In this edition
- College embarks on farm apprenticeship program to bolster local food system
- Extension offers online Home Horticulture Certificate Program
- Extension and Experiment Station create new positions focused on urban agriculture
- College celebrates more than 180 graduates during spring commencement
- Extension workshop puts meat safety front and center
- Photo Gallery | Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo 2023
About our College
A founding college of the University, we have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, research and engagement programs that benefit the health and economic vitality of Nevada. We offer programs in:
- agriculture, horticulture, rangeland and veterinary sciences
- biochemistry and molecular biology
- children, youth and families
- community and economic development
- health and nutrition
- natural resources and environmental science
College embarks on farm apprenticeship program to bolster local food system
Program to help meet increasing demand for local produce and support new growers
The College’s new Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program will be hosted at the Desert Farming Initiative, part of the Experiment Station’s Valley Road Field Lab in Reno, pictured here.
Some aspiring small-scale farmers will have the opportunity to serve a one-year apprenticeship to bolster their abilities to start and run a small-scale operation, thanks to a new Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program being offered by the College. The program will provide a $40,000 stipend to participants and will be hosted at the Experiment Station’s Desert Farming Initiative in Reno. It is expected to be the first certified farm apprenticeship program in Nevada.
Applications for the first two apprenticeships will be taken beginning this July, and apprenticeships begin in October. Apprentices will:
- Be guided through a science-based curriculum.
- Receive hands-on training and manage a farm incubator space.
- Learn business principles and practices.
Creating successful farmers
“We’re hearing from farmers market managers, food co-ops and food hubs that there just isn’t enough local produce to meet regional demand, and we’re creating a pathway to success for a new generation of farmers.” - Desert Farming Initiative Director Jill Moe
Extension offers online Home Horticulture Certificate Program
Program provides information for home gardeners and those interested in becoming Master Gardeners
Home gardeners can learn more about successful gardening in Nevada as part of the annual online Home Horticulture Certificate Program, with registrations open now through July 28.
Extension is offering its online Home Horticulture Certificate Program, Aug. 2 to Sept. 28. The program is ideal for anyone wanting to learn more about gardening in Nevada and is also a prerequisite for those interested in becoming a certified Nevada Master Gardener.
The cost is $275 and includes recorded lectures, readings, homework, and online question-and-answer sessions with specialists and local gardening professionals. Sessions take place via Zoom, from noon to 1 p.m., Thursdays, and conclude with a final exam before certification.
The certificate program includes instruction on a variety of topics, such as soils, composting, native plants, small fruits and integrated pest management. It was developed to be accessible to everyone in Nevada.
Training gardeners from across the state
“The training is applicable to anyone wanting to start or learn more about gardening in the state. Topics address information on gardening specific to northern Nevada, southern Nevada and our rural counties.” - Master Gardener Coordinator Katelyn Brinkerhoff
Extension and Experiment Station create new positions focused on urban agriculture
Most Tahera Naznin and Md Sazan Rahman to provide indoor and outdoor horticulture research and resources
Most Tahera Naznin (left) and Md Sazan Rahman will be working with southern Nevada communities to promote sustainability and food security through indoor and outdoor horticulture education and resources.
The College has hired Most Tahera Naznin and Md Sazan Rahman in two newly created urban agriculture positions. Together they aim to help increase sustainability and food security through indoor and outdoor horticulture, controlled-environment agriculture, food-security education, hydroponics systems and more.
Associate Professor of Urban Indoor Agriculture Most Tahera Naznin
Naznin’s research focuses on climate-smart urban and controlled-environment agriculture systems, such as greenhouses, indoor vertical farming, shipping container farming and high tunnels, and outdoor farming.
She aims to maximize year-round greenhouse, hydroponic and aquaponic crop production and quality.
Assistant Professor of Urban Agriculture Md Sazan Rahman
Rahman’s research focuses on increasing the yield and quality of indoor agricultural products using renewable and sustainable techniques.
He plans to expand hydroponic systems and other renewable indoor agricultural techniques and involve Extension and the community through education courses, training and industry collaborations.
Benefitting the community
“I want to help motivate the community to make their own horticulture systems and grow their own food. We do our research for the community, so they can receive the maximum benefit of growing their own food and receiving proper nutrition.” -Extension Specialist Md Sazan Rahman
College celebrates more than 180 graduates during spring commencement
College’s commencement ceremony May 19 is one of five held by the University this spring
Angela Rudolph & Ashley Andrews
The University commencement ceremony recognizing our College’s 186 spring graduates was held Friday, May 19. Photos by Robert Moore.
