Yavapai Commercial Horticulture

Commercial Horticulture and Small Acreage (CHSA) is a University of Arizona Cooperative Extension program supporting small-scale Yavapai County growers. Our goal is to identify the needs of local farmers and provide science-based information to guide their decision-making. By working alongside growers, agricultural professionals, and stakeholders, CHSA promotes sustainable local food production through research, education, and collaboration.

Our Vision
Rooted in Arizona’s rich agricultural heritage, we celebrate the resilience and diversity of small and medium-scale farms. We strive to enhance the environment, strengthen local food systems, and improve producers' and consumers' quality of life.

Our Mission
Through applied research and outreach, we empower growers to adopt sustainable farming practices, explore profitable crop opportunities, and strengthen regional food security. Our work bridges science and practice to ensure long-term success for local farmers.

Our Goals
We serve a diverse network of stakeholders, including farmers, marketing professionals, policymakers, and agencies like the USDA. By leveraging the expertise of The University of Arizona, USDA, private industry, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), we provide applied research, business support, and Extension education that fosters a thriving, resilient agricultural community.

Soil Fertility

Healthy soil is the foundation of productive and sustainable farming. Understanding soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties is essential for maintaining soil health and maximizing crop yields. A well-managed soil system improves water retention, enhances nutrient cycling, reduces erosion, and minimizes nutrient runoff, contributing to long-term farm viability.  In Arizona, it is crucial to build soil resilient to dry conditions by maintaining healthy levels of organic material.

Effective soil fertility management focuses on increasing soil organic matter and soil carbon through four key principles:

  1. Minimizing disturbance – Reducing tillage preserves soil structure, retains organic matter, and protects microbial life.
  2. Maximizing soil cover – Cover crops and mulches to prevent erosion, retain moisture, and enhance soil biodiversity.
  3. Optimizing biodiversity – Diverse crop rotations and intercropping improve soil fertility and reduce pest pressure.
  4. Maximizing root presence – Keeping living roots in the soil year-round promotes microbial activity and nutrient availability.

Research and extension efforts emphasize integrated approaches such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, compost application, manure management, and biochar incorporation to build soil health. These strategies enhance resource efficiency while supporting productive and sustainable farming systems in Yavapai County.

Resources

Effective pest, disease, and weed management is essential for sustainable farming and long-term crop health. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emphasizes science-based strategies that minimize environmental impact while protecting farm workers and consumers. By combining biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods, IPM reduces pesticide reliance and promotes ecological balance.

The University of Arizona offers plant pathology and IPM labs to support research and collaboration, helping growers diagnose and manage agricultural pests and diseases. Additionally, IPM plays a critical role in invasive species management, preventing the spread of harmful pests that threaten local crops and ecosystems.

Through research and outreach, this program provides growers with tools and knowledge to implement practical, sustainable pest and disease control solutions while maintaining a productive and resilient agricultural system.

Photos of Insects Found in Yavapai County 

Arizona Pest Management Center Insect Photo Gallery

Specialty crops encompass various high-value plants, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs, ornamental plants, and vineyards. These crops are typically grown in low-acreage, high-density systems.  To extend the growing season, they can be cultivated in open fields or protected agriculture systems, such as greenhouses and high tunnels.

Specialty crops often yield a higher return on investment than commodity crops due to their market value and consumer demand.  Many specialty crops also qualify as value-added products, meaning they undergo further processing—such as winemaking or herb drying—and are marketed based on their unique growing region or terroir.

Specialty crop growers can maximize profitability by focusing on efficient production techniques, innovative marketing strategies, and sustainable practices while contributing to a resilient and diverse local food system.

Research and extension programs are crucial in identifying field crops and small grains that are well-adapted to the region’s climate and resource availability. A key focus is on selecting crops that optimize water use efficiency, ensuring sustainable production while supporting local food systems and regional food security.

Corn and barley have emerged as promising crops with high potential for adaptation and market viability in Yavapai County. Ongoing research explores best management practices, including soil fertility, irrigation strategies, and pest management, to enhance yield potential and economic returns for growers.

By integrating research-driven recommendations with practical farming strategies, this program supports the successful cultivation of field crops and small grains, contributing to a more resilient and diversified agricultural landscape.

Water is a critical resource for agricultural sustainability, and efficient water management is essential for long-term farm viability.  This program focuses on water sourcing—including wells, creeks, ditches, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling—and sustainable irrigation practices that maximize conservation and resource efficiency.

Adopting water-efficient irrigation and land-use strategies is key to maintaining productive farms while reducing environmental impact for small to medium-scale growers and homeowners in Yavapai County.  Water quality and chemistry also play a significant role in crop health and yield potential.  Testing services and expert guidance on water amendments are available through the Cooperative Extension’s Commercial Horticulture and Small Acreage (CHSA) program to help growers manage salinity, pH balance, and nutrient availability.

Ensuring food safety on the farm is essential for protecting public health and maintaining consumer confidence in locally grown produce. Zoonotic diseases—those that can be transmitted from animals to humans—pose a significant risk within the food supply chain.  Contamination can occur through multiple pathways, including manure, irrigation water, human handling, and wildlife presence.  To reduce these risks, growers must implement strict on-farm food safety measures from production to point of sale.

In collaboration with the Arizona Department of Agriculture, outreach programs focus on Good Handling Practices (GHP) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).  These guidelines help growers prevent contamination through proper sanitation, wash station design, packaging protocols, and safe transportation practices.

Michael Pierce - Cooperative Extension - Commercial Horticulture

Michael Pierce

Looking for Extension Support for Your Commercial Farm?
If you are a commercial food producer in Yavapai County, I’m here to help! As part of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, I provide resources, guidance, and technical support to help you succeed in your farming operations.

Michael Pierce
Yavapai County Cooperative Extension
Assistant in Extension
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Commercial Horticulture and Food Systems
Phone:928-782-5880
Email: mpierce8@arizona.edu
Address: 2830 N Commonwealth Dr., Camp Verde, AZ 86322

Plant Databases

We perform free pH soil testing in both offices. The Soil Test Request form includes instructions. If you would like a more thorough test than for pH, we suggest you send your soil samples to Texas A&M.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you do water testing? We do not do water testing; we have a bulletin with labs that do test water in the Southwest, AZ111.

Do you do soil testing? Yes, both our Prescott and Camp Verde Extension offices perform free pH soil tests.


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Yavapai County Greenhouse Lettuce

Greenhouse Lettuce

Michael Pierce