NEVADA
Small Farm Conference
We’re growing things here!
February 3-4, 2017
Nugget Casino Resort
1100 Nugget Avenue, Sparks, Nevada
NevadaFarmConference.com
Thank you, 2017 Conference Sponsors!
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Western Nevada College
SPECIALTY
CROP
INSTITUTE
GOLD SPONSOR
Friday Night Mixer Sponsor
Pacific Grading Service
Silver Sponsors
American AgCredit
Nevada Department of Agriculture
NevadaGrown
Rail City Garden Center
Silver State Stainless
Stanislaus Farm Supply
Toro
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Whole Foods Market
Supporting Sponsors
Andelin Family Farm
Lazy P Farm
Rincon-Vitova Insectaries, Inc.
2017 CONFERENCE SCH ED ULE
Friday, February 3
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
R E G I S T R AT I O N / C H E C K - I N
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
EXHIBITOR BOOTHS OPEN
9:00 AM to 9:30 AM
OPENING SESSION
INTENSIVE WORKSHOPS
PAVILION A
Managing Those Pesky
Insects
Speaker: Carol Sutherland,
New Mexico State University
Cooperative Extension/
New Mexico Department of
Agriculture
If you plant it, they will
come. Dr. Sutherland will
poke her proboscis into the
farm field of dreams and
explore the insect pests
lurking there. She will discuss
identification, ecology and
management for common
high desert pests.
PAVILION B
Building Soil Foundations
Speaker: Steve Moore,
Elon University
Healthy soil is the foundation
of a healthy farm. Learn the
basics of building a healthy
soil. Included will be soil
building practices such as
the use of compost, cover
cropping and crop rotation.
Salinity monitoring and its
importance will be discussed.
9:45 AM - NOON
PAVILION C
Holistic Land Management
& Planned Grazing
Speaker: Spencer Smith,
Jefferson Center for Holistic
Management
Learn how regenerative
agriculture works for both
large and small farms. The
speaker will discuss the
differences between holistic
planned grazing and rotational
grazing and benefits vs.
costs. Topics will also include
range and crop planning,
financial planning and why
regenerative agriculture
deserves to be considered.
PAVILION D
Beginning Farmer Workshop
Speakers: Rex Dufour, ATTRA;
David Hillis, Turnipseed
Engineering; Carolyn Estrada,
USDA Farm Service Agency
Setting up a new farm can
be overwhelming, including
how to acquire land and
equipment, obtaining
funding, and water laws and
ordinances. The list goes on.
These industry experts will
help you navigate the maze
and direct you to resources
to get a healthy start on your
farming enterprise.
NOON- 1:30 PM
Luncheon and Keynote Speaker Steve Moore, Elon University
As a farmer and researcher, Steve Moore has traveled the world working with growers
from all walks of life. Steve shares some of his most memorable experiences while he was
working in the Russian dachas almost a decade ago.
Friday, February 3
CONFERENCE SESSIONS 1:30 to 3:00 PM
PAVILION A
PAVILION B
Pasture Stand Establishment Animal Diseases
Speakers: Juan Solomon,
University of Nevada, Reno;
Ed Kleiner, Comstock Seed
Resident forage expert Dr.
Solomon will teach the
basics of establishing a
healthy pasture. Combining
his expertise with local, native
seed expert Ed Kleiner, the duo
will help answer questions
you have concerning your
field of dreams.
Speaker: Mike Teglas,
University of Nevada, Reno
University veterinarian
Dr. Teglas will provide an
overview of notable diseases
of cattle and sheep, including
identification, prevention, and
treatment strategies.
PAVILION C
Nevada Climate:
How to Find, Interpret and
Use Weather Data
Speaker: Stephanie McAfee,
University of Nevada, Reno
Weather data is available
from multiple sources, and
knowing how to use the data
is key to making wise farming
decisions. Nevada’s Deputy
State Climatologist Dr. McAfee
will demonstrate how to find
the latest weather data and
how to apply the information
to farming.
CONFERENCE SESSIONS
PAVILION D
Photography for Social Media
Speaker: David Calvert,
Calvert Photography
A picture is worth a thousand
words, and you need your
pictures to stand out in social
media. Learn how to plan and
compose images, use simple
lighting techniques and other
tricks of the trade from this
accomplished photographer.
