https://linktr.ee/DesertFarmingInitiative?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=6fd448e8-efca-4534-b760-79cbf3c23131

Desert Farming Initiative

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Reno, NV
Desert Farming Initiative

Desert Farming Initiative is hoping to advance climate-smart farming and food sovereignty in the area
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07/31/2024

The Western Agriculture Risk Management Outlook zooms crawl series is beginning August 7th. This program will give a comprehensive look at current and future trends in the agriculture market in the West.

The speakers will provide valuable insights into the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the industry. Whether you are a rancher, farmer, researcher, or industry professional, this is a must-attend to stay informed and ahead of the curve.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and network with fellow agriculture enthusiasts.

Click the link in our bio to see the full schedule and register today!

07/29/2024

We helped the Barrios Lab conduct a three-year melon research project funded by the state’s Specialty Crop Block Grant. We evaluated melon varieties and production techniques for the Nevada high desert, focusing on organic farming practices and Integrated Pest Management. This research aimed to identify optimal melon varieties and improve crop performance under local conditions. Key findings from our 2021-2022 data include observations on mulch types, pest pressures, and varietal performance, with ongoing data analysis expected to inform future farming practices.

Follow the link in our bio to read the publication or contact [email protected] for more details.

07/26/2024

Part of our improving IPM plan involves more insectary planting around the farm.

Thanks to expertise and plants from Neil Bertrando at Steppe One Farm and Nursery, DFI planted 75 new perennials at the heart of our farm.

With a wide range of blooms windows and growth habitats, these 17 varieties (and counting) will provide shelter and food for pollinator and predatory insects, who in turn will help keep our pest populations lower, and increase our productivity on the farm.

So far, these perennial beds (which are irrigated three times a week like the rest of our outdoor crops) are home to:
Hollyhock
Anise Hyssop
Spotted Bee Balm
Dyer’s Chamomile
Feverfew
Lemon Balm
Lime Balm
Comfrey
Blue Vervian
Marshmallow
Mexican Evening Primrose
Germander
High Mallow
Betony
Motherwort
Elecampane
Long flowered Gaura

We are so excited to see these plants continue to thrive over the next few years.

07/24/2024

Join us on Friday July 26th at 8:30 AM at Smith Valley School for the Regenerative Ag Workshop, a day filled with insightful discussions and hands-on learning opportunities. Don't miss out on this unique chance to gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help shape the future of agriculture.

Use the link in our bio to register for this workshop!

07/23/2024

Join us TODAY at 1pm for the Nevada Farm Network Farm Talk with Rob Holley ( ), Rodney Mehring ( ) and Ray Johnson ( ) to bring together a few of our favorite voices in Nevada farming.

Anybody is welcome to join, so bring your questions, your stories and your best farm sounds to cultivate community amongst aspiring and experienced farmers.

This will be hosted on the Hylo platform through the Nevada Farm Network, so if you have not signed up yet, use the link in our bio to create your profile today.

07/10/2024

Our apprentices have been working at their choice of partner farms once a week since June! This is Jax (they/them) helping harvest out their garlic beds last week. This opportunity to see other farm operations around Northern Nevada is vital to helping them jumpstart their future farms and experience farming outside of DFI.

We appreciate and for being partner farms this year. Their partnership is helping expand our apprentice’s knowledge around growing food in the high desert.

07/01/2024

Farmers Market season is in full swing! You can find us at the Riverside Farmers Market, every Sunday from 8am-1pm, and the Sparks UMC Farmers Market, every Tuesday from 8am-1pm.

We are so excited to be accepting the WIC/Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons this season. Along with participating in two markets that are SNAP authorized and accepting Double Up Food Bucks. We are excited to participate in programs that help increase local food access across our state.

Are you a customer looking to get access to these benefits? Or are you a farmer who wants to help increase food access in your community reach out to Claire Holden at [email protected] or at 775-784-4796!

06/29/2024

Did you know all the farmers markets in the Reno/Sparks/Carson City area are SNAP authorized? This means if you are SNAP eligible, you can use your SNAP/EBT benefits at these markets to buy SNAP eligible items to help support our local food system. Plus, with the Double Up Food Bucks program, your benefits can go even further! For every dollar spent on fresh fruits and veggies using SNAP/EBT at eligible farmers markets, you get an additional dollar to spend on more fresh fruits and veggies at your favorite, eligible farmers market. Support local farmers and nourish your family with healthy, affordable options. Visit the link in our bio to see what locations near you are SNAP eligible and participate in the Double Up Food Bucks program.

