FARMS

CONFERENCEFARMERS GROWING TOGETHER

FEBRUARY 14-16, 2019Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

2019 CONFERENCE SCHEDULETHURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Pre-conference tours 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (30-minute lunch included)

FALLON TOURExplore the “breadbasket” of Nevada with a tour of Fallon. Stops include Desert Oasis Teff & Grain, where farmers John and Dave have diversified their field crops with teff, sorghum, and buckwheat; the unique beef cattle operation run by the Sanford family; and the Perazzo Brothers Dairy, a fourth generation dairy farm with 1,100 head of dairy cows. The tour also includes lunch at Lattin Farms organic farm and country kitchen.

RENO TOURSmall farming, where space is maximized and specialized markets are established, is of growing interest in Nevada. Tour three small farms in and near Reno, where the farmers will share their knowledge in creating a successful small farm business. Participants will tour City Green Gardens, a diverse organic urban farm located in Reno in addition to Prema Farms and Loping Coyote Farms (aka Mountain Mushrooms) located just outside Reno. Bring your walking shoes and questions!

CONFERENCE EXHIBITORSBe sure to visit our conference exhibitors in the Paradise Terrace and enter

for a chance to win raffle prizes at lunch on Saturday. Must be present to win.

American AgCredit • Basin and Range Organics • College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural ResourcesDesert Farming Initiative • Full Circle Soils & Compost • Gibson & Associates LLC • Green Earth Agriculture

National Center For Appropriate Technology • Nature Safe Organic Fertilizers • Nevada Agricultural FoundationNevada Department of Agriculture • Nevada FFA • Rail City Garden Center, Inc. • Renner Equipment CompanyReno Food Systems • Rural Coder’s Network • Sierra Nevada Hemp Company • Stanislaus Farm Supply • Toro

Urban RootsUSDA Farm Service Agency • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service • USDA Rural Development

2019 CONFERENCE SCHEDULEFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Registration / Check-in7 to 9 a.m.

INTENSIVE WORKSHOPS9 a.m. to noon (with a 15-minute break)

HEMP IN NEVADAParadise Ballroom A

MEDICINAL & CULINARY HERBS - Paradise Ballroom B

STARTING A FLOWER FARM Paradise Ballroom C

Ashley Jeppson, NDA; Rodney Mehring, Blue Lizard Farm; Ben Horner, H & M Industries LLC

Jeff Higley, Oshala Farm Ralph Thurston & Jeriann Sabin, Bindweed Farm; Brenda Smith, Smith & Smith Farms

The Nevada hemp program has been growing exponentially over the past three years. This workshop begins with a discussion about program requirements, anticipated changes, and rapid industry growth, led by the NDA’s Ashley Jeppson. Rodney Mehring with Blue Lizard Farm will discuss his farm’s transition to hemp along with lessons learned during the process. The session will conclude with Ben Horner on buyer and seller logistics.

This workshop covers the seed-to-sale details of growing medicinal and culinary herbs for profit, including critical elements involved with growing, tending, harvesting, drying, processing, and selling. Participants will walk away understanding the challenges and opportunities available in farming herbs, with special emphasis on how to be profitable. Jeff will provide the tools and knowledge needed to be successful in any size herb farming venture.

Flower production can be an exciting venture in Nevada – as with any farm, knowing the basics is key. Ralph Thurston and Jeriann Sabin of Deadhead Cutflowers will share their extensive experience in growing wholesale flowers despite harsh Idaho winters. Joining them is Brenda Smith, a seasoned grower, who will discuss how to identify and handle weeds on a flower farm.

LUNCH AND KEYNOTE - IVORY LYLES, UNCENoon to 1:30 p.m. - Paradise D/E

Ivory Lyles is the new director of the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE). He will present about UNCE resources for Nevada farmers and future goals for the agency in supporting Nevada agriculture.

CONFERENCE SESSIONS1:30 to 3 p.m.