3:30 - 5:00 PM
PAVILION A
Nevada Melons:
History & Future
PAVILION B
Specialty Lamb & Fiber
Production
PAVILION C
Using Weather Data to
Determine Pest Emergence
PAVILION D
What’s New in Nevada
Research?
Speakers: Rick Lattin,
Lattin Farms; Jennifer
Ott, UNR Desert Farming
Initiative; Bryce Omer,
Meadow Valley CSA Farm
Nevada is developing a
regional reputation for tasty,
high quality melons. Learn
more about production, the
history and future plans for
Nevada’s melon industry.
Speaker: Dan Macon,
Flying Mule Farm
Learn from rancher Dan Macon
as he relates his experiences
pasturing sheep in the California
foothills. Dan will discuss small
flock management techniques
as well as sales markets and
marketing strategies.
Speaker: Jeff Knight,
Nevada Department of
Agriculture
State Entomologist Jeff
Knight will walk you through
a bug’s life and show you
how to use weather data
combined with simple math
to improve integrated pest
management on your farm.
Speakers: Chris Bernau,
USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service; Jay
Davison, University of Nevada
Cooperative Extension; Felipe
Barrios & Sonia Heckler,
University of Nevada, Reno
Local researchers will
discuss their ongoing work,
updating farmers and
ranchers on current projects
and trials. Learn the latest
developments, and discover
the potential for farmerresearcher collaboration.
F R I D AY N I G H T M I X E R , 6 : 0 0 - 8 : 3 0 P M - N o t h i n g To I t C u l i n a r y C e n t e r
Mix and mingle at Nothing To It Culinary Center, 225 Crummer Lane,
and enjoy local food bites, local spirits and great company!
Proceeds from the mixer are used to underwrite conference costs.
A big thank you to our Friday Night Mixer sponsor!
Saturday, February 4
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
R E G I S T R AT I O N / C H E C K - I N
LUNCH 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
9:00 - 10:30 AM
PAVILION A
Herbs: A Small Scale
Production Alternative
PAVILION B
Basic and Emergency
Animal Care for Small Farms
Speaker: Bill Mewaldt,
Mewaldt Organics
Join a local grower as he
shares his decades of
knowledge growing herbs for
commercial sales. Bill will also
discuss the nuts and bolts of
starting herb nursery plants.
Speaker: Samia Macon,
Flying Mule Farm
A veterinarian with lots of
on-farm experience will
discuss animal care on the
small farm. Topics include
working with a veterinarian,
critical equipment and
supplies, and care and
prevention strategies for
poultry, ruminants and
working dogs.
PAVILION C
Land to Market Program
Speaker: Spencer Smith,
Jefferson Center for
Holistic Management
Introducing a new
data-based program
that verifies farmers
and ranchers who use
practices to regenerate
the soil. The program
allows producers to
connect with buyers who
support regenerative
agriculture and invest in
farms that use sustainable
practices.
PAVILION D
Key Elements of a
Business Plan
Speakers: Jake Carrico
& Alex Soeth, NSBDC;
Catharine Anderson, USDA
Risk Management Agency
Business counselors from the
Nevada SBDC will discuss the
key elements to a business
plan to ensure a successful
new business venture or farm
expansion. Topics will include
how to organize information
and find resources to plan for a
profitable farm or cottage foods
enterprise. The session includes
information on risk management
and crop insurance.
11:00AM - 12:30 PM
PAVILION A
Seeds: What’s New for
Farmers?
Speaker: Rebecca Morse,
Osborne Seed Company
Discover from a seed
company insider and
Washington farmer the latest
offerings for next spring.
Learn more about new trends
in the seed and specialty crop
industry.
PAVILION B
Labeling for the
Conscientious Consumer
and Producer
PAVILION C
Food Safety Modernization
Act:
What You Need to Know
Speaker: Amanda Hull,
Animal Welfare Approved
Join Amanda for a
discussion on labeling,
animal welfare standards
and free resources available
through Animal Welfare
Approved. She will take you
through the maze of many
of the common food labels
to learn what they really
mean (or don’t mean).
Speakers: Ashley Jeppson,
Nevada Department of
Agriculture; Jennifer Ott, UNR
Desert Farming Initiative
The FDA released the final
rules for the Food Safety
Modernization Act Produce
Safety Rule in January 2016,
established to regulate
growing and handling
practices to ensure that
food borne illness will be
minimalized. Local experts will
provide an overview of what
to expect from the regulations,
who will be required to
comply, and how local growers
can get assistance.
