There is no better way to start off 2024 than by recognizing and highlighting Nevada’s small businesses. The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) celebrated the launch of the Nevada Craft Beverage Passport earlier this month in Las Vegas at HUDL Brewing Company, with a satellite event at Slieve Brewing Company in northern Nevada alongside Governor Lombardo.
During the event, the NDA was excited to recognize Blue Lizard as the 2023 Nevada Agriculture Food and Beverage Business of the Year. Recognized for their exceptional service in Lincoln County and dedication to providing fresh produce to those Nevadans in need as a Home Feeds Nevada program participant. This award recognizes the extraordinary work done by Nevada’s agriculture, food, and beverage industries, a $142 million industry. Blue Lizard Farm received multiple nominations, including one describing them as a “small business with a big heart,” and another highlighted their service to Lincoln County, offering fresh produce to the community.
Please join me in congratulating Blue Lizard on this achievement!
Happy New Year,
– Director Goicoechea
Producers sought to grow native seeds
The NDA has established a Foundation Seed Program to provide free native seeds to growers to cultivate for use in future restoration efforts. Spring seed applications are due March 29 by 5 p.m. For more details regarding the program, to receive an application, or learn more about the new NDA Foundation Seed Program, please visit our website or contact Stephen Kielius at skielius@agri.nv.gov.
Apply Here: http://tinyurl.com/NDA-FSP-PDF
Funding Opportunities
- USDA Farm Service Agency adverse weather resources – Deadlines approaching:
- Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) – offering livestock and feed hauling cost assistance. 2023 calendar year losses application deadline: Jan. 30, 2024
- Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)
- Emergency Farm Loans
- Emergency Relief Program (ERP)
- Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) – 2023 calendar year losses app. deadline: Jan. 30, 2024
- USDA Rural Development resource guide to help rural entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
- USDA launched a new website, www.usda.gov/meat to communicate open and pending programs focused on expanding meat and poultry processing capacity.
- USDA Continuous Conservation Reserve Program encourages agricultural producers and landowners interested in conservation opportunities to reach out to their local FSA office. Deadline for applications is July 31, 2024.
2024 Livestock Movement Permit Applications are open
All 2023 Livestock Movement Permits expired on Dec. 31, 2023. To receive a movement permit, livestock assessment fees must be current. Livestock owners may access the new application form for 2024 at agri.nv.gov. For any questions, please email livestockinspection@agri.nv.gov or call 775-753-1360.
Apply Here: tinyurl.com/yck359ay
Animal Disease Lab open in Elko
The NDA Animal Disease Laboratory is now open and offering testing for trichomoniasis and equine infectious anemia (Coggins) starting Feb. 5. This additional lab location will allow for increased processing capacity and decreased wait times. Talk to your local veterinarian about submitting testing to the NDA Animal Disease Lab in Elko.
Do you own a livestock scale? Make sure we have your contact information
The NDA is updating contact information for all livestock scale owners to ensure proper and efficient communication. Livestock scale inspection schedules can be impacted by weather and mechanical failures. To ensure continuity of commerce, the NDA needs to confirm contact information to notify livestock scale owners of delays in inspections and to reschedule inspections to meet industry needs. Please fill out the form below to ensure we have up-to-date contact information, including an email address.
Update here: tinyurl.com/NDA-ContactInfo
Kick-off National Invasive Species Awareness Week Feb. 26-Mar. 3
Join us this National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) Feb. 26-Mar. 3. NISAW is an annual event to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose and what we can do to prevent and slow their spread. “Invasive” species are non-native plants, insects, pathogens, and animals that displace native species due to their rapid growth and reproduction. Invasive species can cause irreversible harm to the environment and economy and can pose a threat to plant, animal and human health. What you can do:
- WATCH FOR NOXIOUS WEEDS. Report noxious weeds, which can become destructive or difficult to control, to https://agri.nv.gov/NoxiousWeeds/.
- DON’T MOVE FIREWOOD. Buy it where you burn it or gather it on-site. Firewood can harbor pests and disease, which can hitch a ride back home if you transport it. Learn more at dontmovefirewood.org
- WATCH OUT FOR THESE INSECT PESTS. The Spongy Moth, Emerald Ash Borer and Spotted Lantern Fly are the top three invasive pests to watch for in Nevada. These invasive species will wreak havoc on our trees, crops and plants.
HELP WANTED:
Join the Nevada Board of Agriculture
The Nevada Board of Agriculture is looking for members to represent various industries. The Nevada Board of Agriculture establishes policy and adopts regulations under Board authority necessary for the operation of the NDA. Vacancies include:
- A representative of petroleum
- A representative of semi-range cattle production
- A representative of food manufacturing or animal processing industries
APPLY FOR A BOARD POSITION HERE: gov.nv.gov/Boards/Board-Vacancies
HELP WANTED: More Job Opportunities
- Division of Plant Health and Compliance Administrator (Sparks)
- Agricultural Police Officer 2
- Underfill: Agricultural Police Officer 1 (Las Vegas)
- Brand Inspector I (Elko)
- Weights and Measures Inspector 2 (Elko)
- Underfill: Weights and Measures Inspector 1 (Elko)
Keep up to date with all job openings at: nvapps.state.nv.us/NEATS/Recruiting/ViewJobsHome.aep
Stay informed on important updates from the NDA
Ensure you are receiving important updates from the NDA pertaining to agriculture businesses, regulation changes and more. Visit tinyurl.com/NDA-NL-Sub to sign up for notifications and specify which topics are relevant to your business.