Jill Moe

Director of the Desert Farming Initiative

Office: (775) 682-9783
Mobile: 775-233-0677
Email: jmoe@unr.edu
Building: Knudtsen Resource Center
Address: 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557
Department: Desert Farming Initiative
Download Electronic Business Card OR vCard

Summary

Jill has a a Master certificate in sustainable agriculture from Washington State University’s global campus, Master degree in environmental policy from the University of Washington, and 25 years of experience in her fields of study. Jill comes from a family with agricultural roots in the Midwest and became interested in desert farming as a US Peace Corps agroforestry volunteer in West Africa. She has managed large scale watershed planning and regional natural resource management projects, and has hands-on experience in market farming in the US and Europe. Her key interests are in supporting small farm resiliency and building healthy food systems. Current research focuses on cover cropping in vegetable production systems, and perennial fruit production in the high desert.

Education

Diploma: Woodbury High School, MN, 1989 (Colegio Internacional de Caracas 1986-1988).
BA political science and Spanish: Univ. of WI-Madison, 1993 (Universidad de Sevilla, spring 1992).
MPA: Univ. of WA-Seattle, 1997. Master certificate sustainable ag.: WA State Univ., 2018.

Programs
Teaching
Service
Publications

Programs

About DFI

The Desert Farming Initiative is a diversified commercial farm at UNR which serves as a demonstration, education, outreach and research farming program.

Academic Student Internships

Come learn with us! The Desert Farming Initiative offers internships for UNR credit to students in fall and spring. Email jmoe@unr.edu for more information.

Career Opportunities

Interested in working for DFI?

Healthy Meals with Limited Kitchen Access

Peruse a list of easy, healthy recipes! These don't require a full kitchen and focus on adding nutritional value to low cost meals.

Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program

The program will prepare participants to become farm owner operators in Nevada by providing the knowledge, contacts, and experience necessary for outdoor fruit and vegetable farming at the small farm scale (approximately $25,000 - $350,000 gross farm income).

On-Farm Food Safety Strategies

The Initiative's Food Safety Program provides resources for growers throughout the state of Nevada. The Initiative partners with the Nevada Department of Agriculture to demonstrate produce safety practices, share guidance and provide training.

Orchard and Vineyard Research

Read more about the orchard and vineyard projects being conducted in Northern Nevada.

Organic Plant Nursery

Providing high-quality organic plants starts for commercial farms, large gardens, schools and nurseries. All plant starts are grown in the Initiative's certified organic greenhouse.

Organic Training Farm

Check out what we are growing, and find out how to purchase produce!

Small Farm Resiliency Strategies

Small farm resiliency strategies aim to link fruit and vegetable growers to the best available regional information and decision-making tools on an ongoing basis, as well as sharing practical guidance.

Student Employment

These positions are only available to University of Nevada, Reno students.

The Team

Volunteer Opportunities

Are you interested in getting your hands dirty and want to learn how to grow fruits and vegetables?

Courses

Jill oversees academic and competitive paid internships for UNR students, conducts extension for fruit and vegetable growers, and builds programs to train the next generation of Great Basin small farmers.

Honors and Awards

Henry M. Jackson Fellowship for Natural Resource Management, 1993

Service

US Peace Corps volunteer

Restoration and conservation volunteer for natural resource agencies and non-profit organizations

