Gogna, T. 2025, Learning and Collaboration through Agricultural Communications, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno, Blog

My name is Tatum Gogna, and I’m graduating this year from the University of Nevada, Reno with a B.S. in Agriculture Science, a B.A. in Economics, and a minor in Agricultural Communications. As part of the Class of 2025, I’m proud to reflect on one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at UNR—my internship with the Desert Farming Initiative (DFI).

I started this internship in my second year as a Development Intern, and I’ve been with DFI for the past year and a half. My initial focus was helping to launch the Nevada Farm Network, a new and free online hub designed to support Nevada’s farming community. This innovative platform combines a community-based networking space for Nevada farmers to connect and share information with a growing online resource library that brings together agricultural knowledge, guides, and tools in one accessible place. In addition to digital resources, the Network also hosts events and mixers—both virtual and in person—to strengthen community ties and offer opportunities for learning and collaboration.

Being part of this project has been one of the highlights of my internship. I’ve contributed by curating the comprehensive resource library, leading outreach efforts, and helping create Farm Talk—our bi-weekly virtual meeting and podcast that covers practical topics to help Nevada farmers thrive. These experiences have allowed me to support our agricultural community directly and gain valuable insight into Nevada’s food systems.

In January, my role expanded into an Agricultural Communications Internship. While continuing my work with the Nevada Farm Network, I also began promoting DFI’s broader efforts, including programs like Grow Organic Nevada, and supporting general outreach and communications for the initiative.

This internship has been made possible through the generous support of grants and endowments like the Nelson Endowment for Student Internships, and for that, I’m deeply grateful. The mentorship, community, and purpose I’ve found through DFI have made a lasting impact on me—not only as a student but as a future professional in agricultural communication.

Most of all, it’s the people I’ve met and worked with who have made this experience truly special. Their passion, knowledge, and dedication to sustainable agriculture have inspired me every step of the way.

I’m excited to continue this journey beyond graduation. This July, I’ll be joining the Desert Farming Initiative and the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources  as an Agricultural Communications Specialist. I’m honored to continue telling the stories of Nevada’s farmers and supporting the growth of sustainable agriculture in the high desert.

 

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Jill Moe
Jill Moe
 

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Agricultural Producer Stress: A Nevada Statewide Study
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 B. Freeman, L. Chichester, A. Osborne, M. Minter, B. Gorsakul 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-22-01
Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Good Handling Practices (GHPs): A Framework for Minimizing On-Farm Food Safety Hazards
Approximately 48 million people in the United States get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases each year (CDC, 2011). Produce has continued to be implicated in major foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years.
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Pershing County Agricultural Statistics (2003-2004)
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 Breazeale, D. and Owens, M. 2003, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension