Hannah Alexander

Nevada Farm Network Intern

she/her

Office: (775) 687-9782
Email: lynnalexander@unr.edu
Building: Knudtsen Resource Center
Address: 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557
Department: Desert Farming Initiative
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News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Blog Posts
Summer Cattle Health Issues Summer generally benefits cattle health, but certain issues can arise. Calves may face pneumonia, diphtheria, pinkeye, or coccidiosis, and heifers can be affected by tick-borne Foothill abortion. Monitoring conditions, flies, dust, and water quality supports herd well-being. Shane, T., McCuin, G. 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Blogs
A Producers Guide to Forage Testing Forage testing provides measured values for protein, fiber, moisture, and energy in hay, helping producers understand feed quality. The results guide ration planning, support herd health, and improve feeding efficiency throughout the year. Waaswa, A., and Shane, T. 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Blogs
Fact Sheets
Nevada Open Range Law This fact sheet explains Nevada’s Open Range Law, where livestock may legally roam unenclosed land. It outlines fencing requirements, landowner and livestock-owner liability, key statutes (NRS 568), and how Nevada defines open range and legal responsibility for trespass. University of Nevada, Reno Extension 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension; 2025
Informational Publications
What is Value-Added Agriculture? Value-added agriculture increases the worth of farm products by changing their form, improving how they’re produced, or marketing them to capture higher value. It helps farmers boost income, diversify operations, and strengthen local and rural economies. Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) 2025, Agricultural Marketing Resource Center; 2025
List of Agricultural Funding in Nevada — Ambrook Funding Library for Nevada This Ambrook page provides a list of grants, loans, and financial programs for Nevada farmers and ranchers, including opportunities for conservation, infrastructure, water management, and value-added agriculture. It serves as a hub for funding sources to support farm operations. Ambrook 2025, Ambrook
Cottage Food Operation Registration Process The Central Nevada Health District explains how to register as a cottage food operation under Nevada law. Eligible producers may sell certain non-potentially hazardous foods from a private residence, at farmers markets or craft fairs—provided they follow registration, labeling, and venue restrictions per NRS 446.866. Central Nevada Health District (CNHD) 2025, Central Nevada Health District (CNHD); 2025
Cottage Food Operation Registration Process This page explains how to register a cottage-food business in rural Nevada under NRS 446.866. Approved home kitchens may sell non-hazardous baked goods directly to consumers once registered. Products must be properly labeled and are not subject to health-inspection requirements. Central Nevada Health District (CNHD) 2025, Central Nevada Health District (CNHD)
Value-Added Products This CISA resource page provides guides, kitchen-access lists, legal advice, and links to funding or grants for farmers and producers aiming to start or expand value-added food products. It covers processing requirements, food-safety considerations, commercial kitchen access, and regulatory/marketing support. Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) 2025, Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture (CISA); 2025
Value-Added Processing This CCE Tioga resource helps farmers turn farm products into value-added goods like jams, baked items, dairy, and meats. It covers business planning, required licenses, food-safety rules, water testing, and where to access processing support and facilities. Cornell Cooperative Extension — Tioga County 2025, Cornell Cooperative Extension - Tioga County 2025
Nevada \| Economic Impact of Agriculture This page highlights Nevada agriculture’s economic contributions, showing how farming and related industries support jobs, generate economic output, and create broader economic benefits through multiplier effects statewide. Economic Impact of Agriculture (UADA / Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, USDA-supported) 2025, Economic Impact of Agriculture (UADA / Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, USDA-supported); 2025
Cottage Food Laws: Recent Trends and Major State Changes This article highlights recent changes in U.S. cottage-food laws, including expanded online ordering and increased sales caps in several states. Many states updated rules to improve market access and support home-based food entrepreneurs while maintaining food-safety restrictions. Emily Stone (Staff Attorney) & Jebadiah Schwager (Research Fellow) 2025, National Agricultural Law Center (NALC); 2025