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

Blog Posts
Proactive Climate Smart Farming DFI has taught me so much in how to partake in smart climate farming. I have learned lot especially about water management and how to give back to the soil with planting different varieties. Bower, A. 2024, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno, Blogs
Dietetic Internship at DFI! Many people can have a vital role in maintaining a sustainable food system, including dietitians. I visited DFI this Spring as a part of my two week self-select rotation to work alongside food system leaders. Leftwich, S. 2024, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Putting Plant Science to Practice My organic farming internship at the Desert Farming Initiative has been an amazing experience allowing me to learn and grow alongside the crops. The sense of pride and accomplishment is indescribable. Mackessy, V. 2024, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Spring 2024 Organic Farming Internship I can positively say that the DFI internship is one of the best real-life experiences available to agriculture students at UNR! McCarthy, S. 2024, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Spring 2024 Plant Propagation Internship Seeing the greenhouse now fills me with an incredible sense of accomplishment. We started the season from scratch and I was able to see the fruits of my labor (literally) as the weeks progressed this spring. Smerdon, P. 2024, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Respecting Indigenous Knowledge While interning for the Food Sovereignty Program at DFI, I was able to learn the importance of respecting Indigenous knowledge. During my first weeks, I got to go to a pine nut gathering with my elders and other Native students. This was one of the most incredible experiences i have ever gotten to be a part of. Vargas, N. 2024, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
The Greenhouse is a Living Creature - Trishtin Lieu's 2023 AmeriCorps Service at DFI My favorite part of my AmeriCorps service was being able to provide momentary distractions from other life stress to those who worked with me in the greenhouse. To see people’s faces when they walked in and took a stroll through the greenery in awe just meant a lot to me. Lieu, T. 2023, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
SNAP work and snap peas: Anna Zoeters completes AmeriCorps service! I have gained so much respect for growers... Zoeters, A. 2023, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Ginny-Mei completes AmeriCorps service this week! One of the first things I started in the greenhouse were Calibra and Cabernet Onions for DFI. I then moved on to leafy greens, chives, melons, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, artichokes, flowers, herbs, and beets... Adams, G. 2022, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Allison Bunyan Completes AmeriCorps Service! My position with DFI has allowed me to gain a greater understanding of food insecurity, climate-smart agriculture, food production, produce safety, and what goes into supporting a food system... Bunyan, A. 2022, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Wildlife Conservation and Food Safety on the Farm: Co-Management! Everett Cook, a UNR student focusing on wildlife ecology and forestry, is earning credit at DFI this summer. Read about his academic internship on co-management... he'll be posting all season! Find out more about DFI internships by emailing dfi@unr.edu. Moe, J. 2022, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Pesa Natumusuano'o Year (A Good Growing Year) My favorite thing we have done in this project is the feast which we had on October 18th. We were able to invite students and those who have helped us as guests and also as participants. A crucial part of this event was to serve indigenous foods, including from the plants we have gathered. Owyhee, L., Smartt, T. 2022, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Making Desert Ambrosia: An Atypical Crush Wine grapes can grow well in Nevada – trust me! I'm a student intern at UNR's Desert Farming Initiative focusing on perennial crops. I've been working with Riesling grapes as well as apple varieties that are found throughout Northern Nevada. Read more about my first wine crush... Peters, B. 2022, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Climate Smart Farming Internship Soil health is the foundation of a sustainable and productive farm, and monitoring your soil conditions offers insights into ways you can improve your farm management to leave the land better off than when you found it. Learn more about our work on this and other climate smart farming topics... Peters, B., Croskery, C. 2022, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno, Blog Post
Making Produce Work Smarter Growing a single tomato requires a lot of effort: someone has to seed it, maybe graft it, prep a bed, plant it, weed it, harvest it, pack and deliver it - not to mention the water, soil nutrients and fuel required. This is why it is so important to ensure produce is being utilized efficiently. Read more! Zimmerman, B. 2022, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Anna Miller Completes 1 Year of AmeriCorps Service! What a year I’ve spent with the Desert Farming Initiative! I am a University of Nevada, Reno graduate with degrees in Ecohydrology and Spanish. Out of college I found myself wanting to apply my knowledge of natural systems in a way in a way that more directly benefited people. Miller, A. 2021, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Climate Modification Using High Tunnels in Western Nevada What are high tunnels and why do growers use them? Read more in this recent Extension publication based on DFI's indoor vegetable production... Moe, J. 2021, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Noelle Tegano Completes AmeriCorps Service! Working at DFI as an AmeriCorps member has allowed me to have a safe and encouraging environment to grow in alongside amazing plants and an awesome crew. As the Farm and Food Safety member I received the opportunity to be trained and learn the ins and outs of best practices. Tegano, N. 2021, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Jen Weeks Completes AmeriCorps Service! I started at Desert Farming Initiative six months ago with no prior farming experience. With the patient guidance of the Farm Manager, Tanner, and my fellow coworkers, I can confidently complete all farm tasks and teach others as well! Weeks, J. 2021, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Packaging for Produce Safety and Sustainability Last season DFI started making the switch from single-use plastic packaging and bags to more sustainable options. Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno, Blog
