Desert Farming Initiative

01/10/2026

Only 2 weeks left to register for the Nevada Farmers Forum!

Looking to grow your farm, your network and your knowledge?

The Nevada Farmers Forum brings together producers and agricultural leaders for workshops, expert sessions and real conversations about the future of small farm agriculture.

When: Jan. 23–24, 2026
Where: Joe Crowley Student Union, University of Nevada, Reno

Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn and recharge with Nevada’s agricultural community this January.

Secure your spot today: https://events.unr.edu/event/nevada-farmers-forum

Nevada Farmers Forum is hosted by Grow Organic Nevada, supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

University of Nevada, Reno | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | Clay Bottom Farm | CCOF Organic | U.S. Department of Agriculture | | | | | | | | |

01/09/2026

Nevada Farmers Forum keynote speaker Ben Hartman will be in Reno soon and will preview the upcoming forum this Saturday at 8 a.m. on News Talk 780 KOH The Garden Show with host Dan Van Enoo, joined by forum sponsor and Rail City Garden Center owner Paul Hollis to discuss farming, efficiency and what attendees can expect at the Nevada Farmers Forum.

Listen live at 8 a.m. on News Talk 780 KOH and register now to join the conversation at the Nevada Farmers Forum: events.unr.edu/event/nevada-farmers-forum

Nevada Farmers Forum is hosted by Grow Organic Nevada who is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

University of Nevada, Reno | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | Clay Bottom Farm | CCOF Organic | U.S. Department of Agriculture | Great Basin Community Food Coop | Rail City Garden Center | News Talk 780 KOH | | | | | | | | |

01/07/2026

Farm Talk is back in one week for season two!

Join us Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 1 p.m. on Zoom for the start of another year of farmer-led conversations.

Farm Talk is a live bi-weekly interactive conversation by farmers, for farmers. Nevada growers, producers and agricultural experts share real experiences, practical advice and lessons from the field. Bring your questions, ideas and stories to contribute to the discussion.

If you missed last season, catch up on popular episodes from season one anytime on Spotify or Substack, including discussions on farm equipment, crop planning and marketing strategies that made a difference for Nevada producers.

Stream last season on Substack: substack.com/
Or stream on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/23tNYrFN34RFxccNAQbe11?si=48e03ea398a14c3d

University of Nevada, Reno | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | | | | | | | | |

01/05/2026

A new year is a natural time for reflection and planning. At the Desert Farming Initiative, we encourage small farms to ground their production schedules in a clear understanding of their limiting factor. Understanding whether growth capacity or sales potential is the limiting factor helps farms make smarter crop decisions for the coming season.

Hear how Garrett shares this approach and how it helps small farms plan more strategically and sustainably.

Learn more about our small farm resiliency strategies: naes.unr.edu/dfi/small-farm-resiliency.aspx

Video Description: Garrett explains how identifying your limiting factor when planning production schedules for the new year can help your small farm.

University of Nevada, Reno | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | | | | | | | | |

12/30/2025

Connect and grow alongside Nevada’s farmers and ranchers at our Nevada Farmers Forum, Jan. 23–24, for two days of hands-on education and farmer-to-farmer learning.

Get the full details in our Nevada Today story: unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2025/2026-farmers-forum

University of Nevada, Reno | Desert Farming Initiative | U.S. Department of Agriculture | | | | | | | | | |

12/27/2025

As the year comes to a close, it’s a time to reflect on lessons learned and begin planning for the season ahead. The new year brings opportunities for growth, innovation and more resilient farm operations.

Start the year with practical, farmer-to-farmer learning at the Nevada Farmers Forum, where farmers, ranchers and agricultural leaders share insights, you can apply directly to your operation.

Registration is open and you don't want to miss this opportunity: events.unr.edu/event/nevada-farmers-forum

Nevada Farmers Forum is hosted by Grow Organic Nevada who is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

University of Nevada, Reno | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | Clay Bottom Farm | CCOF Organic | U.S. Department of Agriculture | Great Basin Community Food Coop | Liberty Food & Wine Exchange | Full Circle Compost | | | | | | | | |

12/24/2025

Registration opens for training for new and established Nevada farmers and ranchers, covering plant and soil health, processing, finance, laws and management.

12/22/2025

A big thank you to the College's horticulture class for all of their hard work at the Desert Farming Initiative this semester. From field support to getting every clove of garlic in the ground, their time, effort and enthusiasm made a real impact.

This partnership is about more than teaching—it’s about building community. Students gain real-world farming experience while supporting the seasonal work that keeps the farm moving forward. Collaborations like these demonstrate the power of connecting education with sustainable agriculture across Nevada.

Learn more about our work and partnerships: naes.unr.edu/dfi/default.aspx

University of Nevada, Reno | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | | | | | | | | | |

12/19/2025

Sometimes success means doing less — but doing it well. A realistic, simplified approach to crop planning helps farms focus their efforts, manage resources wisely and find balance for the next season.

Explore what we did in 2025 in our upcoming annual report, coming soon!

Learn more about the Desert Farming Initiative: naes.unr.edu/dfi/default.aspx

Video Description: Garrett shares insights on DFI's simplified crop plan approach for this upcoming year.

University of Nevada, Reno | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | | | | | | | |

12/19/2025

Real farmers. Real knowledge. Real community. Join us Jan. 23-24 for two days of hands-on learning, practical strategies and meaningful connection designed to strengthen our small-farm agriculture!

University of Nevada, Reno
College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources
U.S. Department of Agriculture
CCOF Organic
Clay Bottom Farm
Great Basin Community Food Coop
Liberty Food & Wine Exchange
Full Circle Compost
Holley Family Farms

Nevada Farmers Forum is a networking space that brings together farmers and experts to share ideas, discuss issues and possible solutions facing the industry.

12/17/2025

We’re excited to share the full lineup of sessions and speakers for the Nevada Farmers Forum, happening Jan. 23–24, 2026 at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Explore sessions on lean farming, organic systems, livestock management, agroecology, floriculture, viticulture and more—featuring Ben Hartman and a wide range of farmers, ranchers and agricultural leaders.

View the full agenda, speakers and register today: events.unr.edu/event/nevada-farmers-forum

Nevada Farmers Forum is hosted by Grow Organic Nevada who is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

University of Nevada, Reno | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | Clay Bottom Farm | U.S. Department of Agriculture | Great Basin Community Food Coop | | | | | | | | |

12/10/2025

Real farmers. Real knowledge. Real community.

From one farmer to another, the Nevada Farmers Forum is built for you. Join Nevada’s growers, ranchers and agricultural leaders Jan. 23–24 for two days of hands-on learning, practical strategies and meaningful connection designed to strengthen small-farm agriculture.

These photos of our organic mentor–mentee teams were taken at our organic producer's dinner, where growers came together to share experiences, challenges and ideas. They’re now helping lead the way in our Grow Organic Nevada program with farmer-to-farmer education across Nevada.

Learn more and register today: events.unr.edu/event/nevada-farmers-forum
Connect. Discover. Educate.

Nevada Farmers Forum is hosted by Grow Organic Nevada who is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

University of Nevada, Reno | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | Clay Bottom Farm | U.S. Department of Agriculture | Great Basin Community Food Coop | | | | | | | | |