Cottage Foods Map and Chart (State-by-State Review of Cottage Food Laws) The Cottage Foods Map and Chart provides a detailed, state-by-state overview of U.S. cottage-food laws — what homemade foods are allowed (e.g. baked goods, jams), sales limits, permitted sales venues, labeling requirements, and regulatory differences. It’s a key reference for farmers and food entrepreneurs. Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) 2025, Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF); 2025
Selling Homemade Food in Nevada This page explains Nevada’s cottage-food law, which allows home kitchens to sell certain non-hazardous foods like baked goods and jams directly to consumers with a sales cap and registration. It also notes recent changes expanding delivery and ordering options for homemade food businesses. Institute for Justice 2025, Institute for Justice - 2025
Forage Production Performance of Winter Small Grains in Western Nevada This field trial evaluated four winter annual small-grain species (cereal rye, oat, triticale, wheat) under supplemental irrigation in western Nevada. It measured biomass yield and forage quality, finding several viable species/varieties — giving livestock producers multiple good forage options under local conditions. J.K.Q. Solomon, A. Opoku, S. Huber, and G. McCuin 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Experiment Station / Extension
Small farms, food businesses in Nevada to lose $3 M in USDA support The closing of the Southwest Regional Food Business Center will cut $3 million in federal funds for Nevada’s small and mid-sized farms and food businesses. The center supported storage, processing, marketing and expansion grants. Its shutdown threatens growth efforts and rural food-system infrastructure. Jeniffer Solis 2025, Nevada Current; 2025
Nitrogen Fertilization and Grafting of Tomato Under High-Tunnel Production in Northern Nevada This study tested grafted vs. ungrafted tomatoes under high tunnels at three northern Nevada sites using high and low nitrogen levels. Grafting improved yield up to 62% where soil nitrogen was low. Organic growers should align nitrogen applications with warm soil conditions to support microbial nutrient release. Maria-Sole Bonarota, Felipe Barrios-Masias, Jill Moe and Heidi Kratsch 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Challenges and adaptation strategies for Riesling grape (Vitis vinifera L) production in the southwest desert in the USA This article reviews the challenges of growing Riesling grapes in the arid Southwest — heat, drought, and poor soils — and highlights solutions such as drought-tolerant rootstocks, efficient irrigation, soil-health practices, canopy design, and precision agriculture to improve vineyard resilience and wine quality. Most Tahera Naznin, Md Obyedul Kalam Azad, and Jill Moe 2025, Frontiers in Plant Science
Agriculture in Nevada Nevada agriculture is led by range livestock, especially cattle and hay production, due to the state’s arid climate. The Nevada Department of Agriculture regulates and supports livestock, crops, and food systems to sustain agricultural production statewide. Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) 2025, Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA)
Assembly Bill 352 — Revises Provisions Related to Cottage Food, Craft Food, and Cottage Cosmetics Operations AB 352 updates Nevada law to expand cottage-food and craft-food options, add cottage cosmetics, allow online and delivery sales, raise the annual sales cap to $100,000, and shift oversight to the Nevada Department of Agriculture. It modernizes regulations to support home-based food businesses. Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) 2025, Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA); 2025
Craft Foods Operations This Nevada Department of Agriculture page explains how individuals can produce and sell acidified or pickled foods from a home or nonprofit kitchen under the craft-food law (SB441). Registration, approved recipes, pH testing, labeling, and direct-to-consumer sales are required, with an annual sales cap. Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) 2025, Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA); 2025
Agriculture producers to gather at the Nevada Small Agriculture Conference The Nevada Small Agriculture Conference (May 5–6, 2023) offers small-acreage and beginning producers workshops on production, marketing, value-added agriculture, grants/ resources, and networking. Sessions cover poultry, vegetables, business planning, soil/fodder systems, and support from agencies and nonprofits. Nevada Farm Bureau Federation (NVFB) 2025, Nevada Farm Bureau Federation (NVFB); 2025
Cottage Food FAQ (NNPH) This NNPH FAQ page explains Nevada’s cottage-food law (NRS 446.866): registered home kitchens can sell certain non-hazardous foods (baked goods, jams, dried herbs, etc.) directly to consumers. Sales are limited to $35,000 per year; only in-person sales are allowed; and proper packaging/labeling is required. Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) 2025, Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH)