To learn more or ask questions about using SNAP/EBT at farmers markets, contact Claire Holden, at [email protected] or 775-784-4796. Learn more about how to stretch SNAP/EBT benefits and start shopping fresh today!

06/27/2024

Exciting news from DFI! We're launching the Grow Organic Nevada program to meet the increasing demand for organic produce. Rob Holley of , and others are teaming up to mentor new farmers through the certification process. With $500 stipends for new participants and $3,000 for mentors, they're paving the way for sustainable farming in Nevada! Interested? Use the link in our bio to learn more about the Grow Organic Nevada Program and reach out to Rob Holley at 775-784-6556 to begin your journey!

Want to read the full KOLO article about this program using the link in our bio to see how DFI is helping increase access to organic certifications.

06/25/2024

Are you interested in starting your own farm, or growing your knowledge on climate-smart agricultural practices in the high desert?

We are now accepting applications for our 2024/2025 Nevada Farm Apprentices!

This program helps prepare participants to become farm owners and operators in Nevada. Through their engagement, apprentices will gain practical knowledge, contacts, and experience required to operate a small outdoor fruit and vegetable farm.

From October 2024-September 2025, two successful applicants will be hosted as Farm Apprentices at DFI within the Experiment Station of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources at the University of Nevada, Reno.

For more information about this program please click the link in our bio to find out more information and see how to apply.

Cannot wait to see the next round of apprentices come through DFI!

05/29/2024

Come and join us at the Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo on May 31 from 2pm-6pm at the Valley Road Experiment Station. ⁠
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We are thrilled to commemorate the rest of our colleagues who work at the Experiment Station alongside us. This event truly shines a spotlight on the numerous incredible projects we have been working on. Throughout the year, we put in our utmost effort to strengthen our local food system, and the Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo serves as the ideal platform for us to showcase UNR's contributions towards advancing agriculture in our state. Furthermore, there will be a delightful wine tasting session featuring grapes from local Nevada growers.⁠
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Don't hesitate to drop by and say hello while also taking the chance to explore our farm stand. Here, you can discover an assortment of plants for your garden, indulge in healthy food, and show your support for our local and organic growers.

Follow the link in our bio to find our more details about the event!

05/27/2024

We are preparing to kick off research on cover crops for soil health improvement in high tunnels/hoop houses! This work with Dr. Felipe Barrios Masias and Dr. Juan Solomon (pictured here in Dr. Solomon’s lab) will provide guidance on specific varieties and practices relevant to Nevada fruit and veg growers over the next 2 years. This will include a focus on the relationship to cash crop yields, particularly for tomatoes and peppers. So excited to get started! Which cover crops are you most interested in for hoop houses? What questions do you have on this topic (cover crop termination methods, variety choice in relation to soil test results, other)? Please let us know by leaving a comment here or emailing us at [email protected].

05/24/2024

Cultivating connection! The UNR Master Gardener's have been showing up once a week to volunteer with our Food Sovereignty Intern Lance Owyhee(they/them) in order to help them expand the reach of their program. From bed prep to plant propagation, Lance has been sharing their experience and knowledge with the Master Gardeners around the culturally important foods they have been cultivating over the last few years. We are grateful for this collaboration and cannot wait to see Lance tend to their plot and continue share food with their community.

05/23/2024

Water is an important issue for all of us in the West, especially for growers. That is why we have gathered experts water, irrigation and soil moisture to come together for an amazing virtual event TOMORROW, May 24th, 2024 from 11:30am-1:30pm.

Our annual Climate Forum is a great event to share information and resources with people across the state and this year it's all about water💧

This virtual event on May 24th will dive into essential insights on irrigation, soil moisture, and water law in Nevada farming.

For details and registration visit the link in the bio.

05/20/2024

DFI hosted 3 different internships during the 2024 Spring Semester. A Plant Propagation Internship, an Organic Farming Internship, and a 2-week Intensive Dietetic Internship for a student from Montana State University.

Our 2 UNR students, Stephen McCarthy and Penny Smerdon, along with Dietetic Intern, Samantha Leftwich, all finished up their their internships with a blogpost summarizing their experiences and biggest takeaways from their time at DFI. Penny will be staying on for a summer farm crew position, continuing her education on climate-smart organic farming. Click the link in our bio to read about our interns time working at DFI and how they contributed to our mission.

