For Nevadans starting or expanding a small farm or ranch, navigating finance, regulations and day-to-day operations can feel overwhelming. To help bridge that gap, University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Herds & Harvest Program is offering the Beginning Farmer & Rancher Level 1 Certification, which provides guidance on starting and running an agricultural operation.

The training has weekly online sessions on Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., Jan. 21–March 11. In-person sessions (dates to be determined) include tours of farms and ranches in Reno and in Douglas County, followed by a farm-to-fork dinner. Participants may choose to attend a field tour or one of Extension’s agricultural conferences.

The certification curriculum draws on small-acreage and farm-to-fork principles presented by local producers; researchers from the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources; and small business development experts from the College of Business.

Online course topics planned at this time include:

• Jan. 21: Introduction
• Jan. 28: Meat quality, processing and training
• Feb. 4: Plant and soil health
• Feb. 11: Value-added programs
• Feb. 18: Livestock production
• Feb. 25: Partners, funding and certification programs – Hosted live at the Roots 2 Results Conference in Las Vegas, with in-person and virtual participation options
• March 4: Farm financial management
• March 11: Nevada water laws and regulations

To receive the Beginning Farmer & Rancher Level 1 Certification, participants must complete the online course sessions, attend an in-person field trip, complete a business plan, and participate in an individual business plan review.

The cost for the program and the online registration fee is $81.88. Full details and registration are available online.

For more information, email Kaley Chapin, lead agriculture program coordinator, or call her at 702-467-2668; or email Staci Emm, Extension professor, or call her at 775-475-4227.

Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should email Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, or call him at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event.

Extension’s Herds & Harvest Program provides a series of workshops focused on business management, mentoring and agricultural skill-building to support Nevada producers. The program is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.