Cottage Food FAQ — Cottage Food Operations / Southern Nevada Health District This SNHD page summarizes Nevada’s cottage-food law (NRS 446.866): home kitchens may produce certain non-hazardous foods (nuts, baked goods, jams, etc.) for direct-to-consumer sale if registered. It covers permitted foods, sales limits ($35,000/yr), labeling, packaging, and where sales are allowed. Southern Nevada Health District 2025, Southern Nevada Health District
Programs and Support for Small and Mid-Sized Farmers This USDA page outlines support for small and mid-sized farms: access to capital (microloans, storage/facility loans, organic certification cost-share), risk-management tools, conservation & land-management help, and assistance locating local markets — helping diversified and beginning producers build viability. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2025, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); 2025
UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM) UC IPM provides science-based tools to manage insects, weeds, plant diseases, and other pests in farms, gardens, and public spaces. It offers pest ID resources, management guidelines, training materials, and research-based strategies to promote effective, safe, and sustainable pest control across California University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources (UC ANR) 2025, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources (UC ANR); 2025
Pest Management Guidelines: Agricultural Pests The University of California (UC) Statewide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses research-based methods to manage insects, plant diseases, and invasive weeds. It reduces pesticides use by emphasizing biological control and sustainable practices, helping protect crops, animals and the environment. University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program 2025, University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program; 2025
Fecal Seeding of Native Species on Degraded Rangelands with Cattle This project tests whether cattle can help restore degraded rangelands by dispersing coated native seeds through their manure. By establishing native plants and reducing invasive grasses like cheatgrass, the approach aims to improve forage, support ecosystem recovery, and enhance grazing management. University of Nevada, Reno Experiment Station 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Experiment Station (NAES); 2025
Developing Decision Support Tools For Management Of Wild Horses This project develops a decision-support tool to monitor habitat and prioritize gathers for wild-horse herd management across key western U.S. states. Using satellite imagery and an 18-year data archive, the tool models forage production, water availability, and ecological thresholds to guide removal and restoration. University of Nevada, Reno Experiment Station (NAES) 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Experiment Station (NAES); 2025
Grow Your Own, Nevada! Grow Your Own, Nevada! offers free statewide gardening workshops for Nevada residents, covering topics like vegetable gardening, drip irrigation, composting, pest control, and fruit tree care. Classes are tailored to high-desert conditions and aim to help people grow their own food successfully. University of Nevada, Reno Extension 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Home Food Preservation Program The Home Food Preservation Program provides education and resources on safe food-preservation methods — including water-bath and pressure canning, dehydration, freeze-drying, pickling, fermentation, and proper storage — based on USDA guidelines, to help home growers preserve their harvest safely. University of Nevada, Reno Extension 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Nevada Processed Food Guide: Refrigerated, Cut Produce This guide explains how Nevada producers can legally process and sell refrigerated, cut fruits and vegetables. It covers required commercial kitchens, sanitation, packaging, labeling, and cold storage rules to ensure safety and compliance with state regulations for fresh-cut produce. University of Nevada, Reno Extension 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Selecting Vegetable Crops for Small-Scale Desert Production This guide helps small-scale farmers choose vegetables suited for desert climates, suggesting heat-tolerant summer crops and cold-tolerant winter varieties, along with season-extension tools like hoop houses and shade cloth to improve production in arid conditions. University of Nevada, Reno Extension 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension; 2025
Rural Tax Education Rural Tax Education provides farmers and ranchers with clear, current guidance on federal income and self-employment taxes, disaster and grant payments, and tax-management strategies. It offers resources like a Small Farm Tax Guide, a Farm Income Tax Estimator Tool, and fact sheets tailored to agriculture. Utah State University Extension 2025, Utah State University Extension; 2025
Resources \| Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety The WRCEFS Resources page provides food-safety materials for Western producers, including training videos, fact sheets, water-testing info, cottage-food guidance, and Spanish-language resources to support safe production and education. Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety (WRCEFS) at OSU 2025, Oregon State University, College of Agricultural Sciences; 2025