HOW ORGANIC CERTIFICATION HELPS MARKET SMALL FARM PRODUCTIONParadise Ballroom A

CUT FLOWERS AND PUMPKINS: SEEKING REFUGE IN LOW TUNNELSParadise Ballroom B

FARMERS AND NRCS WORKING TOGETHER FOR WATER CONSERVATION AND CROP MANAGEMENTParadise Ballroom C

Solomon Meyer, Basin & Range Organics; Catharine Anderson, Risk Management Agency

Dennis Jamason, Jamason Farms; Ralph Thurston & Jeriann Sabin, Bindweed Farm

Rick Lattin, Lattin Farms; Albert Mulder, Natural Resources Conservation Service; NDA staff

Learn from Solomon Meyer about USDA organic certification and how program parameters can help farmers become more strategic. Solomon will review the organic certification process and provide direction from the only organic certifier in Nevada. Catharine Anderson will present crop insurance.

Low tunnels can be a game-changer in extending the growing season and protecting plants from early or late frost – a familiar challenge to northern Nevada farmers. Join three experienced growers as they share wisdom on these tiny tunnels and how they can be used for sugar pumpkin and cut flower season extension.

Hear from farmer Rick Lattin of Lattin Farms and NRCS Nevada State Agronomist Albert Mulder on how Rick and his family have worked with NRCS for decades to combat drought, extending growing seasons with high tunnels, and moving available water to plants more efficiently. NDA staff will also present drought project updates.

3:30 to 5 p.m.TOUR THE SOIL TUNNEL THAT LEADS TO NEW COVER CROP RESEARCH

GROWING IN CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTS

CURRENT CHANGES IN U.S. AGRICULTURAL TRADE POLICY

Chris Bernau and Jim Komar, NRCS Heidi Kratsch, UNCE Tom Harris, UNRJourney through a 10-foot soil tunnel to learn what healthy soil is, why it’s so important, what soil biology is, and how water and nutrient cycles work. Chris Bernau will discuss effective implementation of windbreaks, the latest cover crop research and how NRCS can help farmers achieve goals with conservation measures.

High tunnels and greenhouses have become a second home to many Nevada farmers. In this session, participants will learn how to use greenhouses or hoop houses to control temperature, light, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide levels to minimize pest pressure on crops and maximize quality and yield.

According to the USDA Economic Research Service, net farm income in 2018 is expected to fall to its lowest level since 2006. With potential changes in agricultural trade policies and new tarrifs in mind, Tom Harris will go over the impact risk and financial vulnerability on Nevada agriculture.

FRIDAY NIGHT MIXER5:30 to 8:30 p.m. - in front of Bistro Napa

The Friday night mixer is a great opportunity to network with fellow attendees and become more acquainted with speakers. Join us in front of Bistro Napa for light snacks and beverages. Extra cost of $30.

2019 CONFERENCE SCHEDULEFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15

REGISTRATION/CHECK-IN7:30 - 9 a.m.

CONFERENCE SESSIONS9 to 10:30 a.m.

INS AND OUTS OF MEAT PRODUCTSParadise Ballroom A

URBAN FARMING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWParadise Ballroom B

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH UPDATEParadise Ballroom C

Amilton de Mello, UNR Alex Woodley, City of Reno Mozart Fonseca, Juan Solomon, Felipe Barrios Masias, Mitiku A. Mengistu, Patricia F. Santos and Dylan Kosma, UNR

Esteemed meat scientist, Dr. Amilton de Mello, will explain consumer demands for meat products and provide clarification on the unique effects of diet and lifestyle on meat quality. Join Dr. de Mello to learn the science of meat products and how to capitalize on consumer demands.

Join Alex Woodley with the City of Reno, as he helps farmers navigate city requirements. Learn what activities and animals are permitted as an urban producer, how to handle neighborhood complaints, city codes and zoning (and code exemptions), and more.

Traditional and innovative technologies, and biotechnology, are at the center of research at UNR. Topics: animal nutrition, drought tolerance of forage and non-forage crops; improving teff, carrots and potatoes; and cutting-edge biotechnology approaches.

