Beginning Farmer Program Begins this Week

From backyard gardens and small-acreage livestock to farm-to-fork food production, a new statewide program is giving Nevadans the tools they need to turn agricultural ambition into a working business.

The University of Nevada, Reno Extension is launching the Beginning Farmer and Rancher (BFR) Certification Program through its Herds & Harvest initiative, a hybrid education model designed to support aspiring and early-stage producers across the state.

The program blends online instruction, in-person learning, and one-on-one business planning support, drawing from Extension’s Small Acreage and Farm to Fork curriculum. Participants who complete the program will earn a BFR Level 1 Certification, signaling they have gained foundational skills in production, regulation, and agricultural business management.

To receive certification, participants must complete all online course sessions, attend an in-person field experience, develop a business plan, and take part in an individual business plan review. Organizers say the program is intended to move participants beyond hobby-scale agriculture and into sustainable, well-informed operations suited to Nevada’s unique regulatory and environmental landscape.

Classes begin January 21, 2026, and run through March 11, 2026, with weekly sessions held from 6 to 8 p.m. Session topics are designed to build knowledge step by step, from production basics to marketing, finance, and water law.

Course Schedule

• January 21, 2026 | 6–8:00 p.m.: Introduction – Overview of small-acreage and farm-to-fork production, including resource identification, understanding jurisdictions, developing a business plan, and setting goals.

• January 28, 2026 | 6–8:00 p.m.: Meat Quality, Processing & Training – Characteristics of meat based on nutritional management, along with an overview of Nevada meat regulations and the statewide meat program.

• February 4, 2026 | 6–8:00 p.m.: Plant & Soil Health – Understanding plant and soil fundamentals, including plant needs, nutrient and day-length requirements, and soil basics to determine the best plants for your land.

• February 11, 2026 | 6–8:00 p.m.: Value Added Programs – Learn about Nevada value-added opportunities, marketing strategies, farm stands, direct marketing, sale yards, Nevada Grown, and the use of social media. Participants will also develop a marketing plan.

• February 18, 2026 | 6–8:00 p.m.: Livestock Production – Basics of livestock and poultry nutrition, feed management, reproduction, and the Quality Assurance Program.

• February 25, 2026 | 6–8:00 p.m.: Partners, Funding & Regulations – Hosted live at the Roots 2 Results Conference in Las Vegas, NV. Attendees may participate in person or virtually. The session includes an overview of opportunities and resources available to Nevada producers.

• March 4, 2026 | 6–8:00 p.m.: Farm Financial Management – Focus on building farm financial stability, business skills, assets, estate planning, and understanding balance sheets and cash flow.

• March 11, 2026 | 6–8:00 p.m.: Understanding Nevada Regulations and Water Law – Introduction to Nevada water law and a recap of key regulations related to starting an agricultural business.

• Field Trip: Dates TBD – Participants will tour local farms and ranches in Reno and Douglas County, including attending a popular Farm to Fork Dinner. Participants may choose to attend either a field tour or one of Extension’s agricultural conferences (Roots 2 Results – Southern NV or Roots 2 Results – Northern NV).

The cost to participate is $75, with Eventbrite fees bringing the total to $81.88.

Program coordinators say the Herds & Harvest Program reflects a growing demand for practical, Nevada-specific agricultural education that addresses both production realities and business sustainability. The program is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which funds initiatives that strengthen local and regional food systems nationwide.

For more information, contact Kaley Chapin, Lead Agriculture Program Coordinator with UNR Extension, at [email protected] or 702-467-2668, or Staci Emm, Extension Professor, at [email protected] or 775-475-4227.