Learn to extend the growing season on your (future?) Northern Nevada farm

I was reading something a few weeks ago (I didn’t save it so can’t site the source…bad librarian!) that said 108,000 new farms were developed last year. Not huge agribusiness farms but small 3 – 100 acre farms that grow real food. Woo hoo!

Hoop houses are just one season extension technique. This is a picture of Leslie Allen inside one of the Lattin Farms tomato hoop houses. Thanks to Ann Louhela for the picture!

Here’s a chance to learn techniques helpful to future small farmers in Northern Nevada. From my mailbox to you:

Small Farm Season Extension Workshop - Western Nevada College Workshop November 13-14

FALLON – Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute announces a two-day workshop that will teach farmers how to extend their growing and sales seasons.

“Extending the Season, Hoop Houses and Community Supported Agriculture" will meet Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14, at Lattin Farms, 1955 McLean Way, Fallon. Cost is $50 for both days or $35 for one day. There is a $10 late fee for registrations after November 6. Lunch is included.

The workshop will feature sessions on how to extend the growing and sales season beyond the traditional summer harvest months, in response to increased consumer demand for local food. Hoop houses and CSAs are increasingly popular, and farmers are looking for more training on these innovative methods.

Community Supported Agriculture and other sales opportunities will be discussed during Friday's workshop. Farmers will learn the business of CSA, how to recruit and retain customers, share type and pricing, production and plant varieties, recordkeeping and more.

Hoop house management will be featured in Saturday's workshop. Students will learn the different types of hoop houses, best crop varieties to plant, crop rotation, pest management and more.
Featured speakers Lynda Prim and Daniel Carmona, veteran farmers and educators from New Mexico, will bring extensive experience, knowledge, and a regional perspective to the workshop. Nevada and New Mexico share similar growing conditions and economic climates for small farm agriculture.

The WNC Specialty Crop Institute is an innovative education program for current and future small-scale farmers, as well as students and professionals. Participants learn alternative farming methods to diversify from low-value crops to high-value, direct-marketed specialty crops that can increase profitability. Workshops combine classroom and on-farm learning experiences. The Institute is made possible with funding from the Nevada Department of Agriculture and USDA/AMS through the Specialty Crop Block Grant.

To register, contact Ginny Dugan, 775-423-5186, or visit Western Nevada College website. For information regarding the Specialty Crop Institute and future workshops, contact Project Director Ann Louhela at 775-351-2551.