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.NATIVE SEED: A NEW MARKET TO ADDRESS RESTORATION

BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL FARMERS MARKET

HOW TO SET UP A FARM BUSINESS

Russ Wilhelm, NDA; Ed Kleiner, Comstock Seed

Linda Marrone, Carson Farmers Market; Kasey Crispin & Zachary Cannady, Prema Farm

George Kleeb, Great Basin College

While native seed collection has been occurring within the state for several decades, production is still gaining interest. The increasing frequency of wildfires and wildland rehabilitation has only created more demand. Join NDA’s Russ Wilhelm and Ed Kleiner of Comstock Seed to learn how how to jump into a new market and address the seed needs of restoration and rehabilitation.

Learn valuable insights from both experienced and new market managers: Linda Marrone has managed one of Nevada’s most successful farmers markets for more than a decade while Prema Farm is starting from scratch to build a model that supports the needs of small local farms.

Starting a farm business requires preliminary homework. This includes asking the right questions that will allow hopeful farmers to create the foundation for a successful farm business, saving time and money in the end. As an experienced management and marketing instructor, agricultural banker and hoop house manager, George Kleeb will provide the tools to set up a farm business.

2019 CONFERENCE SCHEDULESATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16

LUNCH, EXHIBITOR PRIZE RAFFLE AND FFA PRESENTAITON12:30 to 2 p.m.

CONFERENCE SESSIONS2 to 3:30 p.m.

DOES POULTRY PAY?Paradise Ballroom A

10 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR INSTAGRAM MARKETING IN 2019Paradise Ballroom B

IMPLEMENTING A FOOD SAFETY PROGRAM, FROM TRAINING TO RECORDSParadise Ballroom C

Nancy and Matt Ogan Ogan Family Farm; Randy Robison, Plan B Ranch; Pawl Hollis, Rail City Garden Center

Kaitlin Young, The Gatusso Coalition; Kasey Crispin, Prema Farm; Natalie Andelin, Andelin Family Farm

Nevada Department of Agriculture staff

Farmers considering diversifying their farm with poultry, will have many of their pressing production and business questions answered during this session. The speakers will address profitability, processing, market value, and breed/type selection. This session is comprised of a panel with various degrees of experience in poultry production and will shed some light on this sector.

Learn ten things to implement right now on Instagram to boost business. Digital strategist Kaitlin Young will provide quick tips and tricks to take Instagram marketing efforts to the next level. Plus, see real examples and hear from people in the farming and agricultural arena who have been successful using Instagram, including Kasey Crispin from Prema Farm and Natalie Andelin from Andelin Family Farm.

Balancing farm operations, training staff and maintaining records can be a challenge with emerging food safety concerns and regulations. This session will touch upon primary contributors to contamination on a produce farm. Resources will be shared geared at helping facilities implement a produce safety plan, including methods for enhancing skills to provide education to employees.

2019 CONFERENCE SCHEDULESATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16

2019 CONFERENCESPEAKER BIOS

NATALIE ANDELIN, ANDELIN FAMILY FARMNatalie Andelin grew up in the suburbs of Salt Lake City and married Cameron Andelin, who was raised in Sparks. They started Andelin Family Farm, business grew, and eventually, Cameron quit his accounting job to become a full-time farmer. They grow pumpkins, corn, other vegetables, and raise animals for beef, pork, lamb, and eggs. Their biggest profits come from their fall festival and Baby Animal Days event in April. They also host school field trips, birthday parties, weddings and a kids’ summer farm camp.

CATHARINE ANDERSON, USDA RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCYCatharine has worked as a Risk Management Specialist for the USDA-Risk Management Agency (RMA) since 2005, after graduating from the University of California-Davis with a bachelor’s in Biotechnology and a master’s in geography/GIS. The regional programs she maintains are Whole Farms Revenue, Mint, Forage Production, Small Grains, Pecans, and Forage Seeding. Besides working for RMA, Catharine is a professional seamstress. For the past 25 years, she has taught children and adults how to sew at her sewing school in Suisun City, CA.

