New to farming? Want to learn how to start a farm? Extension can help and offers additional assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers. USDA considers anyone who has operated a farm or ranch for less than ten years to be a beginning farmer or rancher. Our program can help you get started or grow your operation through a variety of programs and services, from farm loans to crop insurance, and conservation programs to disaster assistance.

The overall aim of the program is to:

  • Help develop the agricultural entrepreneurship, business and financial management skills of Nevada's beginning farmers and ranchers, providing the tools necessary to own, operate and sustain an agricultural operation.
  • Improve beginning farmers' and ranchers' capacity to manage water resources effectively.
  • Help beginning farmers and ranchers implement sustainable agricultural management practices.
  • Help beginning farmers and ranchers develop a marketing strategy that ensures the competitiveness of their agricultural operation.
  • Provide a support network to help beginning farmers and ranchers achieve project objectives.

BFR Level I Certification Program

The Herds & Harvest Program is hosting a Nevada Beginning Farmer & Rancher Level 1 Certification Program that incorporates Small Acreage and Farm to Fork content geared toward new or up-and-coming ranchers and farmers. The classes will take place 6 – 8 p.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 22 – March 19, with additional field trips touring small-acreage farms and ranches in Washoe and Douglas counties. 

The program’s courses will be conducted via Zoom and will 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 will 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 managment and Nevada funding opportunities for producers. 

ron odgen art of small farms

 

COURSE SCHEDULE:

  • January 22, 2025
  • Paused January 29, 2025 for the Urban Agriculture Conference
  • February 5, 2025 
  • February 12, 2025
  • February 19, 2025 
  • Febraury 26, 2025 
  • March 5, 2025
  • March 12, 2025 
  • March 19, 2025 
  • Field Tours Dates: TBD

The cost for the program is $60 per person, and registration can be completed online. For more information, contact:
Staci Emm, Extension educator for Mineral County, at emms@unr.edu or 775-475-4227 
Kaley Chapin, outreach specialist, at kaleys@unr.edu or 702-467-2668.

REGISTER OPENING SOON FOR THE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Herds and harvest logo

The Nevada Herds & Harvest program combines a series of workshops on different topics, and provides educational business management and mentoring skill building to support Nevada agricultural producers. If you are interested in meeting with a mentor to build a specific enterprise budget for your agricultural operation, please contact the faculty member below to begin your mentoring experience.

 

Meet the Leadership Team

Staci Emm
Program Leader & Contact
Staci Emm
Lindsay Chichester
Program Contact
Lindsay Chichester
Kaley Chapin
Kaley Chapin
Navleen Khera
Navleen Khera
Jamie Lee
Jamie Lee
Cally Wade
Cally Wade