PAVILION D
Value Added Production
Speakers: Holly Gatzke,
University of Nevada
Cooperative Extension;
Mark Williams, USDA Rural
Development
Learn how the new Nevada
Craft Food Law allows for
the sale of pickled products
made at home. Discover
how to add value to
your produce by cutting,
packaging or freezing
into convenient products.
Learn how the value-added
producer grant can be used
to increase farm sales.
2:00 - 3:30 PM
PAVILION A
Breathe Garlic with
Local Experts
PAVILION B
Agritourism –
A Little Can be a Lot
PAVILION C
Off Season Production in
Hoop Houses
PAVILION D
Processing & Co-packing
Value-added Products
Speakers: Bill Mewaldt,
Mewaldt Organics; Dennis
Jamason, Jamason Farms
Join these garlic gurus
for a garlic-breathtaking
session. They will share their
experiences growing garlic
and seed garlic, enlighten
you on the pros and cons of
growing hard neck vs. soft
neck garlic, and discuss how
scapes can be a viable market.
Speakers: Holly George,
University of California
Cooperative Extension;
Tom Renner, Renner Farm;
Delane Pennington,
The Apple Basket
Learn the nuts and bolts
of starting a small-scale
agritourism operation on your
farm. Listen to the stories
of two local farmers who
reap the benefits of inviting
customers to their farms
without having to “go big”.
Speakers: Steve Moore,
Elon University; Albert Mulder,
USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Speaker: Tim Sullivan, Sage
Food Group
Increase sales by creating a
unique product from your farm.
Learn about co-packers, what
they are, how they work, and
why you should consider using
a co-packer. Bring your food
business questions for answers
from an industry expert.
Strawberries in November, leafy
greens in February. Providing
fresh produce in the winter
months can extend the sales
season and garner higher prices.
Learn some of the techniques,
rewards and challenges of
growing off-season in hoop
houses, and learn about the
NRCS High Tunnel Program.
2017 CONFERENCE EXH I BI TORS
Be sure to visit our conference exhibitors, and enter the Exhibitor Raffles for a chance to win
fabulous prizes that will be awarded at the conclusion of the conference on Saturday.
You must be present to win.
 A+ Services
 American AgCredit  Animal Welfare Approved
 ATTRA/NCET  Country Financial  Full Circle Soils & Compost
 Jefferson Center for Holistic Management  Nevada Department of Agriculture
 Nevada Agricultural Foundation  Nevada FFA  NevadaGrown
 Osborne Seed Company
 Toro
 Rail City Garden Center  Stanislaus Farm Supply
 Turnipseed Engineering
 University of Nevada, Reno - College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources
 University of Nevada Cooperative Extension  USDA Farm Service Agency
 USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service  USDA Risk Management Agency
 USDA Rural Development
 WNC Specialty Crop Institute
2017 NEVADA SMALL FARM CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
Catharine Anderson, USDA-Risk Management Agency, Davis, CA
Catharine has worked as a Risk Management Specialist for the USDA-Risk Management Agency since 2005, after graduating
from the University of California-Davis with a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and a master’s degree in Geography/GIS.
The regional programs that she maintains are Whole Farms Revenue, Mint, Forage Production, Small Grains, and 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.
Jim Barbee, Nevada Department of Agriculture, Sparks, NV
Jim received his appointment as the Director of the Department of Agriculture in 2011. He has worked on policy issues with both
the Nevada State Board of Education and the Nevada Legislature. Barbee has served on the National FFA Board of Directors and
Foundation Board of Trustees. Jim has a Master of Agriculture Science, Agriculture Education from Cal Poly SLO and a Bachelor of
Science in Animal Science from CSU Chico. He is a graduate of Douglas High School in Minden, Nevada.
Felipe Barrios Masias, University of Nevada, Reno
Felipe Barrios Masias obtained his PhD in the Horticulture and Agronomy Program from the University of California, Davis. His
background is in agroecology with a strong focus on cultivar trait performance, crop development, water use and ecosystem
functions. He has experience working in different cropping systems from small-holder, low-input agriculture in Peru to
mechanized, high-input agriculture in California. His work focuses on understanding how a suite of plant traits can contribute to
enhancing crop performance, and increasing yield and water use efficiency.
