School is out for kids in Nevada, but the need for food never ends. Through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) helps children 18 and younger with access to food during the summer break.
Through this program, children who depend on school meals can access nutritious meals when school is not in session, no questions asked. SFSP sites include schools, camps, parks, playgrounds, housing projects, community centers, churches, and other public sites where children gather in the summer. Parents, children and teens can find a meal site near them by visiting nvsummermeals.com, texting “Summer Meals” to 914-342-7744 or calling 1-866-348-6479.
Wishing you a happy and safe summer,
– Director Goicoechea
NDA welcomes new Deputy Director
The NDA has announced Doug Farris as the new Deputy Director. Deputy Director Farris has been serving as interim Deputy Director since March of 2023. Farris joined the NDA as the Division of Animal Industry Administrator in 2017 where he oversaw the Law Enforcement Unit, Livestock Inspection, Veterinary Medical Services, Dairy/Food Safety, Predatory Animal and Rodent Control, and Commercial Feed programs.
Dr. Mundschenk announced as new State Veterinarian
The NDA also welcomed Dr. Peter Mundschenk, DVM, as the new State Veterinarian. Dr. Mundschenk joined the NDA from the Pima Medical Institute, and previously served as State Veterinarian for the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Dr. Mundschenk received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University.
Submit your agriculture-related photos to our 2023 Annual Photo Contest
Our 2023 annual photo contest is back! The NDA wants to see how you picture Nevada food and agriculture for a prize of a Made in Nevada gift basket and a canvas print of your winning photo. We have a diverse range of food and agriculture in the state and the NDA wants to showcase it. The photo contest is open to anyone, regardless of skill level. Photos submitted must be of food, agriculture, agritourism or related subjects in Nevada. Deadline for submission is Sept. 1, 2023.
Play, Clean, Go Awareness Week
Invasive species pose a major threat to our native wildlife and ecosystems, with nearly 50% of endangered or threatened species at risk as the result of the spread, according to PlayCleanGo.org. While often unintentional, people can spread invasive species on boots, tires, boats, firewood, pets, horses and more.
Here are six easy steps you can take to do your part and stop the spread of invasive species:
- Clean your shoes, clothes, packs, and pets before and after exploring and stay on designated trails.
- Clean your horse’s hooves and feed them weed-free certified hay before your adventure.
- Clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and angling equipment to stop aquatic hitchhikers!
- Don’t Move Firewood! Buy it where you burn it, buy certified heat-treated firewood, or gather on site when permitted.
- Before traveling to new areas, inspect and clean your trailers, off road vehicles, and recreational vehicles with water or compressed air to remove mud, plant parts, and hidden pests.
Visit PlayCleanGo.org for more info.
Report noxious weeds and stop their spread
Help us stop the spread of noxious weeds and commit to managing noxious weeds on your property. Noxious weeds can be destructive on our landscapes, displace many of our native plants and can pose a fire risk. Reporting is easy and can be done through EDDMapS, or by emailing photos and location information to noxiousweeds@agri.nv.gov.
Learn more at agri.nv.gov/noxiousweeds/
Livestock scale inspections scheduled for Nevada
The NDA will be traveling across the state over the next few months to inspect livestock scales. Letters with inspection timelines will be sent out in advance close to the week of inspection. A reminder phone call will also be made by staff the week of inspection. Notice should allow enough time for scale owners to prepare for the site visit and ensure clear access to livestock scales and that scales are clean and ready to be inspected. A tentative inspection schedule is available at agri.nv.gov/wm
Join the UNR Extension workshop to learn about the importance of food safety in the meat industry
People who work in the meat industry can receive training on how to create a food safety plan by attending a workshop hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno, Extension. The workshop will address how to create a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan and a management system recommended by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
The HACCP for Meat Business workshop will be held at the Extension office in Reno, 4955 Energy Way from July 17-18. The cost of the workshop is $60 and lunch will be provided both days. Register at the workshop’s registration site by June 30. For more information, call 775-426-8299.
Home Feeds Nevada seeking producers—APPLY TODAY!
The NDA is looking for Nevada agricultural producers to apply for the Home Feeds Nevada Agriculture Food Purchase program. Through this program, the NDA will purchase nutritious foods that are grown, produced or processed in Nevada and distribute them through designated food banks. Program details and requirements for eligibility are outlined in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
Questions or comments regarding this program should be directed to Patricia Hoppe at pxhoppe@agri.nv.gov.
Explore Nevada’s Farmers Markets
June 21 marks the first official day of summer! This is the perfect time to head outdoors and explore Nevada farmers markets. Whether you’re searching for Nevada produced products such as seasonal fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, eggs or honey, you can find everything our state has to offer at agri.nv.gov/NVFood.
Expand meat or poultry processing
The USDA has grant opportunities available for small meat and poultry processors looking to expand their facilities. As the NDA looks towards finalizing development of the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, processors and those interested in processing can apply for $100,000 to $5 million for projects that will create and improve facilities that are currently operating and possess or plan to possess a Federal Grant of Inspection or inspection under a state meat and poultry inspection program. Visit usda.gov/meat for more information.
Lookout for the 2023 Livestock Assessment letters
Per NRS Chapters 575, 561 and 567, the NDA is required to collect certain taxes on livestock. Livestock include all horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats located in Nevada. Owners of livestock are required by state law to declare their livestock yearly and pay a minimal per head assessment to help support the livestock inspection program. Although administered by the NDA, this program was put in place by livestock owners during the 1961 Nevada Legislature for the protection of their livestock and is funded by inspection fees and assessments. To keep the fees as low as possible, owners must declare and pay for their livestock. The 2023 assessment will cover the period from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. Additionally, delinquency letters will be sent out for the years of 2018 – 2022.
Job Opportunity
Project Manager | Virginia Range Feral/Estray Horse Project (Sparks). For info: agri.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/agrinvgov/Content/Home/Features/vre_pm_job_posting.pdf