Growing Green in the Nevada Desert This article highlights how Nevada’s small farms, ranches and urban agriculture are adopting climate-smart practices—such as vermiculture and using “worm tea” to boost soil health. Workshops through University of Nevada, Reno Extension help producers of all scales with business, marketing and sustainable production. Western SARE (Western Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education) 2025, Western SARE (Western Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education); 2025
Value Added to Agricultural Commodities This chapter explains how processing, branding, and other value-added strategies increase the profitability of agricultural commodities. It outlines economic benefits, market opportunities, and challenges farmers face when moving beyond raw-commodity sales. B. Dahal 2024, sciencedirect.com
Melon Grafting Effects on Plant Performance and Yield in a High-Desert Environment This study tested whether grafting melons onto squash-hybrid rootstocks improves yield and performance in the high-desert climate of northern Nevada. Results showed grafting benefits were inconsistent and depended heavily on location and year — indicating grafting may help only under certain conditions. H. di Santo et al. 2024, HortScience (American Society for Horticultural Science)
Melon Grafting Effects on Plant Performance and Yield in the High Desert This study looked at grafting melons onto different rootstocks in a high-desert, short-season area. Grafting changed yield, fruit quality, and plant growth, showing that the choice of rootstock can improve melon performance in tough growing conditions. Heinrich di Santo and Felipe H. Barrios-Masias 2024, American Society for Horticultural Science; 2024
Low Impact of Nitrogen Fertilization on Grafted Tomatoes under High-tunnel Production Grafted tomatoes were grown in high tunnels with different nitrogen levels. Changing nitrogen didn’t affect yield much. Plant type and growing conditions mattered more. Leaf tests (SPAD, NDVI) didn’t predict nitrogen well. Maria-Sole Bonarota and Felipe H. Barrios-Masias 2024, American Society for Horticultural Science; 2024
Protective Immunity Induced Through Calving Seasons Following Administration of Live Epizootic Bovine Abortion Agent (EBAA) Vaccine This study evaluates a live vaccine for epizootic bovine abortion (EBA) in cattle over two calving seasons. Results show the vaccine induced protective immunity, reducing infection and fetal loss. The findings support its potential for effective disease prevention and improved herd health management. Myra T. Blanchard, Mike B. Teglas, Kassidy M. Collins, Mark L. Anderson, Bret R. McNabb, Jeffrey L. Stott 2024, sciencedirect.com; 2024
Value-Added Agriculture: Enhancing Farm Opportunities Value-added agriculture helps farmers increase income by transforming or improving products through processing, marketing, or differentiation. It supports diversification, meets customer demand, reduces risk, and creates new business opportunities for farms. Sarah Cornelisse, Jeffrey Hyde, Ph.D., Lynn Kime 2024, PennState Extension: 2024
Considerations for Value-Added Producers This article outlines key considerations for farmers entering value-added production: processing raw commodities into higher-value items (e.g., honey?infused honey), compliance with food-safety regulations (Cottage Food laws, commercial kitchens), proper packaging and labeling, marketing strategies, and the added busin Keegan Athey 2023, Certified Naturally Grown; 2023
Roundup Weed Killer \| Uses, Safety & Cancer Risk This article evaluates the herbicide Roundup and its active ingredient glyphosate, exploring its widespread agricultural use, potential links to cancer such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, regulatory debates, and current legal challenges. It covers safety data, usage trends, exposure risks, and consumer guidance. Mark C. Howell, Ph.D 2023, Consumer Notice, LLC
Local and Regional Food Systems Resource Guide This guide helps farmers, food businesses and communities navigate USDA programs supporting local and regional food systems. It highlights funding sources, technical assistance, infrastructure development and value-chain strategies for building resilient, equitable food systems and capturing more value locally. USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 2023, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS); 2023
2023 Nevada Agricultural Statistics Annual Bulletin This bulletin compiles statewide data for Nevada agriculture, including crop yields, livestock inventories, hay prices, and county-level farm statistics. It provides an annual snapshot of productivity, output, and market data — a baseline resource for analyzing trends in crops, livestock, and agricultural economics. USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service — Nevada Field Office 2023, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service — Nevada Field Office; 2023
