Desert Farming Initiative

Desert Farming Initiative A Reno-based 5-acre organic certified farm connected to the University of Nevada, Reno.

Supporting small farm resilience through training, support, and education.

As National Salad Month comes to a close, we’re looking ahead to a season full of fresh and local flavor!Summer harvest ...
05/31/2026

As National Salad Month comes to a close, we’re looking ahead to a season full of fresh and local flavor!

Summer harvest is just around the corner, and with it comes crisp greens, vibrant veggies and refreshing produce grown right here at the University. From farm-fresh salads to seasonal favorites, there’s nothing better than produce picked at its peak.

This summer, shop local and support Nevada’s small farmers by visiting farm stands, farmers markets and local produce programs across the state. Every purchase helps strengthen local agriculture and keeps fresh food on our communities’ tables.

Here’s to a summer filled with fresh ingredients, healthy meals and supporting local agriculture!

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

Water is one of agriculture’s most valuable resources — and making informed irrigation decisions matters more than ever....
05/30/2026

Water is one of agriculture’s most valuable resources — and making informed irrigation decisions matters more than ever.

Join us Tuesday, June 2, at 1 p.m. PST on Zoom for a live conversation focused on practical irrigation management strategies, tools and resources for producers and agricultural professionals.

Farm Talk is a bi-weekly, interactive conversation by farmers, for farmers hosted by DFI’s Nevada Farm Network. Bring your questions, experiences and perspective to the table.

Join us live on Zoom using the link tree on our page. Can’t make it? All episodes are available to stream on Substack and Spotify the following day via the links in our bio.

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

Rain didn’t stop the connection—and it definitely didn’t stop the learning!Last week our Indigenous Food Sovereignty Pro...
05/28/2026

Rain didn’t stop the connection—and it definitely didn’t stop the learning!

Last week our Indigenous Food Sovereignty Program hosted a guided evening hike at Hunter’s Creek in collaboration with Trash Panda Permaculture and Nevada Urban Indians, highlighting edible and culturally significant plants along Northern Nevada trails.

Despite the weather, 16 attendees showed up ready to learn, connect and spend time on the land—and were rewarded with a stunning double rainbow.

Participants explored local plant identification, traditional ecological knowledge and the importance of food sovereignty through hands-on learning in the field. The event created space for connection to land, community and regional food systems in a meaningful way.

Thank you to everyone who joined and supported this event!

Learn more about our Indigenous Food Sovereignty Program: naes.unr.edu/dfi/food-sovereignty.aspx

University of Nevada, Reno | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources| Nevada Urban Indians, Inc. | Trash Panda Permaculture | | | | | | | |

This National Grape Day, we’re excited to highlight Lisa Stillings and the impactful work happening through our Nevada v...
05/28/2026

This National Grape Day, we’re excited to highlight Lisa Stillings and the impactful work happening through our Nevada viticulture research partnership.

Since 2021, we have partnered with the Nevada Grape Growers & Winemakers to support and strengthen Nevada’s growing wine grape industry. Building on more than 25 years of University wine grape trials, grower experience and regional viticulture expertise, this collaboration is helping advance the future of grape production in Nevada’s changing climate.

As Vineyard Research Coordinator, Lisa plays an important role in this work through vineyard research, grower support and industry collaboration. Current efforts focus on understanding commercial wine grape production potential in Nevada while addressing challenges such as frost protection, pests and disease management. The partnership also provides practical guidance for growers on site selection, vineyard monitoring and grape quality evaluation.

In addition to research, the collaboration hosts winemaking and tasting events that celebrate Nevada-grown grapes while supporting continued industry development and education.

We’re grateful for Lisa’s dedication to agricultural research, grower outreach and strengthening Nevada agriculture. Happy National Grape Day!

Learn more about our research projects: naes.unr.edu/dfi/research.aspx

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

Mental Health Awareness Month may be coming to a close, but the commitment to wellbeing in agriculture continues year-ro...
05/27/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month may be coming to a close, but the commitment to wellbeing in agriculture continues year-round.

