Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute hosts the Nevada Small Farm Conference March 12-13 at the Fallon campus and Fallon Convention Center. Cost is $75 for both days. There is a $20 late fee for registrations after March 2. Lunch is included.

The event’s featured speaker is author Vance Corum, who brings more than 30 years experience as a marketing consultant, researcher, and lecturer. He is considered a pioneer in the farmers market industry, helping communities establish farmers markets since 1979. Corum is co-author of the book “The New Farmers Market, Farm-Fresh Ideas for Producers, Managers & Communities.”

The goal of the two-day conference is to encourage the success and viability of small farm operations through educational workshops, round table discussions, and networking opportunities. Three conference tracks include sessions on business planning, direct-marketing beef, hoop house production, egg and poultry production, sales and marketing, and more.

Lattin Farms in Fallon hosts a Friday-night wine mixer as part of the event. The mixer will include Nevada wines, beef, and produce, along with light entertainment. Cost is $25.

The conference is a collaboration of several Nevada agricultural organizations that realize the growth potential for the state’s small farm industry. The organizations include: Western Nevada College; Nevada Department of Agriculture; University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources; Nevada Farm Service Agency; Nevada Natural Resources Conservation Service and USDA Rural Development.

To register or for more information, contact Ann Louhela, (775) 351.2551, or visit www.wnc.edu/sci.