Monitoring Climate Impacts on Annual Forage Production across U.S. Semi-Arid Grasslands This study uses remote-sensing data to track how climate variability affects annual forage production in U.S. semi-arid grasslands. By analyzing vegetation indices over time, it identifies climate-driven shifts in forage availability and helps predict production risks for grazing systems. Markéta Podebradská, Bruce K. Wylie, Deborah J. Bathke, Yared A. Bayissa, Devendra Dahal, Justin D. Derner, Philip A. Fay, Michael J. Hayes, Walter H. Schacht, Jerry D. Volesky, Pradeep Wagle, Brian D. Wardlow. 2022, Remote Sensing (Open-access journal published by MDPI); 2022
Protection of Cattle against Epizootic Bovine Abortion (EBA) Using a Live Pajaroellobacter abortibovis Vaccine Researchers evaluated a live Pajaroellobacter abortibovis vaccine to combat epizootic bovine abortion in cattle. When given prior to breeding, it effectively prevented disease transmission and pregnancy loss, showing promise as a reliable tool to improve herd health and reproductive success. Myra T. Blanchard, Mike B. Teglas, Mark L. Anderson, Peter F. Moore, Bret R. McNabb, Kassidy M. Collins, Bret V. Yeargan and Jeffrey L. Stott 2022, MDPI; 2022
Nevada Farm Bureau 2023 Policy This policy book states Nevada Farm Bureau’s support for protecting agricultural water and land rights, right-to-farm laws, and reducing regulations on small farm businesses, including cottage-food and value-added producers. Nevada Farm Bureau Federation (NF FB) 2022, Nevada Farm Bureau Federation (NF FB)
Nevada State Crop and Resource-Use Needs Assessment: Stakeholder Perspectives on Crop, Resource Use, Pest and General Agricultural Needs This assessment surveyed Nevada growers to identify key agricultural needs, including low-water and specialty crops, better soil and nutrient management, efficient irrigation, improved pest control, and stronger marketing for new crops. Findings help guide future Extension programs statewide. M. Walia, K. Snider, W. Evans, D. Weigel 2021, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Estimating plant-available nitrogen release from cover crops Cover crops release plant-available nitrogen (N) as the break down. By measuring biomass and C:N ration, farmers can estimate how much N will be supplied or tied up. This helps plan fertilizer needs, improved soil health, and support sustainable crop and forage systems. Dan M. Sullivan, Nick Andrews and Linda Brewer 2020, A Pacific Northwest (PNW) Extension Publication; 2020
Soil Test Interpretation Guide This guide explains how to interpret soil test results to support crop health. It covers pH, organic matter, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and nutrient levels like N, P, and K, and give ranges to show when soils are low or sufficient. It helps decide when to add lime or fertilizers for balanced soil fertility. Donald A. Horneck, Dan M. Sullivan, Jim Owen and John M. Hart 2019, Oregon State University Extension Service; 2019
Farmers’ Guide to Applying for Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) This NSAC guide explains how farmers and producer groups can apply for VAPG funding to create or expand value-added agricultural businesses. It outlines eligibility, project types (processing, market differentiation, segmentation, local food chains), matching fund requirements, and application checklists for the 2019-2 The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition 2019, The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition; 2019
Cherry Tomatoes Pruning and Training Cherry tomatoes in high tunnels grow best when trained vertically with 1–2 leaders. Regular pruning of suckers and lower leaves improves airflow, light, yield, and labor efficiency. Double leaders offer optimal balance of labor, harvest ease, and revenue. Amy Ivy 2018, Cornell University cooperative Extension; 2018
Fall Care of Fruit Trees Proper fall care for fruit trees including deep watering, removing fallen leaves, and avoiding late fertilization. Protect trunks from rodents and sunscald and control insects before winter. These steps strengthen tree health, prevent disease, and prepare trees for productive spring growth. Eartheasy 2017, Eartheasys.com
Vulnerabilities of Southwestern U.S. Rangeland-based Animal Agriculture to Climate Change This study evaluates how climate change threatens rangeland-based livestock production in the Southwest, highlighting risks from drought, declining forage, and shifting precipitation patterns. It shows these stresses could limit grazing capacity and emphasizes the need for adaptive management. K. M. Havstad, J. R. Brown, R. Estell, et al. 2016, Climatic Change (Springer)
Cattle Management Strategies to Minimize Foothill Abortion Foothill abortion is a tick-borne disease that is causing cattle pregnancy loss in foothill regions. Managing grazing timing, adjusting breeding seasons, and developing herd immunity help protect herds and improve livestock health across Nevada and neighboring states. Mike Oliver, Glenn A. Nader, John Maas, Myra Blanchard, Jeffrey Scott, Mike Teglas, Theresa Becchetti 2016, University of California Agriculture and Natural resources (ANR); 2016