Over a span of three days this May, the University held five commencement ceremonies. The ceremony recognizing our College’s 186 spring graduates was held Friday, May 19, on the University’s historic quad and livestreamed online.
University President Brian Sandoval gave a welcome address, which included leading the graduates in a final Wolf Pack Chant as students.
During the ceremony, Sandoval also shared a story about an exceptional graduate from our College, Nayelli Lara-Gutierrez. Lara-Gutierrez is a first-generation student who completed a bioassessment internship with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
University President Brian Sandoval gave a welcome address.
Animal & Rangeland Science graduate William Richardson with Professor Tamzen Stringham.
The event also featured:
- Indigenous blessings by elders Stanley Hooper, Newe Elder, Melba Rakow, Wašiw Elder, and Reynelda James, Numu Elder.
- Special presentations, including the posthumous awarding of a bachelor’s degree in environmental science to Sky Quincy Russell.
- Inspirational speakers, such as from the University's faculty and students, the Nevada System of Higher Education’s Board of Regents, local indigenous leaders, the Nevada Alumni Association, and U.S. Senator, Jacky Rosen.
Meet the College's Class of 2023 | By the numbers
186
Graduating students
147
Undergraduate students
39
Master's and Ph.D. students
13
With Latin Honors
8
Honors Baccalaureates
2
Provost's Scholars
2
1874 Scholars
20
Interdisciplinary majors
21
Nutrition majors
68
Natural Resources & Environmental Science majors
45
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology majors
32
Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences majors
Graduating the leaders of the future
“One hundred years ago, 55 University graduates were told that they could not afford to stand still. Today, I tell you the same thing. Don’t stand still. You are the leaders and innovators of the future.” - University President Brian Sandoval
Extension workshop puts meat safety front and center
July 17-18 event focuses on how to develop a plan to ensure food safety
People in the meat industry who want to learn how to develop a plan for safe handling can attend a workshop July 17-18 offered by Extension. Photo by Robert Moore.
Having the right plan in place is crucial to safely harvest, process and distribute meat products. People who work in the meat industry can receive training on how to create such a plan at a July 17-18 workshop provided by Extension. The workshop will cover how to create a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan, a management system recommended by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to address food safety.
This workshop is part of Extension’s Herds & Harvest Program, which provides education and mentoring to support Nevada agricultural producers. Workshop presenters include industry and Extension experts. The workshop cost is $60 and includes lunch.
Supporting producer and workforce education
“The workshop is best suited for the beginning farmer or rancher, farm-to-fork producers, or anyone who is currently working in a meat processing plant. Currently, the availability of Nevada meat processing services and its workforce are extremely limited. Our goal is to provide valuable information and assistance to support producer and workforce education.” - Program Officer Jamie Lee
Photo Gallery | Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo 2023
Farm stand, wine tasting, wool products, plant sales and University research highlights of event
At Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo on June 2, the College brought a variety of its research and work done throughout the state to its Valley Road Field Lab and Greenhouse Complex in Reno. There, 690 visitors were treated to hands-on activities, wine tasting, a farm stand, plant sales, demonstrations, giveaways, and tours and exhibits featuring University research.
The event, by the College and its Experiment Station, Extension and Extended Studies units, featured over 45 booths showcasing the latest advancements in agriculture, horticulture, nutrition, natural resources and the environment.
Serving Nevadans in their everyday lives
“There was a lot to see and do, and it helped people understand how we blend the missions of the University in terms of teaching, research and engaging with our communities to serve Nevadans in their everyday lives.” – Dean Bill Payne
KIDS UNIVERSITY
Weeklong camps for youth | June 19 - Aug. 4
Choose from a dozen themed camps, focusing on science, technology, engineering, art and math
Innovating for Nevada
Our programs work together to make an impact
Our teaching, research and engagement programs are intertwined and complement one another. Faculty who teach on campus also conduct research as part of our Experiment Station, allowing students to learn about and participate in research. Extension faculty engaging with communities identify research needs, as well as join Experiment Station faculty to conduct research. Faculty on campus help to develop Extension programs in communities.
Researching critical issues
Experiment Station faculty conduct research at experiment stations, labs and research facilities across the state, as well as teach classes and share and conduct research with students. The state-federal partnership tackles issues affecting Nevada's citizens, communities and economy.
Teaching University students
We offer 24 undergraduate and graduate degrees to prepare students for high-paying, in-demand careers in agriculture, rangeland & veterinary sciences; biochemistry & molecular biology; natural resources & environmental science; and nutrition.
Engaging Nevada communities
Extension is engaged in Nevada communities, presenting research-based knowledge to address critical community needs. The county-state-federal partnership provides practical education to people, businesses and communities, fulfilling the University's land-grant mission.