The geese are... back. DFI pulled out all of the stops to discourage their activity: low flagging, reflective tape, row cover, a motion activated sprinkler and coyote decoys (repositioned daily). Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno, Blog
Third-Party Audits: produce safety practices According to the recent assessment of food safety practices on 1,000 farms in the US, most farms have not had a third party audit and many were confused about what an audit is. This article explains it all! Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno, Blog
Bulletins
Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program Application Learn the details of the Nevada Farm Apprenticeship positions and application process. Moe, J 2024, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
2024 Farm and Food Security Assistant – AmeriCorps Service Member The Farm and Food Security Assistant will serve as a core member of the 2024 farm team, and will assist with coordination of the Farm to Food Pantry program at DFI. Join our team! Moe, J. 2023, Desert Farming Initiative
Curriculum Materials
For-Credit Internship: On-Farm Produce Safety The purpose of this On-Farm Produce Safety internship is to provide undergraduate students with specialized professional training and applied knowledge in a brief time frame. Moe, J. 2021, Experiment Station, Univerity of Nevada, Reno
DFI Annual Reports
2023 Annual Report Summary This Annual Report highlights the Desert Farming Initiative’s (DFI) activities in 2023. DFI's work is organized into the following topic areas: Food Systems Development, University Engagement, Ag Industry Collaboration, Community Engagement, Farm Production, Research, Finances, Communication and Team. Moe, J. 2024, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno, Annual Report
2022 Annual Report Summary This Annual Report highlights the Desert Farming Initiative’s activities in 2022. Positive changes from 2021 to 2022 are noted to identify areas of progress. Moe, J. 2023, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno, Annual Reports
Informational Publications
SNAP Guide for Nevada Farmers Markets and Direct Marketing Farmers Helping Nevada farmers markets and farmers accept SNAP benefits and supporting the movement to make local food accessible to SNAP markets. Miller, A., Moe, J. 2022, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno, Guides
DFI Food Safety Plan - Part 1: Farm Location, Facilities, and Management Part 1 of DFI's Food Safety Plan describes the farm and general management – including crops, product traceability and worker health and hygiene. Moe, J. 2021, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
DFI Food Safety Plan - Part 2: Water, Soils, and Animals Part 2 of DFI's Food Safety Plan reviews water, wildlife and soil management. Moe, J. 2021, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
DFI Food Safety Plan - Part 3: Harvest, Storage, and Transportation Part 3 of DFI's Food Safety Plan describes specific sanitation, harvest and transportation procedures. Moe, J. 2021, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
DFI Food Safety Plan - Part 4: Logs, Reports, and Forms DFI's Food Safety Plan includes standard operating procedures (SOP), training procedures, logs and forms – these specify the actions necessary to carry out the Plan, monitor implementation, and are used to train employees and volunteers. Moe, J. 2021, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Kale, Chard, Spinach and Produce Safety This article highlights the best on-farm practices for leafy green safety. Kale, chard and spinach are top DFI crops and they are on our mind as they have thrived in the hoop houses this winter. This topic is part of an ongoing series to provide concise, crop specific produce safety guidance. Moe, J. 2021, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
La seguridad alimentaria es la prioridad #1 en las fincas nevadenses (Produce Safety Poster in Spanish) This printable 11x17 poster is intended for use on and around fresh fruit and vegetable farms. The poster includes succinct produce safety tips, checklists and reminders. Laminated copies are available from the Desert Farming initiative. Moe, J. 2021, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Tomatoes and Produce Safety Tomatoes are a highlight of summer crops, but they also fall in the category of higher risk produce. This article provides an overview of best on-farm practices for tomato safety. This topic is part of an ongoing series to provide concise, crop specific guidance for preventing food borne illness. Moe, J. 2021, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Agricultural Water and Produce Safety This article focuses on managing the quality of water on produce farms to ensure that it does not become a vector for food borne illness. If pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella in water contaminate produce that is bound for market, both public health and the longevity of the farm can be at risk. Included is an overview of the best practices for managing agricultural water systems, key resources for testing water, and options for correcting water quality issues. Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Alliums and Produce Safety Alliums are Nevada’s largest vegetable crop, with the value of onion and garlic production amounting to $10 million in 2017. These important crops are successfully grown at a very large scale in the State, such as at Snyder Onion, Nevada Onion & Peri and Sons farms in Yerington, and at smaller scales, including here... Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Desert Farming Initiative COVID-19 Response The Desert Farming Initiative is working hard to continue research projects, grow bountiful crops, and do our best to support the local food system during the COVID-19 crisis. This publication shares the on-farm practices in place to prevent the spread of this virus. Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Food Safety Modernization Act and Good Agricultural Practices How are FSMA and GAP related and how are they relevant to your farm? This publication provides an overview of regulatory requirements for ensuring produce safety practices on the farm and voluntary options for demonstrating best practices to buyers. Even if your operation is not required by law to implement produce safety practices, it is in the interest of your customers and the longevity of your farm to ensure your fruit and vegetables are safe. Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Food Safety Planning – Questionnaire for Growers This questionnaire aims to help growers document their practices for preventing the contamination of fresh produce and manage risks. No matter the size of your operation, an outbreak of pathogens like E. coli on one farm could affect the market for all farms in the region. When complete, this questionnaire can function as a farm food safety plan. Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Reno, Nevada
Head Lettuce and Produce Safety Produce safety needs to be taken into consideration during lettuce production. This fact sheet highlights key guidance, practices and resources for lettuce growers. Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno, Research Report
Melons and On-Farm Produce Safety Melons have been grown in Nevada for generations, are suited to sustainable desert food production, and are known to be extra sweet as a result. However, melons are considered high risk produce due to their inherent characteristics and recent outbreaks. Produce safety needs to be taken into consideration during melon production. This publication highlights the latest guidance, practices and resources for melon growers. Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Microgreens and Produce Safety Microgreens are a popular and versatile crop, including a wide variety of plants (from mustard to radish) that are cut for sale when they have just developed their first true leaves. As with all produce that is consumed raw, there are simple measures that farms can put in place to minimize health risks. This fact sheet highlights key guidance, practices and resources for microgreens growers. Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Nevada Produce Safety Survey - 2020 Results This survey was conducted to inform extension activities regarding Food Safety Modernization Act compliance and third party audits (such as a Good Agricultural Practices certification). It was intended for farms that grow fruit and vegetables that are typically consumed raw and sold in Nevada. Survey participation was voluntary and anonymous, and responses were collected in January and February 2020. Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Produce Safety is #1 on Nevada Farms This printable 11x17 poster is intended for use on and around fresh fruit and vegetable farms. The poster includes succinct produce safety tips, checklists and reminders. Laminated copies are available from the Desert Farming initiative. Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Using Soil Amendments Safely This article defines soil amendments, discusses why they can be of concern for produce safety, and on-farm tips for handling them. Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Recipes
Massaged Kale Salad - Quick Healthy Meals with Limited Kitchen Access An easy kale salad that you'll want to make over and over again. Moe, J. 2022, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Microwave Fried Rice - Quick Healthy Meals with Limited Kitchen Access Make a quick meal of rice and fresh veggies even if you don't have access to a full kitchen. Moe, J. 2022, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Mustard Green and Bean Salad - Quick Healthy Meals with Limited Kitchen Access Up for a flavorful menu change? Combine mustard greens, beans, carrot, lemon and herbs - a nutritious boost for lunch or dinner. Moe, J. 2022, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Spicy Lentils and Flatbread - Quick Healthy Meals with Limited Kitchen Access Make an easy, nutritious and low cost lentil dinner without kitchen access. Moe, J. 2022, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Tex Mex Eggs in a Mug - Quick Healthy Meals with Limited Kitchen Access A filling, tasty hot breakfast for people on the go. Moe, J. 2022, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Topped Ramen - Quick Healthy Meals with Limited Kitchen Access If you are a ramen noodle eater, consider topping your meal off with fresh veggies and herbs to add nutrition. Moe, J. 2022, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Research Reports
Melon Grafting and Irrigation This research evaluates the effects of melon grafting and irrigation management on production in Washoe and Churchill Counties. Funded by the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, the study was conducted in 2021-2023. Barrios Masias, F., Kratsch, H. 2024, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno
Melon Research DFI was awarded funding through the state’s Specialty Crop Block Grant program for a three year project to investigate and determine best melon varieties, evaluate best production techniques and Integrated Pest Management methods for the Nevada High Desert climate. Moe, J., Kratsch, H., Barrios-Masias, F., Hanson-Mazet, W., di Santo, H. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Potato Research DFI is partnering with High Mowing Seeds to test four specialty potatoes in our high desert climate. Moe, J 2022, University of Nevada, Reno,
Winter Cover Crop Trial Report (2020/2021) Our winter cover crop field trials revealed several stand-out crops that can be used in our climate to increase and maintain soil health, stabilize soil from erosion, control noxious and herbicide-resistant weeds, and increase yields. Moe, J 2021, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno, Research Report
Special Publications
Melon Survival, Yield and Quality in Nevada's High Desert Climate This study evaluated melon varieties and agricultural practices for melon production in the high desert. Conclusions identify melon varieties that demonstrated advantages in terms of plant survival, time to harvest, fruit size, number of fruits per plant, and sweetness. Moe, J., Kratsch, H., Barrios-Masias, F., Hanson-Mazet, W., di Santo, Heinrich 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-24-02