Through the Nevada Farm Network (NFN), we’re working to strengthen agricultural communities by improving access to ag wellness resources and support. Our curated resource library highlights tools focused on mental health, stress management and the unique challenges faced in farming.

Beyond resources, NFN is also a space for connection—bringing people together to share experiences, build community and support one another across Nevada.

Explore the resources, stay connected and continue the conversation—because wellbeing in agriculture is a shared effort, every month of the year.

Learn more about NFN and explore our curated resource library: naes.unr.edu/farm-network/default.aspx

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

Learn how Agricultural Science student Charlotte King gained hands-on experience in greenhouse production, seedling mana...
05/25/2026

Learn how Agricultural Science student Charlotte King gained hands-on experience in greenhouse production, seedling management and plant health monitoring through her Plant Propagation and Nursery Management academic internship with us at the Desert Farming Initiative.

Charlotte has been part of DFI since summer 2025, starting on our farm crew, continuing as an intern in fall 2025 through the Organic Vegetable Production internship, and most recently completing her spring 2026 Plant Propagation and Nursery Management internship.

Read our newest blog post to learn more about how students are applying resilient growing practices to support successful crop production in Nevada while building valuable career skills: naes.unr.edu/dfi/blog-post.aspx?PubID=8478

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

Celebrating International Day for Biological Diversity at the Desert Farming Initiative!From pollinators and soil microb...
05/22/2026

Celebrating International Day for Biological Diversity at the Desert Farming Initiative!

From pollinators and soil microbes to cover crops and diverse plant varieties, biodiversity plays a vital role in building resilient agricultural systems in Nevada. At DFI, we’re committed to organic and sustainable farming practices that support healthy ecosystems, strengthen local food systems, and protect the natural resources we all depend on.

Every species has a role — and every action toward sustainability matters.

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

Students from the Environmental Pollution (NRES 210) course within the College got a behind-the-scenes look at how DFI i...
05/21/2026

Students from the Environmental Pollution (NRES 210) course within the College got a behind-the-scenes look at how DFI is putting sustainable and organic agriculture into action during a recent hands-on tour of the farm.

During the tour, students explored our hoop houses and learned about organic crop production, soil health, environmental stewardship and the challenges of farming in Northern Nevada. We also discussed how DFI works to support environmental sustainability through integrated pest management and innovative growing practices.

One topic of discussion focused on our plans to use mustard as a biofumigant crop to help reset some of our hoop houses and address lingering fungus and nematode pressures from previous growing seasons. Students learned how natural systems and crop management strategies can be used to improve soil health while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs.

We were excited to host an engaged group of students and showcase applied environmental science in action through agriculture.

University faculty interested in bringing their class to DFI for a curriculum-aligned, applied learning experience are encouraged to reach out. Contact Tatum at [email protected]

Want to see DFI for yourself? Join us Sept. 25 for the Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo at the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station on Valley Road. Learn more: naes.unr.edu/fieldday/default.aspx

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

Happy World Bee Day!Today we’re celebrating one of agriculture’s most essential pollinators. Bees play a critical role i...
05/21/2026

Happy World Bee Day!

Today we’re celebrating one of agriculture’s most essential pollinators. Bees play a critical role in food production and ecosystem health—supporting everything from crop yields to biodiversity across our farming systems.

At the Desert Farming Initiative, we recognize that healthy pollinator populations are key to resilient, sustainable agriculture in Nevada and beyond. From flowering cover crops to habitat-friendly practices, every effort to support bees helps strengthen our food system.

Protect the pollinators. Support the ecosystem. Grow the future.

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

We were pleased to host International Visitors again at DFI for an engaging visit focused on drought management, agricul...
05/20/2026

We were pleased to host International Visitors again at DFI for an engaging visit focused on drought management, agricultural communications and applied organic farming research in our region.

We had an inspiring exchange about global efforts to support sustainable agriculture. Many thanks to the Northern Nevada International Center for making this collaboration possible!

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

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920 Valley Road
Reno, NV
89512

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