Farm to Fork Certification Program provides information on livestock production and processing

The University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Herds & Harvest Program is hosting a Farm to Fork Certification Program, 6 – 8 p.m., Wednesdays, April 19 – May 17. The courses in this program will offer information for beginning farmers and ranchers on the process of livestock and poultry production, from raising livestock to selling the products on the market.

The program’s courses will be conducted via Zoom and will draw upon the knowledge and experience of established Nevada livestock and poultry producers and University experts. There will also be an in-person field trip touring local farms and ranches. Participants who complete the course will receive their Farm to Fork Level 1 Certification. Course topics include:

• April 19: Overview of Farm to Fork for livestock production: focusing on jurisdictions and regulations existing in Nevada, livestock production for local consumption, developing a business plan, public and private land grazing, and identifying resources.
• April 26: Livestock nutrition and reproduction: focusing on the basics of livestock nutrition, feed management, reproduction, and characteristics of meat based on nutritional management.
• May 3: Poultry nutrition and reproduction: focusing on the basics of poultry nutrition, feed management, reproduction, and characteristics of meat based on nutritional management.
• May 10: Defining grow local and developing marketing plans: focusing on developing a grow-local product, creating a marketing plan, and how to sell a local product.
• May 17: Farm financial management in the 21^st century: focusing on financially building a farm, building business skills and assets, estate planning, and balance and cash flow basics. University students will provide financial analysis of different agricultural ventures.
• Field trip dates announced upon registration: Field trips to tour local farms and ranches. Participants can choose which one of the two tours they wish to take, according to their location and interests.

The cost for the program is $60 per person, and registration can be completed online at https://BFRfarmtofork1.eventbrite.com . For more information, contact Staci Emm, Extension educator for Mineral County, at [email protected] or 775-475-4227; Kaley Chapin, outreach specialist, at [email protected] or 702-467-2668; or Jamie Lee, program officer, at [email protected] or 775-426-8299.

Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should contact Paul Lessick, civil rights, and compliance coordinator, at [email protected] or 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.

The Extension Herds & Harvest Program combines a series of workshops on different topics and provides educational business management and mentoring skill-building to support Nevada agricultural producers. This project was supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.