We host internships during the spring, summer and fall semesters surrounding on-farm experiences. Email [email protected] if you are interested in participating in an academic internship in the future.

05/17/2024

We are proud to welcome Rob Holley to the DFI team!⁠
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The University of Nevada, Reno has launched the Grow Organic Nevada program to support local producers in becoming certified organic. Grow Organic Nevada will be led by Rob, offering mentorship, funding, and resources to guide producers through the certification process. With the demand for organic products on the rise, this initiative aims to boost the number of certified organic producers in the state. For more information, contact Rob Holley at 775-784-6556 or via email, [email protected]

Rob, who is one of the operators of Holley Family Farms in Dayton, NV, brings decades of knowledge in the Organic Farming industry to this position. We could not be more thrilled to have him be a part of the DFI team, and are looking forward to see how he propels this program forward. Click the link in our bio to read the press release for more background on Rob and his role in the Nevada Agricultural Community.

05/17/2024

Register today for next week's 2024 Climate Forum for Fruit and Vegetable Growers from the Nevada Farm Network - https://mailchi.mp/3e664d84e6c8/join-us-on-the-nevada-farm-network-17755373

This year it is all about water!

05/15/2024

The Nevada Farm Network has live for almost two months now! What is your favorite part of this new platform?

Our intern Tatum has been busy over these last few months adding over 1,500 learning materials to our online resource library. This library has research papers, books, articles, training videos and other materials that aims to share knowledge on any Nevada-relevant resources covering topics from seeding and w**ding to business and marketing. If you have suggestions on more resources to add to the library please email [email protected].

Log onto the Nevada Farm Network today using the link in our bio!

05/14/2024

Did you know that SNAP shoppers can use their EBT benefits of plants to grow their own food?!

This Saturday, May 18th, from 8am-12pm, at the annual seedling sale we will be giving our SNAP neighbors a 50% DISCOUNT on all DFI plant starts.

Come visit us this weekend and talk to our staff about how we are trying to increase food security across the state!

PS. the is also a SNAP authorized retailer and you can pick-up some tasty treats with your SNAP benefits inside their grocery store as well!

05/13/2024

Calling all home gardeners!

This Saturday, May 18th, from 8am-12pm, we will be vending at the annual Seedling Sale!! This event is always such an amazing opportunity to not only connect with our customers, but all the other growers in Northern Nevada.

We are not doing pre-orders this year due to our current greenhouse status(see our previous posts about our crowdfunding campaign for more information about this). Our booth will be first come first serve this year, so if you have your heart set on some of our tomatoes, peppers, artichokes or eggplants get there early. Plus, with the extra time you can take your new seedlings to the newly renovated Foodshed Cafe on the second floor of the co-op.

All sales are final and we are unable to provide refunds beyond the date of the seedling sale.

If you have more questions about the event please email [email protected], we cannot wait to see you all this weekend.

05/10/2024

The USDA has a variety of open positions right now with recruitment and relocation incentives offered! Join the team that is investing in a strong future for the people of Rural America!

Contact Jim Park, [email protected] for more information about the positions listed below.

Program Loan Technician, Carson City, NV GS05/06/07, multiple vacancies

Loan Specialist-Commercial, Las Vegas, NV 09/GS11/GS12

Loan Specialist-General Elko or Las Vegas, NV GS09/11

Community Economic Development Specialist Elko, NV GS09/11/12

Program Loan Technician Las Vegas, NV GS05/06/07, multiple vacancies

Use the link in our bio to create your USAjobs profile today and join the USDA team.

05/09/2024

Join us for the 2024 Climate Forum for Fruit and Vegetable Growers! This year it's all about water💧

This virtual event on May 24th will dive into essential insights on irrigation, soil moisture, and water law in Nevada farming.

For details and registration visit: https://naes.unr.edu/farm-network/events.aspx

05/08/2024

DFI contributed to research on melon production in the high desert over the past three years and findings were just published! We are thrilled to share this information with Nevada melon producers.

This Western SARE funded project looked at the effects of grafting and irrigation management on melon production at the University of Nevada, Reno Valley Road Experiment Station and other test sites around Northern Nevada. This project began with a survey of Nevada growers and results guided the research focus. .