2019 CONFERENCESPEAKER BIOS

CHRIS BERNAU, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICEChris Bernau is the Great Basin Plant Materials Center (PMC) Manager for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). He joined the NRCS in January 2016 as the rangeland management specialist. Prior to joining the NRCS, Chris was a research specialist for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, where, he was primarily involved in monitoring vegetation response after an assortment of treatments such as mechanically removing trees, seedings, grazing strategies, and herbicide applications.

ZACH CANNADY AND KASEY CRISPIN, PREMA FARMZach Cannady is the owner of Prema Farm, a certified organic, no-till, 1.5-acre farm located in Long Valley. Prema provides year-round yields, thanks to Zach’s passion for soil ecology, regenerative agriculture, producing a resilient food system and supporting natural carbon sequestration, water conservation, and wildlife preservation. Offering diverse, high-quality products, Prema grows without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers. Zach and his wife, Kasey Crispin, recently started the region's only year-round farmers’ market. Prema’s produce sells through a CSA, local farmers’ markets, the co-op, and restaurants.

JAKE DICK, NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (NDA)Jake Dick works at the NDA with the produce safety program to help prepare Nevada producers for upcoming Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements. He also works with the drought initiative project and issues producer and vendor certificates for produce, eggs and honey. Jake is also currently working with NDA’s regulation of the hemp industry. He previously worked in the NDA’s noxious weed program working with landowners to identify and control noxious weeds. His background is in conservation, working with the Nevada and Utah conservation corps and vegetation monitoring.

MOZART FONSECA, UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO (UNR)Dr. Mozart Fonseca is the assistant professor of beef cattle production and applied modeling for the University of Nevada, Reno. He holds a Bachelor of Science in agronomy engineering, Master of Science, and a Ph.D. and postdoctoral degree in animal science with focus in mathematical nutrition modeling. The main objectives of his research programs are the description and characterization of feeds, estimation of nutrients supplied by feeds and required by animals, and predictions of nutrient requirements especially those related to water consumption by livestock. He will provide tools for the decision-making processes optimizing feeding systems, production efficiency, and profitability of animal production systems.

TOM HARRIS, UNRDr. Tom Harris is a foundation professor in the UNR Department of Economics in the College of Business, a state extension specialist in Community and Economic Development at UNCE, and the director of the University Center for Economic Development at UNR. He has been at UNR since 1981 after receiving his doctorate in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University. His primary areas are agricultural policy, rural economic development, economic impact modeling, and local government finance.

ADRIANA MARIN-HERRERA, NDAAdriana Marin-Herrera has a bachelor’s in biology, minor in Spanish and master’s in secondary education from UNR, where she researched under supervision of Dr. Chandra. She has worked for the County Agricultural Commissioners in Monterey and Nevada Counties in California, educated farms in organic standards, and applies food safety practices in managing a restaurant. She works on NDA’s Produce Safety, Specialty Crop Grant, and Producer Certificate programs.

JEFF HIGLEY, OSHALA FARMJeff Higley has been involved in farming since 1995, including farming vegetables in southern California for CSAs, farmer's markets, and restaurants; farming vanilla, kava, fruit, flowers, and vegetables in Fiji for wholesale, resorts, and markets; and now farms with his wife Elise at their Applegate Valley, Oregon farm. In 2013, Jeff and Elise began Oshala Farm on 113 acres. They grow more than 70 different medicinal and culinary herbs, which they sell to wholesale and direct markets.

PAWL HOLLIS, RAIL CITY GARDEN CENTERPawl Hollis was raised in Bishop, California, and attended Bishop High School. He grew up packing mules into the wilderness up and down the Sierra Nevada Mountains. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno, and graduated in 1979 from the College of Agriculture. In his early career, he taught vocational education for Washoe County School District. Pawl opened Rail City Garden Center in 1996 and has been in the business of live plants since.

BEN HORNER, H & M INDUSTRIESBen Horner, with H & M Industries LLC, manufactures full spectrum CBD oil, distillate, live resin and isolate. H & M Industries LLC has more than 15 years of experience in related manufacturing fields and offers bulk hemp extraction services to farmers and business owners in Nevada.