Chris Bernau, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Fallon, NV
Christopher Bernau is the Great Basin Plant Materials Center (PMC) Manager for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
He joined the NRCS in January 2016 as the Rangeland Management Specialist. Prior to joining the NRCS, Chris was a Research
Specialist for Extension at the University of Arizona. As an Extension agent, he was primarily involved in monitoring vegetation
response after an assortment of treatments such as mechanically removing trees, seedings, grazing strategies, and herbicide
applications.
David Calvert, Calvert Photography, Reno, NV
David Calvert is a visual storyteller specializing in corporate and editorial photojournalism. His clients include The New York Times,
USA Today, Bloomberg News and Reno Magazine. David is a part-time instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno, and at Western
Nevada College. He has an extensive portfolio in food and drink and outdoors Nevada, including local farms. David is team
photographer for the Reno Aces, plays slow-pitch softball, and someday hopes to throw a knuckleball.
Jake Carrico, Nevada Small Business Development Center, Carson City, NV
Jake Carrico is an MBA student in the University of Nevada, Reno’s College of Business. He is also a graduate assistant and business
development adviser at the Nevada Small Business Development Center.
Carolyn Estrada, USDA Farm Service Agency, Reno, NV
Carolyn Estrada is the state outreach coordinator for the USDA Farm Service Agency.
Jay Davison, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Fallon, NV
Jay Davison is a Plant Soil Specialist for University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. His major interests are livestock grazing
as an environmental management tool, evaluating low water use, high-value alternative crops suitable for producers, invasive
weed control, and forage production/harvest strategies. Jay is well known and respected in the agricultural community for his
dedication to helping Nevada’s farmers.
Rex Dufour, ATTRA, Davis, CA
Rex Dufour has been with ATTRA since 1994 and opened the California office in Davis in 2001. The focus of his work is writing
about and training agriculture professionals on organic practices and certification, ecological pest management, ecological soil
management, and farmscaping. Rex is responsible for developing NCAT/ATTRA’s Ecological Pest Management Database and
several other publications related to organic production. He is also registered with NRCS as an Organic Technical Service Provider
in California and Nevada.
Holly Gatzke, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Caliente, NV
Holly is Cooperative Extension educator for Lincoln County. Her areas of interest are developing programs for diversifying
agriculture production in Lincoln County, servicing premium niche markets in Las Vegas, and working on economic and
community development in Lincoln County. Holly has helped educate farmers on hoop house production and season extension
practices. She is actively involved in expanding value-added processing for Nevada’s producers.
Holly George, University of California Cooperative Extension (emeritus), Quincy, CA
Holly has worked with agricultural producers and community members for economic, environmental and social vitality for over
30 years. She co-authored Agritourism and Nature Tourism in California, a user-friendly workbook that has been used extensively
across the nation. Holly is an active member of the National Extension Tourism Team. She is a fiber artist, woodworker, outdoor
enthusiast and community network weaver excited to share her agtourism experiences.
Sonia Heckler, University of Nevada, Reno
Sonia Heckler is a masters student in Geography studying agriculture. Her main research interests include applied science,
science communication and agriculture technologies. Currently, her research focuses on how high tunnels impact the climate
and crop growth in Northern Nevada. She is using data from weather stations, measures of crop growth and interviews to gain
a better understanding of how high tunnels function in a high desert environment. Sonia received her Bachelor of Science in
Environmental Science with a minor in Geography from University of Nevada, Reno in 2015.
David Hillis, Turnipseed Engineering LTD, Carson City, NV
David obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. His professional
career has focused on Nevada water rights and water resources. He is the principal engineer at Turnipseed Engineering, LTD. and
has assisted farmers, ranchers, golf courses, commercial businesses, and municipalities with water right issues.
Amanda Hull, Animal Welfare Approved, Tucson, AZ
Amanda was born and raised in Indiana, but has extensive work experience in the Westand and is currently based in Tucson,
Arizona, as Farmer and Market Outreach Coordinator for Animal Welfare Approved. She has followed her passion for sustainable
agriculture since graduating from Purdue University in 2009, managing small, diverse vegetable operations in Washington and
Alaska and working in livestock management in California. She is particularly interested in supporting the creation of profitable,
cooperative relationships for farmers, as well as promoting high-quality animal products as part of a healthy diet.
Dennis Jamason, Jamason Farms, Battle Mountain, NV
Dennis Jamason started growing garlic on a half acre in 2004 when he planted 5,300 plants in 26 varieties. His production peaked
in 2010 with 16,000 plants. Since then, his certified organic operation has whittled down to nine varieties. He sells his garlic to the
Great Basin Community Food Co-op, as well as several restaurants in the Reno and Truckee areas.