Training and pruning Tomatoes Proper pruning and training in high tunnels improve tomato airflow, light, and yield. Determinate types use the basket weave and minimal pruning, forming a strong Y. Indeterminates are trellised vertically, pruned weekly to 1–2 leaders, and lowered as they grow for easier harvest and disease control. Amy Ivy 2014, Cornell University cooperative Extension; 2014
2013 Nevada Agriculture Analysis and Opportunities This report analyzes Nevada’s agriculture sector, highlighting production trends, economic contributions, value-chain opportunities, and barriers to growth. It identifies key areas for expansion such as processing, distribution, and regional development to strengthen Nevada’s agricultural economy. Northern Nevada Development Authority and the Business Resource Innovation Center 2013, Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA); 2013
Regulatory Guidance for Best Practices: Cottage Foods This guidance sets best practices for cottage food operations: production of low-risk foods in home kitchens, direct-to-consumer sales only, required permits and annual inspections, strict labeling (including “Made in a cottage food operation…”), limitations on product types and volumes, and food-safety training for op Association of Food and Drug Officials 2012, Association of Food and Drug Officials; 2012
Alfalfa for Beef Cows This publication explains how alfalfa can meet beef cows’ protein and energy needs, how hay quality varies and how to balance rations by stage of production. It highlights body condition scoring, feed testing and cost-effective winter feeding strategies. Foster, S. McCuin, G., Nelson, D., Schultz, B., and Torell, R. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension; 2009
Value-Added Opportunities for Nevada Agriculture This publication explains how Nevada farmers and ranchers can increase income through value-added strategies like processing, packaging, branding, niche marketing, and agritourism. It highlights product differentiation and cooperative marketing as ways to boost profitability. Margaret Cowee & K. Curtis 2005, University of Nevada, Reno Extension; 2005
Value-Added: Opportunities and Strategies This publication explains how farmers can add value through processing, coordination, branding, and niche markets. It outlines strategies like vertical integration, producer-owned businesses, and product differentiation to increase profitability, reduce risk, and strengthen rural economies. Michael Boland, David Barton, David Coltrain 2000, Arthur Capper Cooperative Center; 2000
Pruning Fundamentals This article explains the fundamental principles of pruning trees, emphasizing proper cuts, timing, and structural improvement. It highlights how pruning affects growth, wound response, strength, and long-term tree health, providing foundational guidance for effective and safe tree maintenance. Richard W. Harris 1975, Arboriculture & Urban Forestry (International Society of Arboriculture); 1975
Online Courses
Are Value-Added Products Right for My Farm? This beginner-level TXFED course helps farmers evaluate whether offering value-added products is a good fit for their farm. It covers the basics of value-added production, offers feasibility assessment tools and a crop-harvest log, and guides producers through deciding if they should enter value-added markets. Texas Local Food Education & Discovery 2025, Texas Local Food Education & Discovery (TXFED); 2025
Beginners Guide to Using Social Media to Build Your Farm This TXFED course teaches beginning farmers how to use social media to support their farm business. It covers defining goals, planning content, managing time, and building an online presence on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to strengthen farm marketing. Texas Local Food Education & Discovery 2025, Texas Local Food Education & Discovery (TXFED); 2025
Build Your Agritourism Business This course teaches how to plan and run an agritourism business, including creating a business plan, managing visitor experiences, developing safety and liability strategies, and using marketing to connect with communities while generating additional farm or ranch income. Texas Local Food Education & Discovery 2025, Texas Local Food Education & Discovery; 2025
Funding Your Value-Added Product Enterprise This TXFED online course digs into financing for value-added farm products. Lesson 1 covers determining financial needs, Lesson 2 explores how to raise capital, and Lesson 3 prepares participants for loan application. The course includes worksheets like a growth-plan and “Are You Bankable” assessment. Texas Local Food Education & Discovery 2025, Texas Local Food Education & Discovery (TXFED); 2025
Is Agritourism Right for You? This TXFED course helps farmers decide whether agritourism is a good fit for their operation. Beginning with agritourism basics and a niche checklist, it then guides producers through a feasibility self-assessment and decision worksheets to determine if adding agritourism makes business sense. Texas Local Food Education & Discovery 2025, Texas Local Food Education & Discovery (TXFED); 2025