DENNIS JAMASON, JAMASON FARMSDennis Jamason started growing garlic on a half-acre in 2004 when he planted 5,300 plants of 26 varieties. His production peaked in 2010 with 16,000 plants. Since then, his certified organic operation has specialized in nine varieties. He sells garlic to the co-op and restaurants in Reno and Truckee.

ASHLEY JEPPSON, NDAAshley Jeppson earned her bachelor’s in rangeland management and animal science from UNR. She started with the NDA in 2010 and has worked in various programs. She currently oversees the Produce Safety Education and Regulatory program, in addition to Hemp, Good Agricultural Practices, and Specialty Crop Block Grant programs.

GEORGE KLEEB, GREAT BASIN COLLEGE George Kleeb is a management and marketing instructor at Great Basin College (GBC) and manages the GBC hoop house. He came from 28 years in the banking industry, where he was a small town commercial and agricultural banker. George was raised on a farm/ranch near Broken Bow, Nebraska. He and his wife Deena continue to have ownership interests in their family operations. George also works with the Nevada Small Business Development Center helping people open their own small business and helping existing businesses face challenges.

ED KLEINER, COMSTOCK SEEDFollowing an arts degree at UNR, Ed Kleiner began his seed business 32 years ago. Ed has worked in most sectors of the reclamation industry from traditional mining ventures to solar projects. For the last 18 years he applied his experience to developing his 43-acre seed farm in Gardnerville, Nevada. Today, Comstock Seed is focused on locally sourced seed collections for their client base in the Sierra Nevadas, Mojave Desert, and Great Basin.

JIM KOMAR, NRCSJim Komar has dedicated nearly 30 years to providing soil, wetland, and watershed assistance to private landowners and those who assist them in making our beautiful western lands more productive. Jim’s current position as state soil scientist for USDA NRCS in Nevada allows him to practice his passion for soil-building and healthy soils. Jim has spoken on soil quality and health nationally and is a contributor to a NRCS national technical team, building a nation-wide strategy for cataloging soil properties that connect function to health.

2019 CONFERENCESPEAKER BIOS

DYLAN KOSMA, UNRDylan Kosma is a native of southern Illinois. He grew up surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest and the corn belt. He received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in plant biology from Southern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in horticulture from Purdue University. His current research focuses on potato post-harvest storage issues.

HEIDI KRATCSH, UNCEHeidi Kratsch is a horticulture specialist for UNCE with a Ph.D. is in horticulture and plant physiology from Iowa State University. She is American Society for Horticultural Science Certified and has spent 14 years investigating plant response to changes in controlled-environments. She has a passion for helping people understand how plants respond to their environment and how environments can be manipulated to direct growth and performance.

RICK LATTIN, LATTIN FARMSRick Lattin is co-owner of Lattin Farms, a five-generation family farm in Fallon. He sells at farmers markets and retail outlets, operates an on-farm roadside stand and commercial bakery. Rick is a small business development counselor for Churchill Economic Development Authority and founder of NevadaGrown.

IVORY LYLES, UNCEIvory W. Lyles became the director of UNCE and associate dean for engagement in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources at UNR in November 2017. Ivory came to UNR from Alcorn State University in Mississippi, where he was a professor in the Department of Agriculture and dean and director of Land-Grant Programs. Prior, he was director of Cooperative Extension Service and associate vice president of agriculture at the University of Arkansas - Little Rock.

LINDA MARRONE, CARSON FARMERS MARKETLinda Marrone is a longtime supporter of farmers markets and past manager of the Carson City Farmers Market for 11 years. She has been writing a food column for the Nevada Appeal since 2002 and has taught numerous cooking and canning classes throughout the years. She loves to cook and enjoys baking and canning with fresh produce from farmers markets. She retired this past year and looks forward to enjoying some free time this summer to spend leisurely doing whatever suits her fancy.

FELIPE BARRIOS MASIAS, UNRFelipe Barrios Masias obtained his Ph.D. in horticulture and agronomy from the University of California, Davis. His background is in agroecology with a focus on cultivar trait performance, crop development, water use, and ecosystem functions. He has experience ranging from small-holder, low-input agriculture in Perú to mechanized, high-input agriculture in California. His work focuses on understanding how plant traits contribute to crop performance, yield, and water efficiency.