Ashley Jeppson, Nevada Department of Agriculture, Sparks, NV
Program Officer for the Nevada Department of Agriculture, Ashley received a bachelor’s degree in Rangeland Management and
Animal Science from the University of Nevada, Reno. Ashley started with the NDA in 2010 as an Agriculture Inspector and is
currently working with various programs including the Farm to School Grant, Good Agriculture Practices, Specialty Crop Block
Grant Program, and Federal to State Marketing Improvement Program.
Ed Kleiner, Comstock Seed, Gardnerville, NV
Ed has been providing seed and consultation services for more than 25 years. He is an experienced educator, farmer and business
owner, and spends much of his time developing his 43-acre seed farm in Gardnerville.
Jeff Knight, Nevada Department of Agriculture, Sparks, NV
Jeff received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada in Pest Management followed by a master’s degree in Entomology
from Utah State University. He has worked at NDA since 1985 and is currently the State Entomologist. Through the NDA, Jeff
identifies insects and provides recommendations for general insect and other pest issues. He conducts and coordinates surveys
for pests of quarantine significance and native insects of Nevada. Jeff also coordinates the release of bio-control agents for weed
and insect pests.
Rick Lattin, Lattin Farms, Fallon, NV
Rick 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, and is owner of Great Basin Basket, a 200-member CSA. Rick is a
small business development counselor for Churchill Economic Development Authority and founder of NevadaGrown, a nonprofit
Nevada corporation working on behalf of Nevada farmers.
Dan Macon, Flying Mule Farm, Auburn, CA
Dan and his wife Samia Macon established Flying Mule Farm in Auburn, California, in 2001. In addition to producing grass-fed
lamb, the farm focuses on public and producer education, and the demonstration of grass-based production practices. Dan has
established a genetic base that includes crossbred “mule” sheep and purebred Shropshires that thrive in a low-input, grass-based
production system. He previously served as executive director of the Nevada County Land Trust and the California Rangeland
Trust. Dan is a graduate of the University of California, Davis.
Samia Macon, Flying Mule Farm, Auburn, CA
Dr. Samia Macon owns a mobile large animal practice in the Placer County foothills near Auburn. Her practice includes horses,
small ruminants and beef cattle. A 1994 graduate of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Macon also has practical
experience raising sheep, goats, horses and mules. She lives in Auburn with her daughters Lara and Emma and her husband Dan.
Stephanie McAfee, University of Nevada, Reno
Stephanie McAfee is an assistant professor of Geography at the University of Nevada, Reno, as well as the Deputy State Climatologist
for Nevada. She is interested in applying weather and climate data to answer natural resource and agriculture questions.
Bill Mewaldt, Mewaldt Organics, Fallon, NV
Bill holds a doctorate in biology and has been farming in Fallon, Nevada, since 1984, dedicating many years of farming in
order to demonstrate the sustainability of organic farming in Nevada. Mewaldt’s Organic Farm provides organic produce to
Fallon families, the Great Basin Food Cooperative, and upscale Reno restaurants.
Steve Moore, Elon University, Elon, NC
Steve is Professor of AgroEcology at Elon University in North Carolina, and is a specialist in use of energy in farming with GROW
BIOINTENSIVE and conventional practices. He operates the first Certified GB Mini-Ag Center/Soil Test Station to enhance our
knowledge of soil sustainability. He has created a bachelor’s degree program in Sustainable Food Systems with GB techniques at
its core and successfully established a cooperative agreement between the Peace Corps and Elon University resulting in a program
with a Peace Corps Prep Certification incorporating biointensive aspects.
Rebecca Morse, Osborne Seed Company
Originally from Chicago, it took Rebecca some years of exploration before finding her bliss on an organic farm in
Washington state. She began Jericho Farm in 1999, growing organic vegetables on one acre for CSA, local markets, and
restaurants, complimenting farming with winter work at Osborne Seed beginning in 2010. In 2014, when the role of
product development manager opened up, she decided to cease operations of her own farm, to pursue the opportunity to
support a large community of growers, sourcing and trialing new seed varieties. Her current role at Osborne is customer
support and sales.
Albert Mulder, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Reno, NV
Albert Mulder is the State Agronomist with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Among his priorities is helping
Nevada farmers build hoop houses with Farm Bill financial assistance.
