UNR NEWS RELEASE – Beginning January 13, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension will offer five “Great Ideas From Growers” sessions, where small farm producers from across the state can share their knowledge and experiences to help each other improve their businesses.
“This provides an opportunity for owners of small, specialized farms to learn from others’ experiences” said Extension Educator Holly Gatzke, who will lead the sessions.
Based on information requested from producers, topics this year will focus on production (planting, irrigating, weed control, fertilization, plant selection, etc.), sales and marketing (CSAs, farmers markets, roadside stands, restaurants, wholesales, etc.), and crop planning. The sessions will be from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., January 13 and 27, February 10 and 24, and March 10.
“This forum helps producers work together as an industry to build successful agricultural businesses that meet the increasing demand for locally grown specialty products,” Gatzke explained.
Great Ideas From Growers is part of Cooperative Extension’s Herds and Harvest Program. Herds and Harvest is designed to help farmers and ranchers develop agricultural entrepreneurship, implement sustainable agricultural marketing strategies and improve profitability. Since starting in 2011, Herds and Harvest has reached more than 200 farmers and ranchers across the state, and two-thirds of the participants reported they would make changes in their business practices because of what they learned through the program.
Great Ideas From Growers will be available by interactive videoconference at Cooperative Extension offices in Caliente, Ely, Hawthorne, Logandale, Minden, Pahrump, Tonopah and Yerington; and in the Lake Room of the Banner Churchill Community Hospital, 801 E. Williams Ave. in Fallon.
To participate by phone, call 775-726-3109, ext. 107, or 775-962-1300 to get a pin. For more information about Great Ideas From Growers, contact Gatzke at 775-962-1300 or 775-726-3109, ext.106.
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is the College of the University of Nevada, Reno that is engaged in every Nevada county, presenting research-based knowledge to address critical community needs. It is a county-state-federal partnership providing practical education to people, businesses and communities. For more information on its programs, visit www.unce.unr.edu.
Founded in 1874 as Nevada’s land-grant university, the University of Nevada, Reno ranks in the top tier of best national universities. With nearly 19,000 students, the University is driven to contribute a culture of student success, world-improving research and outreach that enhances communities and business. Part of the Nevada System of Higher Education, the University has the system’s largest research program and is home to the state’s medical school. With outreach and education programs in all Nevada counties and home to one of the largest study-abroad consortiums, the University extends across the state and around the world. For more information, visit www.unr.edu.
