Desert Farming Initiative

10/27/2026

We’re thrilled to highlight Zitlalic, one of our fall academic interns this semester!

Zitlalic is a third-year environmental science student our College and in the Honors College. She is also a McNair Scholar at the University. In addition to her work with us, she serves as an intern at the University’s Natural History Museum, a research assistant in the Leger Lab and an academic mentor in the residence halls.

Throughout her internship, she has helped with seeding, bed preparation, transplanting, harvesting and other daily farm operations. One aspect of her experience that stands out to her is seeing how adaptable farming practices can be. By documenting challenges and successes throughout the growing season, the team can learn from each experience, adjust its approach for future seasons and share those lessons with local farmers.

She has also appreciated seeing the impact we can make in the community. Through our partnerships with local food pantries, we help provide fresh produce to our community and connect the work happening on the farm to support food access across Northern Nevada.

We’re proud to support students like Zitlalic as they connect their academic studies with hands-on learning, explore new areas of interest and gain a deeper understanding of agriculture and its role in our community.

We’re grateful to have Zitlalic on our team this fall and look forward to supporting her continued growth throughout the semester!

Learn more about student opportunities with us: naes.unr.edu/dfi/work-with-dfi.aspx

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

10/16/2026

10/16/2026

We are seeking motivated University students to join us at the Desert Farming Initiative (DFI) for the spring 2027 term in plant propagation and nursery management! Students will earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience in organic greenhouse production.

As an intern, you will work alongside our team to develop organic fruit and vegetable propagation skills and learn how these practices contribute to farm resiliency. Responsibilities include seeding, transplanting, irrigation management, integrated pest management, greenhouse environmental control and record-keeping.

The internship is offered for three academic credits (nine hours per week) during the spring 2027 term from January through May. Applicants must be University of Nevada, Reno undergraduate or graduate students in good standing and enroll in AGSC 416 or NRES 416 if selected.

To apply, email your cover letter, resume and three professional references to Tatum at [email protected] by Nov. 11, 2026. Questions? Contact [email protected].

Learn more: naes.unr.edu/dfi/internships.aspx

University of Nevada, Reno | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | Nevada Career Studio | Graduate Student Association | | | | | | | | | | |

10/10/2026

Tomorrow’s the day!🎃

We’ll be at the Riverside Farmers Market from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Idlewild Park, bringing plenty of organic pumpkins and fall squash grown right here at DFI.

Our pumpkins and squash were grown by Todd Rissone and University students, providing hands-on experience in organic agriculture right here in Nevada.

The weather is looking like the perfect fall day, so grab your friends, come pick out a pumpkin and explore the other local farms and vendors at the market!

We’ll see you there! 🐺💙

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

10/09/2026

It’s National Apple Month! What better time to look back at our recent Orchard Development Workshop?🍎

We had a great time bringing farmers and community members together to learn about orchard planning, establishment and management in Nevada’s high desert. Participants connected with growers and experts while learning practical strategies for establishing and caring for productive orchards in our region.

To wrap up the workshop, participants got to taste apples grown right here at DFI and figs from Neil Crowley’s orchard, putting a delicious finish on a day of learning!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the workshop a success. We’re proud to support Nevada growers and create opportunities to learn and grow together. 🐺💙

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

10/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo to connect with us, explore the farm and learn more about Nevada agriculture!

Visitors had the chance to explore DFI through tables highlighting our programs and the research we partner on across the farm. We also had pumpkins, fresh produce and fall seedlings available for visitors to take home.

Our Nevada w**e tasting was a hit, with 30 different Nevada w**es available to try. We were also excited to donate a market basket featuring University w**e as a raffle prize.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, asked questions, supported our work and helped make Field Day a memorable day. We’re grateful for our community and look forward to seeing you again next year! 💙🐺

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

10/08/2026

Join us for the 5th Annual Paba Tuka!

On Oct. 17 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Program will bring our community together at our College's Main Station Farm Science Center to celebrate Indigenous food sovereignty through traditional foods, cultural practices and community connection.

Since 2022, the program has created space for Indigenous students and community members to share knowledge, honor traditions and grow together. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of food, culture and community.

📅 Oct. 17 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
📍 Main Station Farm Science Center, 5895 Clean Water Way, Reno, NV 89502
🎟️ RSVP: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=_Es7Ur0OA0yyuW9qF_0x2IuhceCmJXtLgCSu8xpBJfBURFpCV0ZIMlRYOUVOUEU3M0hHTDZRTDhSTC4u&origin=QRCode&route=shorturl

Have questions or want to volunteer? 🙌 Email Kinzie at [email protected] to learn more or sign up to help with cooking, event setup and cleanup, or greeting guests.

We are an EEO/AA institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Tatum Gogna at (775) 682-9782 or [email protected] at least five days before the event.

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

10/07/2026

A fall day at the farmers market sounds pretty perfect to us!

We’re heading to the Riverside Farmers Market this Sunday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Idlewild Park. The forecast is calling for a beautiful fall day, so come grab a pumpkin and enjoy the season! 🍂

We’ll have organic pumpkins and fall squash for sale. Our pumpkins and squash were grown right here at DFI by Todd Rissone and University students, giving students hands-on experience growing organic crops in Nevada’s high desert.

Come pick out your pumpkin, say hi to us and explore the other local farms and vendors at the market! 🐺💙

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

10/01/2026

As we close out Organic Month, we’re excited to recognize Rob Holley, our Grow Organic Nevada coordinator!

Rob brings years of hands-on experience and knowledge as an organic farmer through his own operation, Holley Family Farms, to his work supporting Nevada farmers.

Since 2025, Grow Organic Nevada Program has helped six farms connect with organic farmer mentors to work toward certification, provided one-on-one technical assistance and hosted meaningful events to support small farms across Nevada. Rob has played an important role in each of these efforts, using his experience as an organic farmer to help producers navigate the certification process, find resources and build connections.

He also helped develop and organize the first Nevada Farmers Forum earlier this year, which brought farmers, agricultural professionals, researchers and industry partners together to learn, share experiences, and build connections. From helping bring speakers and topics together to creating opportunities for farmers to connect with one another, Rob helped make the Forum a space where Nevada’s agricultural community can come together and learn from each other.

He also joins us for our Nevada Farm Network's bi-weekly Farm Talks and is always willing to share his knowledge, answer questions or simply take the time to have a conversation with a farmer.

Rob’s generosity, expertise and commitment to Nevada’s farming community have made him an invaluable part of DFI and Grow Organic Nevada. We’re grateful for everything he brings to this work and for the support he continues to provide to farmers across the state.

Thank you, Rob, and happy final day of Organic Month!

Learn more about DFI and Grow Organic Nevada: naes.unr.edu/dfi/program.aspx?ID=334

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

09/25/2026

What goes into the soil matters for crop health and food safety.

Soil amendments can provide important nutrients and benefits for crops, but how they are handled, stored and applied matters, especially when growing produce that is typically eaten raw.

Biological soil amendments such as manure, compost, fish emulsion and agricultural teas can require additional consideration when used in crop production. Simple practices, such as following product labels, using properly treated amendments, keeping records and preventing contact with the harvestable part of a crop, can help reduce food safety risks.

DFI’s Using Soil Amendments Safely resource provides practical tips for handling and applying biological soil amendments to help reduce risks to human health. Learn more about using soil amendments safely: naes.unr.edu/dfi/publication.aspx?PubID=3725

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