Bryce Omer, Meadow Valley CSA, Moapa, NV
Bryce and Lyndy Omer moved to Moapa in 1981 with 2 young children. Seven more children blessed the family over the
next several years. With their three youngest children, and a new vision for their future, they relocated down the street, to
the 20-acre Farm in January 2009.
Jennifer Ott, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Jennifer received a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin and her master’s in Business from
the University of Nevada, Reno. After working in the California wine industry for 10 years, she participated in the planning
for the University’s Desert Farming Initiative and now manages the program.
Delane Pennington, Agape Organics, aka The Apple Basket, Washoe Valley, NV
Delane and her husband Al are owners of Agape Organics, aka The Apple Basket, the only commercial USDA certified organic
apple orchard in Northern Nevada. They manage a u-pick orchard with more than 200 trees along with a picnic area and gift
shop for visitors.
Tom Renner, Renner Farm, Smith Valley, NV
Tom is owner of Renner Farm where he grows alfalfa, specialty crops, lots of pumpkins and a corn maze. He runs a farm stand
in the summer with fresh produce, honey and cottage food jams and jellies made with local fruits. Tom opens his pumpkin
patch and corn maze every fall for local residents to enjoy. He is a former owner of Renner Equipment Company in Yerington.
Spencer Smith, Jefferson Center for Holistic Management, Fort Bidwell, CA
Spencer Smith is an accredited field professional and consultant for the Savory Institute and the Jefferson Center for Holistic
Management. The goal of both of these organizations is to educate and support producers in regenerative agriculture,
increasing production and profit from an improving resource base.
Alex Soeth, Nevada Small Business Development Center, Carson City, NV
Alex Soeth is an MBA student in the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business and serves as a business development
adviser at the Nevada Small Business Development Center.
Juan Solomon, University of Nevada, Reno
Juan received his master’s and PhD 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.
Tim Sullivan, Sage Food Group, Grass Valley, CA
Tim is president of Sage Food Group, a consulting firm for the specialty food industry. With more than 20 years’ experience,
Tim ran an FDA-inspected specialty food manufacturing plant. He understands the details of food manufacturing, branded
products, co-packing and private label. Sullivan’s speaking and consulting expertise is in demand, at the Whole Foods Local
Entrepreneur Summit in San Francisco, and for over ten years a speaker at the UC Davis “Getting Started in the Specialty
Foods Business” seminars.
Carol Sutherland, University of New Mexico Cooperative Extension/New Mexico Department of Agriculture
Dr. Sutherland is the Extension Entomologist at New Mexico State University and State Entomologist for New Mexico
Department of Agriculture. She identifies insects for farmers, ranchers, pest control operators, colleagues and the general
public. Carol makes presentations statewide for New Mexico’s farm groups, pesticide applicator workshops, master
gardener classes and other events. She also leads entomology activities with New Mexico’s Future Farmers of America and
4-H groups.
Mike Teglas, University of Nevada, Reno
Mike Teglas is an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, specializing in Animal Sciences and Veterinary
Medicine. Most of his efforts go into investigating the role of tick borne disease in cattle herds including identifying tick
species and the diseases they carry. He teaches courses in animal science, veterinary science and biology at the university.
Mark Williams, Rural Development, Carson City, NV
Mark is the Energy Coordinator for USDA Rural Development in Nevada where he is the primary contact for its energy
programs including the Rural Energy for America Program. He has worked for USDA for more than 25 years. Prior to coming
to Rural Developed in 2010, Mark worked for the Farm Service Agency where he made and serviced loans to family farmers
and ranchers. Mark is a graduate of the University of California Santa Barbara and Santa Clara University.
Thank you to the Planning Committee of the
2017 Nevada Small Farm Conference!
And a special thank you to Nevada Department of Agriculture and
Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute for providing staff
support to make this conference possible.
Western Nevada College
SPECIALTY
CROP
INSTITUTE
Tammy Dial, USDA Farm Service Agency
Heather Emmons, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Holly Gatzke, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Rob & Loni Holley, Holley Family Farms
Ashley Jeppson, Nevada Department of Agriculture
Rick Lattin, Lattin Family Farms
Ann Louhela, Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute
Diego Lozada, Nevada Department of Agriculture
Peggy McKie, Nevada Department of Agriculture (retired)
Jennifer Ott, Nevada Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno
Mark Williams, USDA Rural Development