A key takeaway from this study was that growers can potentially reduce irrigation by 30% and maintain yields. Efficient management of water resources and soil health practices to capture more water are key climate smart farming strategies. .

Read more about this research project via the link in our bio.

04/26/2024

Even though DFI took this year off from being a wholesale plant start resource for our fellow growers, we still have a small selection of plants for our favorite event of the year, the Great Basin Community Food Coop Seedling Sale!

Saturday May 18th from 8am - 12pm, located at 240 Court St. Reno, NV 89501, the Great Basin Community Food Co-op blocks off a portion of Flint St. to allow dozens of local growers to sell their plant starts! We love this event, not only as an opportunity to get to support our favorite local business, but also get to connect with our community!

P.S. We are still crowdfunding for our greenhouse renovations so we can re-invigorate our wholesale plant start program. Follow the link in our bio to help us continue to improve our greenhouse so we can continue to provide local and regional farms with quality, organic plant starts.

04/25/2024

The Desert Farming Initiative is on the cover of Edible Reno-Tahoe Magazine! Read more about how DFI apprenticeships make dreams come true for local agricultural entrepreneurs. https://ediblerenotahoe.com/editions/spring2024/ -spring-2024/51/

04/24/2024

DFI is Hiring Students for the 2024 Summer Farm Crew!

Spend your summer on the University fruit and vegetable farm right here in Reno! (Must be enrolled for fall 2024) To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]; the application deadline is May 1, 2024. Find out more about DFI using the linktree in our bio.

We are also beginning recruitment for our Fall Internships!

Organic Vegetable Farming – 3-Credit Academic Internship – Fall 2024

Learn production skills including, plant propagation, bed preparation, w**d and pest management, irrigation, nutrient management, harvest, and washing and packing produce. Understand organic certification and food safety practices. Work side-by-side with experienced farm leadership and apprentices! To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Full syllabus available on request. Find out more about DFI using the linktree in our bio.

04/24/2024

Want to dine on DFI Produce and support our DFI Apprentices?

Check out the Farm-to-Fork Dinner that is being hosted this Saturday, April 27th at 5pm, $50 dollars to attend.

The Farm to Fork Dinner is hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno Extension. Enjoy a three-course meal with locally sourced ingredients provided by farms and ranches in Northern Nevada. This dinner will take place at one of Chef Mark Estee’s Restaurants, the Overland Restaurant & Pub in Gardnerville, NV and will be prepared by Chef Tommy Linnett. Tommy is the Executive Director for the Reno Local Food Group, encompassing of 8 restaurants in Northern Nevada. Tommy is a native of Truckee, CA, and has been cooking for 25 years, with a focus on local farms and ranches.

Click the link in our bio to register for the event today!

04/23/2024

SNAP AND FOOD SECURITY FORUM NEXT WEEK, APRIL 29TH!

CALLING ALL MARKET MANAGERS AND GROWERS!⁠
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Are you SNAP authorized? Do you participate in the Double-Up Food Bucks campaign? Do you accept Senior/WIC coupons during market season? Have you been looking to help increase food access in Nevada?⁠
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We boy howdy, do we have the FREE event for you! On APRIL 29th, from 10am-12pm at the InNEVation Center in Reno, NV, we are hosting a SNAP and Food Security Forum in order to better inform our Nevada Ag. community. ⁠Following the event, from 12pm-1pm there will be light refreshments and snacks served as we continue to connect with one another, graciously provided through the Nevada Small Business Development Center. They will be hosting this connection event in order to allow us to build more dynamic relationships with one another.
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This is designed to be a large scale Q&A for growers and market managers to get their questions answered in all areas of food security. This will be a hybrid event, with zoom capabilities, so if you cannot make it in-person you can still participate online. Recordings will be available following the event. ⁠
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We will have representatives from the SFMNP/WIC offices, the SNAP state office, Double-Up Food Bucks, Marketlink, 3-Square, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, the Nevada Small Business Development Center, and Reno Food Systems to help answer your questions and share helpful resources. ⁠
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Use the link in our bio to register for the event, or email [email protected] for more information about this forum.

04/22/2024

Help us give a warm welcome to our new Food Systems Program Manager!

Jordan Hosmer-Henner joined our team earlier this month and has already brought a wealth of experience along with him. With a background spanning urban economics, policy analysis, and community development, he's committed to strengthening Nevada's food systems and enhancing food security. From launching a Regional Food Business Center to supporting agricultural training, the programs he will be managing will aim to foster sustainable farming practices and reduce reliance on imports. Inspired by his experiences abroad and a deep understanding of community interdependence, Hosmer-Henner is dedicated to building resilient food systems across the state.