Is CSA Right for My Farm? This TXFED course helps farmers evaluate whether launching a CSA (community-supported agriculture) model fits their business. It covers fundamentals of CSA, examines key components of a successful program, and provides a self-assessment with worksheets to decide if CSA is right for the farm. Texas Local Food Education & Discovery 2025, Texas Local Food Education & Discovery (TXFED); 2025
Is Selling at Any Farmers Market Right for You? This TXFED course helps farmers decide if selling at a farmers' market is a good fit. It explains vendor expectations, guides farmers in researching and choosing the right market, and provides self-assessments and worksheets to support informed decision-making. Texas Local Food Education & Discovery 2025, Texas Local Food Education & Discovery (TXFED); 2025
Making Money at the Farmers Market (101) This TXFED course helps vendor-farmers boost profits at farmers markets by guiding them through analyzing their market, understanding production and non-production costs, and setting appropriate prices. Lessons include worksheets like competitor pricing and cost estimation to drive profitability. Texas Local Food Education & Discovery 2025, Texas Local Food Education & Discovery (TXFED); 2025
Making Money with Value-Added Products This TXFED course teaches producers how to generate sustainable profits from value-added products by calculating production and non-production costs, applying batch-costing worksheets, setting informed prices, and determining gross margins to ensure business sustainability. Texas Local Food Education & Discovery 2025, Texas Local Food Education & Discovery (TXFED); 2025
Marketing & Selling Value-Added Products This TXFED course guides producers of value-added farm products through three lessons: crafting a marketing plan, implementing sales strategies (including display design), and identifying and capitalizing on market trends. It includes worksheets for planning, display design, and market research. Texas Local Food Education & Discovery 2025, Texas Local Food Education & Discovery (TXFED); 2025
Optimizing Your Impact at the Farmers Market (101) This TXFED course helps farm vendors optimize their presence at farmers markets. Through lessons on building a network, designing an appealing booth, and finding market support/help, it includes worksheets like a “Networking & Marketing Framework” and a “Display Your Display” sheet to improve vendor performance. Texas Local Food Education & Discovery 2025, Texas Local Food Education & Discovery (TXFED); 2025
Running Your Value-Added Product Business This TXFED course guides producers through managing and growing a value-added product business. Lessons cover planning next steps to grow the business, creating a staff management plan with job descriptions, and applying effective record-keeping practices with schedules and worksheets. Texas Local Food Education & Discovery 2025, Texas Local Food Education & Discovery (TXFED); 2025
Where Do I Start Selling? This free online TXFED course helps beginning and aspiring farmers analyze where to sell their products. Through three lessons — identifying sales channel options, assessing farm capacity, and deciding where to sell — the course offers worksheets, market-research tools, and practical decision-making aids. Texas Local Food Education & Discovery 2025, Texas Local Food Education & Discovery (TXFED); 2025
Videos
Blue Lizard Farm (YouTube Channel) Blue Lizard Farm’s YouTube channel shares educational and documentary-style videos about small-farm operations: from planning and layout to crop production, farm tours, and practical insights into sustainable and local agriculture. Videos aim to help new and experienced farmers alike. Blue Lizard Farm 2025, Blue Lizard Farm; 2025
15 MOST PROFITABLE Crops For Small Farms & Market Gardens This video outlines 15 of the most profitable crops small farms and market gardens can grow — focusing on crops with high market demand, yield per area, and return on investment. It’s meant to help small-scale producers choose crops that maximize profit per acre or bed. JM Fôrtier 2025, JM Fôrtier; 2025
WRCEFS Social Media Webinar — November 6, 2020 This 2020 webinar from WRCEFS, led by Dr. Connie Fisk, covers how farmers and food-safety educators can use social media to connect with growers and stakeholders. It discusses best practices for social-media engagement, outreach strategies, and effective online communication for agriculture and food-safety audiences. Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety (WRCEFS) 2020, Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety (WRCEFS); 2020
Irrigation Well Demonstration at the Leyendecker Research Center This video walks viewers through an irrigation-well demonstration at the Leyendecker Research Center, showing how wells are used to supply water for crops in arid conditions. It highlights irrigation setup, water-well maintenance, and best practices for using well water for safe, sustainable farm production. Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety (WRCEFS) at OSU 2020, Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety (WRCEFS) at OSU