Registration opens for certification supporting beginning and established farmers and ranchers

Dec. 22, 2025

Registration opens for certification supporting beginning and established farmers and ranchers

University of Nevada, Reno training covers plant and soil science, finance, processing and marketing
 

RENO, Nev. – 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, contact Kaley Chapin, lead agriculture program coordinator, at kaleys@unr.edu or 702-467-2668; or Staci Emm, Extension professor, at emms@unr.edu or 775-475-4227. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should contact Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at plessick@unr.edu or 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.

– @unevadareno –