Connecting farmers and consumers to the food we eat is the goal of the 2011 Nevada Small Farm Conference on March 10-12 at Western Nevada College Fallon campus and Fallon Convention Center.

A diverse program will explore topics from bees to beef through the two-day conference, pre-conference workshops, Friday evening reception and Community Education Day on Saturday.

Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food is the conference theme as it builds upon the U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative to connect rural farmers and urban consumers. The vision: to improve the economic and physical health of Nevada’s communities. Sessions will focus on small fruit production, viticulture and wine making, marketing local beef, soil fertility and composting, hoop houses, beekeeping and more.

Consumer Education Day on Saturday will feature sessions on urban farming, school and community gardens, farm-to-institution sales and smart water use.

Invited speakers include regional and local experts from across the Western states including Utah, New Mexico, California and Nevada.

Local food and spirits will be served during a casual Friday evening reception at Lattin Farms in Fallon. Beef and lamb from local producers Albaugh Ranch and Churchill Vineyards, plus wine and local seasonal produce will all be featured.

For conference details, registration information and fees, visit WNC’s website, or contact Ann Louhela, (775) 351/2551, or louhelaa@wnc.edu.