Those with smaller agricultural operations in the state, or considering getting into the business, can get a wealth of information on the newest techniques and resources at the Nevada Small Agriculture Conference, May 5-6, at the Santa Fe Station in Las Vegas.
The event is being coordinated by the Nevada Farm Bureau and University of Nevada, Reno Extension, a unit of the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources. The USDA’s Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (WSARE) is also assisting with the event. Small-acreage producers will be able to network with one another, as well as get the latest information on research, production and resources from experts, such as those from the Farm Bureau, Extension, WSARE, Nevada Department of Agriculture, USDA Farm Service Agency, the University’s Desert Farming Initiative and more.
On May 5, there will be sessions to discuss marketing tools and an evening social and trade show, followed by dinner with a keynote speaker. Tentative breakout sessions that day may include:
Honey Bee Production, Poultry Production, Vegetable Production
Time and Stress Management
Enterprise Budgets, Business Planning, Taxes
Hydroponic Fodder for Water Conservation,
Farming in the Desert and Organic Certifications On May 6, the lunch session will feature success stories using WSARE funds, and the day will end with a panel discussion with agriculture leaders in the state. Tentative breakout sessions that day may include:
Opportunities in the Farm Bureau, WSARE Grant Programs
Food Sovereignty and Food Security
USDA, Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Services Programs Available
Value-Added Ag Producer Programs and Requirements Those planning to attend are encouraged to register online by April 25. For those who register online by April 25, fees are $80 (or $55 for Nevada Farm Bureau members). Late registration at the event will be limited, and prices will go up.