes to existing and potential small-scale entrepreneurs through a series of interactive video and face-to-face classes.

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Bulletins
Intermountain Pasture and Hay Meadow Handbook: Pasture, Hay and Profit
This manual has been developed in response to (1) increased inquiries we have received concerning irrigated pasture development, use and management, and (2) our belief that irrigated pasture may be an economically viable alternative for Nevada farmers and ranchers.
 Multiple Authors 2000, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, EB-00-02
Fact Sheets
Nevada Farmers Market Customer Profiles
Between 1994 and 2008, the number of farmers markets in the U.S. increased by nearly 168 percent, from 1,755 markets to 4,685 (USDA-AMS, 2008). This shows the importance of farmers markets as a direct marketing outlet for agricultural producers.
 Cowee, M., Curtis, K., and Gatzke, H. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Why Customers Shop at Farmers Markets in Nevada
Farmers markets are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional grocery stores for consumers. In the decade between 1998 and 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA- AMS) estimated that the number of farmers markets in the U.S. increased 71 percent from 2,746 to 4,685.
 Cowee, M., Curtis, K., and Gatzke, H. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Buying Local: Perceptions of High-End Chefs in Nevada
According to the National Restaurant Association (NRA), Nevada’s restaurant industry is expected to experience the fastest growth of any state in the U.S., in terms of jobs and sales, between 2009 and 2019. This fact sheet provides an overview of the results of the survey.
 Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Gatzke, H., and Morris, R. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Developing Farmer and Gourmet Chef Partnerships
The gourmet restaurant sector has long been a stalwart niche of the greater market, and yet in Nevada ties between local producers and chefs are just emerging, leaving an open opportunity for continued growth and development due to the varied tourism destinations in Nevada.
 Curtis, K., Entsminger, J., Gatzke, H., and Morris, R. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
From Farm Fresh to Fine Dining: Producing for Gourmet Restaurants
In today’s economy, Nevada’s agricultural producers face new challenges as well as developing opportunities. Markets for vegetable and fruit crops are changing as new international competition enters the market, and consumer tastes and preferences adapt to include new cultures and ideals.
 Curtis, K., Entsminger, J., Gatzke, H., and Morris, R. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Soil Testing Guide for Nevada Home Gardeners
A soil test analyzes a representative sample of soil for specific characteristics. Most soil tests use chemical measurements and models to estimate the amount of nutrients that are available for growing plants.
 Gatzke, H. and Nelson, D. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Plant Season Extension in the Desert
Desert regions, especially the high deserts, have wide-ranging temperatures that can greatly stress plants and reduce production. Using a combination of strategies to moderate environmental extremes and protect plants from frost can greatly improve growth and production.
 Gatzke, H., McCuin, G., and Nelson, D. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Special Publications
Nevada Processed Food Guide: Refrigerated, Cut Produce
Food businesses can find support in the growing consumer interest in local foods. Knowing what is required to sell cut and packaged produce can be confusing. This document is a brief guide that outlines the resources and topics that should be considered to produce and sell refrigerated fruits and vegetables in Nevada.
 Gatzke, H., Allen, K., West, T., and Roemer, M. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Developing a Local Food Industry in Nevada
There is unfulfilled demand for local food in Nevada. This demand can be filled by addressing a series of gaps in knowledge and logistics that prevent a larger scale of production and supply of local food and by educating the market that the products they desire can be grown in the desert.
 Gatzke, H. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Selecting Vegetable Crops for Small-Scale Desert Production
Many people consider vegetable production to be difficult in the desert. Production of vegetables is possible by selecting suitable crops and using effective growing techniques. Crop selection should use crops suited to the climate and season.
 Gatzke, H. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Small Farm Hoop House Production of Vegetables in Desert Climates Costs & Returns, 2010
This publication presents sample costs and returns to produce vegetables using hoop house protection and drip irrigation in Southeastern Nevada. It is intended to be a guide, used to make production decisions, determine potential returns and prepare business and marketing plans.
 Bishop, C., Gatzke, H., and Curtis, K. 2010, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Marketing Farmers’ Markets: Ideas for Market Vendors & Managers in Nevada
In 1994, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS) began tracking the number of farmers’ markets nationwide. At the start there were 1,755 farmers’ markets across the country; in 2008 there were 4,685, an increase of nearly 168 percent (USDA-AMS, 2008).
 Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Gatzke, H. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension