McCarthy, S. 2024, Spring 2024 Organic Farming Internship, Desert Farming Initiative - University of Nevada, Reno

Last semester I took a class called “The Principles of Horticulture” and in that class we had one lab meeting per week in one of the hoop houses at DFI. Everyone in the class had a 5 foot long section of a bed where we each attempted to grow 5 different kinds of produce. I enjoyed this experience so much that when I saw an available internship position at DFI I jumped at the opportunity. Fast forward 6 months and I am now at the end of my internship where I can positively say that the DFI internship is one of the best real-life experiences available to agriculture students at UNR! This internship ties everything you learn in the classroom together from biology to horticulture and you get working experience on a producing farm. By getting this DFI experience I feel I will be much more prepared for the agricultural industry I am diving into after college! The experiences I have had at DFI developed my professional skills through on-farm training and being a part of a working team.

Throughout my time at DFI, a big focus has been on-farm plant propagation. On-farm plant propagation plays a significant role in supporting climate-smart fruit and vegetable production in several ways. On-farm propagation encourages the preservation of genetic diversity within crops. This diversity can help plants adapt to changing climatic conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, altered precipitation patterns, and emerging pests and diseases. Another positive outcome from on-farm propagations is local food security. By propagating plants on-farm, we can contribute to local food security by ensuring a reliable supply of diverse and nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Learn more about the author(s)

 

Also of Interest:

 
Choosing the Right Plants for Northern Nevada's High Fire Hazard Areas
The most important person in preventing a house from being destroyed by wildfire is the homeowner. And, it is the actions that a homeowner takes before a fire occurs that are critical. One of the most important “pre-fire” activities that a homeowner can do is the creation of a de...
Smith, E., Skelly, J. 2007, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, EB-07-01
Screenshot of a map with an area highlighted in red.
CodeRED en el condado de Washoe
CodeRED es un sistema de notificaciones que envía mensajes de emergencia a personas ubicadas en regiones afectadas, como poblaciones o comunidades específicas.
Roice-Gomes, J., Adams, J., Kay, M., and Restaino, C. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-120
flood map of reno
CodeRED in Washoe County
If an emergency arises in Washoe County, public agencies utilize CodeRED to inform the public. Registering for CodeRED increases the likelihood that residents will receive these urgent notifications.
Roice-Gomes, J., Adams, J., Kay, M., Restaino, C. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-120
Living With Fire Program Needs Assessment and Evaluation
The Living With Fire Program, a 25-year-old wildfire preparedness initiative, recently conducted a needs assessment and evaluation to adapt to evolving community dynamics. Key
Restaino, C. and Putz, T. 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-22-17
The Governer of Nevada signing a multi-state proclamation with support of Nevadans around him.
Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month County Proclamation Wording
Customize your county proclamation in support of Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month- May 2020.
Roice-Gomes, J. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP-20