Let's support his vision for a more sustainable future! Read the UNR press release linked in our bio to learn more about Jordan.

Address

920 Valley Road
Reno, NV
89512

Website

https://linktr.ee/DesertFarmingInitiative?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=6fd448e8-efca-4534-b760-79cbf3c23131

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Videos

We are doing our best to establish a beneficial insect population around DFI as a way to help mitigate our harmful pest populations in keeping with our organic standards. In addition to the beneficial eggs we released in our green house and some of our hoop houses, we also released some Green Lacewing Adults (Chrysoperla rufilabris). These bright colored insects provide continued control of pests and help increase pollination. Can you believe each female adult lays around 200 eggs in a lifetime?!?! Lacewings are a great addition to any IPM plan for a variety of pests, we specifically use them to help combat aphids (Mult). DM us if you have questions about how we implement beneficials around the farm! PS. look at the brown lacewing that we released eggs for earlier this year in the second video going to TOWN on some aphids that took over one of our spinach beds.

Part of a thriving food scene in any city is a place where entrepreneurs can try their own spaces. Having a place where they can be creative, collaborate with other chefs and bakers, and take their ideas from concept to home-grown local business within their own communities is incredibly valuable. This is why Nourish and Flourish Kitchen and Market needs funds to provide both a shared commercial kitchen and support programs right here in Reno. Click the link in our bio to donate to this amazing effort in our food system!

The Nevada Farm Network is here, and ready to connect growers around the state! Join Nevada’s specialty crop farmers in an online community just for Nevada agriculture. This Network continues the legacy of farmer cooperation and innovation in Grange Halls, homes and cafes from generations into the past to support thriving farm communities for generations to come. Click the link in our bio to check out the Nevada Farm Network TODAY!

DFI is kicking off our 2024 growing season with a BANG! 💥 As many of you know, we had to put a pause on our propagation program for growers in the area due to aging equipment. We have been lucky enough to get a little bit of initial funding to make some minor improvements that will helps us get closer to being able to provide our community with quality, organic plant starts in the future. DM us with questions about our current IPM plan or how we are improving our greenhouse. The link to donate to our Greenhouse Crowdfunding Campaign is in our bio.

HUGE day for soil health enjoyers! ! Winter on the farm is not always the prettiest but we think cover crops and healthy soils are BEAUTIFUL! While snow has been pouring on the mountains in Reno, our team has been packing our soils with a BOUNTY of nutrients! Cover crops are a vital practice for DFI all-season, but ESPECIALLY during winter when we have fewer beds in cash crop production! We have experimented with rhye, legumes, triticale, vetch, clover and different brassicas over the years, but have found keeping it simple with legumes, triticale and vetch seem to be the best fit for us now! Do you have more questions about cover crops, or the anecdotal research DFI has done? Follow the link in our bio to go to our website and find more information!

Spend a snowy afternoon doing bed prep with us✨ Our hoop houses, while not temperature controlled, still allow us to over winter hearty crops like spinach, bok choi, kale and much more!! With the new semester at UNR starting next week, we are eager for our student employees and volunteers to return to DFI! Are you interested in donating your time or money to support climate smart farming in the high desert? Check the linktree in our bio to learn how to get involved!

Be a full-time organic farmer, enjoy the benefits of a UNR faculty position, and help shape the future of the local food system in Northern Nevada - DFI is recruiting a Farm Production Manager! Primary responsibilities include operating a 5-acre research and demonstration farm, collaborating with a vibrant team of faculty, students and volunteers, and leading the ongoing innovation of DFI farming systems. The Farm Production Manager position will be essential to DFI’s mission: advancing climate smart farming and food sovereignty in the region. Read more and apply here: https://naes.unr.edu/dfi/career-opportunities.aspx Fallon Food Hub Great Basin Community Food Coop Reno Food Systems Tahoe Food Hub

DFI is hiring a new Education Program Coordinator! Check out this dynamic and forward thinking work program, grounded within DFI's 5-acre organic farm and located on the edge of the University of Nevada, Reno campus. https://nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UNR-external/job/University-of-Nevada-Reno---Main-Campus/Coordinator--Education-Program_R0126426-1