RODNEY MEHRING, BLUE LIZARD FARMRodney Mehring has 25 years of beekeeping and small business experience. He has been farming greens and other vegetables using season extension and intensive rotation since 2010. Currently Rodney is growing hemp for CBD extraction.

2019 CONFERENCESPEAKER BIOS

AMILTON DE MELLO, UNRDr. Amilton de Mello is the Meat Science and Food Safety program leader at UNR. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary degree from the University of Marilia and his master’s in animal products technology from Sao Paulo State University. In 2010, Dr. de Mello earned his Ph.D. in meat science and muscle biology from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Dr. de Mello also worked for JBS, the largest beef processor in the world. His research approaches all steps of meat production.

MITIKU ASFAW MENGISTU, UNRMitiku Asfaw Mengistu obtained his bachelor’s in plant sciences and his master’s in applied genetics from Alemaya and Addis Ababa Universities, respectively, in Ethiopia. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology at UNR. His current project focuses on improving teff by using cutting-edge biotechnological approaches.

SOLOMON MEYER, BASIN AND RANGE ORGANICSSolomon Meyer grew up on an organic produce and livestock operation in Pennsylvania. After he sold his operation to a larger company in 2014, Solomon went to work for the organic farmers cooperative in the surrounding area, helping others with their organic certification and marketing needs. As the certification program administrator for Basin and Range Organics, he is proud to continue that effort here in Nevada. He splits time between Reno and his farm in Ohio.

JILL MOE, DESERT FARMING INITIATIVE (DFI)Jill Moe is the Education Program coordinator at DFI, where she develops and implements the sustainable agriculture and food safety programs. She has a master’s degree in environmental policy and a master certificate in sustainable agriculture from the University of Washington. She became interested in dryland farming as a Peace Corps agroforestry volunteer in West Africa. Jill has 15 years experience and is certified to provide Produce Safety Alliance trainings for Nevada growers. ALBERT MULDER, NRCSAlbert Mulder was born and raised in California to parents who owned and operated 20 acres of greenhouses where cut flowers were grown. After high school he attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where he studied agriculture engineering, welding technology, and crop science. After college, he bought a 960-acre hay farm in Diamond Valley, Nevada, growing alfalfa and timothy hay. In 2002, he started to work for NRCS and now is the state agronomist for NRCS Nevada.

NANCY & MATT OGAN, OGAN FAMILY FARM The Ogans have been raising poultry in Wellington, Nevada for more than 20 years. They have a laying flock for eggs, quick-growing Cornish rocks broilers, slow-growing freedom ranger meat birds, heritage turkeys, and double-breasted turkeys.

RANDY ROBISON, PLAN B RANCHAfter Randy Robison retired from the Reno fire service, he started a local bike shop. He sold that and became a full-time farmer, and during that time he has been raising poultry in Reno-Sparks for 40 years. He and his wife Debbi sell 1,500 chickens a year, as well other livestock, from their farm in Golden Valley.

2019 CONFERENCESPEAKER BIOS

PATRICIA FERREIRA DOS SANTOS, UNRPatricia Santos was born in Portugal. She received her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in applied plant biology from the University of Lisbon and a Ph.D. in molecular plant microbe interactions from Madeira University. She did a postdoc in Sweden on plant symbiosis and at Michigan State University on molecular plant defenses. She is currently interested in carrot diseases and antimicrobial compounds.

CHARLES SCHEMBRE, DFICharles Schembre is the program manager for UNR’s DFI. Schembre recently came from California, working for 13 years in the agricultural and natural resource conservation fields. Schembre has also managed diversified vegetable farms and commercial vineyards. Prior, he worked for the Napa County Resource Conservation District developing conservation plans for growers, conducting irrigation efficiency evaluations and soil health assessments, and providing erosion control assistance. He received his bachelor’s degree in earth and soil science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and is a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC).

