NDA – From the Desk of The Director – March 2024

From Feb. 26 to March 1, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is recognizing National Invasive Species Awareness Week. “Invasive” species are aggressive 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 the economy and can pose a threat to plant, animal and human health. Everyone can do something to prevent the spread of invasive species and it starts by identifying and treating these species to prevent further damage to Nevada’s landscapes. Here are some to look out for:

Insects

• Asian Longhorn Beetle • Emerald Ash Borer Beetle
• Imported Fire Ant
• Spotted Lanternfly

Noxious weeds

• Musk Thistle
• Scotch Thistle
• Poison Hemlock

Earlier this month we conducted public meetings to solicit comments on managing Mormon cricket and grasshopper populations. While Mormon crickets and grasshoppers are not invasive species, they still pose a public safety risk and can devastate crops in our state. With your feedback in mind, the NDA will collaborate with local jurisdictions on a coordinated response, ensuring we prioritize protecting public safety, rangelands and Nevada’s native species and resources.

Thank you for helping us protect Nevada’s resources,Director Goicoechea

Meal sites sought to feed children during the summer months

The NDA is seeking partners to provide meals to children through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). SFSP ensures that students who depend on school meals have access to nutritious food when school is not in session. Partner organizations may prepare meals or serve meals obtained from another SFSP partner, public or commercial food vendor, a local government agency or a school food service department. Meals are provided free to children 18-years-old or younger during school closures, no questions asked, and meal sites are reimbursed. Partner participation and meal sites are needed to ensure Nevada’s youth in low-income areas have continued access to healthy meals and snacks.

Organizations interested in becoming an SFSP partner should contact Lindsay Talbot at 702-668-4581 or ltalbot@agri.nv.gov by March 22, 2024. For more information about SFSP, visit fns.usda.gov/sfsp.

The Nevada Exporter Survey wants to know how to better connect businesses with exporting resources

The Nevada Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in partnership with the NDA is updating its current exporter and trade resources and looking for input from Nevada businesses. Businesses that currently export products or services, are interested in expanding to other markets, or are interested in exporting are encouraged to complete the survey. Your feedback will enhance access to resources and help businesses grow and expand their products and services internationally.

Take the survey here: surveymonkey.com/r/NVExporters

Nevada Native Seed Forum moved to Fall 2024

Wondering where your invite to the Nevada Native Seed Forum went? The NDA has moved the annual Forum to take place in the Fall of 2024. Please keep an eye out for updates including dates and location. For questions, email skielius@agri.nv.gov.

Diversify production, grow native seeds

The NDA has established a Foundation Seed Program to provide free native seeds to Nevada 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 online here: tinyurl.com/NDA-FSP-App

Highlighting Weights and Measures March 1-7

Weights and Measures Week serves as a reminder of how weights and measures impact our daily lives. The NDA’s Division of Measurement Standards ensures that consumers receive the appropriate quality and quantity of items purchased. From supermarket scales to gas station pumps, NDA Weights and Measures Inspectors test all weighing and measuring devices related to product sales to ensure accuracy. All inspected and approved devices display an NDA sticker. If consumers believe there to be a problem with a weighing or measuring device, they can visit the website or call the phone number listed to submit a complaint. For more information on the NDA’s Division of Measurement Standards, please visit agri.nv.gov/CE/

Brand inspections required for transfer of ownership of an animal

Are you selling livestock? A brand inspection is required for the legal transfer of ownership of an animal. Without a brand inspection, the transaction is not recognized by law. To ensure a smooth selling process, schedule a brand inspection for a transfer of ownership: agri.nv.gov/Animals/Livestock/Brands/

All livestock entering Nevada for pasture must meet Nevada’s entry requirements

Funding Opportunities

HELP WANTED: Join the Nevada Board of Agriculture 

• A representative of petroleum
• A representative of semi-range cattle production
• A representative of food manufacturing or animal processing industries

HELP WANTED: More Job Opportunities

• Agricultural Inspector 3 (Sparks)
• Agricultural Police Officer 2, Underfill: Agricultural Police Officer 1 (LV)
• Brand Inspector I (Elko)
• Division of Plant Health and Compliance Deputy
• Administrator (Sparks)
• Weights and Measures Inspector 2 (Elko)