BRENDA SMITH, SMITH & SMITH FARMSBrenda Smith has conducted invasive plant and weed science research, taught college courses in weed science, and has weeded plenty of rows of flowers over the years. She began a family farm in northern Nevada and direct marketed produce and cut flowers for 12 years. She continues to grow flowers in southeast Oregon and is interested in providing growers an ecological framework from which to manage weeds.

JUAN SOLOMON, UNRJuan Solomon received his master’s degree and Ph.D. in agronomy from Mississippi State University, focusing on forage crops utilization and management. He also has a minor in animal nutrition. His research focuses on understanding and unraveling the intricacies associated with grassland ecology, management, and utilization; developing and promoting sustainable pastoral-based feeding systems for ruminant livestock production with emphasis on grazing management, systems, and forage quality evaluations; and screening forage crops for key adaptive traits, namely drought tolerance and water use efficiency for both improved and native forages in semiarid conditions.

RALPH THURSTON & JERIANN SABIN, DEADHEAD CUTFLOWERS/BINDWEED FARMFor more than two decades Ralph Thurston and Jeriann Sabin, operating as Bindweed Farm, grew four acres of cut-flowers for fresh sales to the Jackson Hole and Sun Valley resort areas of Wyoming and Idaho, before selling the farm and semi-retiring in 2018. Fighting a short growing season in rural southeast Idaho, they managed to make a good living providing product to independent grocers and high-end designers. Now they conduct workshops for small flower growers with the intention of keeping alive lost or hard-to-find cut species for the trade.

RUSS WILHELM, NDARuss Wilhelm obtained degrees in international affairs and environmental science fom UNR. After graduation, he began working for the NDA as an agricultural inspector, focusing on weed surveys and crop inspections. In January 2014 Russ was hired to manage the seed program for the state, where he has supported the native seed industry.

ALEX WOODLEY, CITY OF RENOAlex Woodley has a long history of public service. After serving as a Sergeant in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, he pursued a degree in geography with an emphasis in urban development from the University of Nevada, Reno. Upon graduating, he served as a code enforcement officer with South Lake Tahoe for seven years. For the last 15 years he has worked for the City of Reno, enforcing local, state, and federal laws with Reno Police, Fire, Building, Health and Animal Control agencies.

KAITLIN YOUNG, THE GATTUSO COALITIONKaitlin thrives on challenge. Having painted the state as a travel destination for the globe at TravelNevada, maintained grace under political pressure at the Bureau of Land Management, and brainstormed ways to help DRI and Renown Health bolster participation in its Healthy Nevada project, Kaitlin excels at every challenge she's attempted. She applies creativity, savvy and expertise to client scenarios to take advantage of missed opportunities and creates new ones.

2019 CONFERENCESPEAKER BIOS

THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 SPONSORS!

Thank you to the 2019 Nevada Farms Conference planning committee

Audrey Blondfield, Nevada Department of AgricultureTammy Dial, USDA Farm Service Agency

Heather Emmons, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Carolyn Estrada, USDA Farm Service AgencyPatricia Ferreira-Santos, University of Nevada, Reno

Holly Gratzke, Univeristy of Nevada Cooperative Extension

Rob and Loni Holley, Holley Family FarmsAshley Jeppson, Nevada Department of Agriculture

Kelli Kelly, Fallon Food HubMichelle Kelly, USDA Rural Development

Rick, Lattin, Lattin Family FarmsAnn Louhela, Western Nevada College

Specialty Crop InstituteDiego Lozada, Nevada Department of Agriculture

Adriana Marin-HerreraNevada Department of Agriculture

Jennifer Ott, Nevada Department of Agriculture Mark Williams, USDA Rural Development

NDA

GOLD SPONSORS

TOTE BAG SPONSOR SILVER SPONSORSJohnny’s Selected Seeds

Nature Safe Organic FertilizersStanislaus Farm Supply Rail City Garden Center

Whole Foods Market Toro

SUPPORTING SPONSORSAndelin Family Farm • Linda Marrone • Renner Equipment Company • Rincon-Vitova Insectaries, Inc.