T
he holiday season is a time for reflection and gratitude. I want to take this opportunity to thank Nevada’s producers. Your dedication ensures that food, fuel, and fiber reach our communities.
With 2024 coming to a close, the NDA is also preparing for the 83rd Nevada Legislative session. This session we remain committed to supporting Nevada producers by advocating for policies that strengthen your operations.
In exciting news, we invite you to recognize the winner of the 2024 Nevada Agriculture, Food and Beverage Small Business of the Year at the release of the 2025 Nevada Craft Beverage Passport. To celebrate, please join us on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 4 p.m. at Schussboom Brewing Co. located at 12245 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89511, as we recognize Nevada’s agriculture businesses.
We look forward to celebrating the season with you and continuing to work together to preserve, protect and promote Nevada agriculture.
Happy Holidays,
JJ Goicoechea, Director
Nevada Dept of Agriculture
405 South 21st Street
Sparks, NV 89431
Virtual fencing funding available
The Property and Environmental Research Center (PERC) is looking for landowners interested in environmental stewardship to apply for the Virtual Fence Conservation Fund. PERC’s Virtual Fence Conservation Fund gives ranchers the ability to adopt virtual fencing technology on public and private lands, supporting wildlife and working lands. Virtual fencing technology uses GPS-enabled collars on livestock, paired with a base station, to create boundaries that do not require physical fences, allowing for flexible grazing management and eliminating the time-consuming and expensive task of maintaining traditional fencing options.
Grants range from $10,000 to $75,000 and may be used to support partially funded projects or entirely new initiatives. Applications are open through Feb. 1, 2025, and ranchers, agricultural landowners, conservation organizations, and indigenous communities are encouraged to apply.
Visit perc.org/virtual-fence-conservation-fund for more information.
Assistance is available for producers in severe drought conditions
The USDA has declared a drought disaster due to severe drought conditions in three Nevada counties (Clark, Lincoln and Nye) with contiguous disaster in six counties (Churchill, Esmeralda, Eureka, Lander, Mineral, White Pine). This designation allows eligible farmers in those affected counties to apply for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loan assistance. We’re here to support Nevada’s producers during these challenging times. For info, visit https://tinyurl.com/USDA-DAPrograms
Apply for 2025 Livestock Movement Permits
Current Livestock Movement Permits expire on Dec. 31, 2024. Movement Permits are required for the movement of livestock between district lines in Nevada and are only valid for the calendar year in which they were issued. If you have not yet applied for a 2025 Livestock Movement Permit visit the link below to get started. An annual fee of $25 is required. https://tinyurl.com/NDA-2025-LMPA
Protecting consumers this holiday season
Did you know that the NDA inspects all weighing and measuring devices, including the baggage scales at airports and fuel pumps at gas stations? As you travel this holiday season, rest assured that any purchase you make based on weight or volume has been inspected by the NDA. Should you suspect an issue or inconsistency with items purchased by weight or volume, visit agri.nv.gov/ce to file a complaint.
Tend your fire with local firewood
As you plan to light the fire this holiday season, make sure to use local firewood. Moving firewood can transport invasive insects and diseases that can impact our local plant species. If you are buying firewood, purchase local or heat-treated firewood. Visit dontmovefirewood.org/map/nevada for more information.
NDA is partnering with Montana Office of Public Instruction School Nutrition Programs for school meal planning training
The NDA in partnership with the Montana Office of Public Instruction School Nutrition Programs will create and deliver a comprehensive, statewide training program called School Meals: Mastering Meal Patterns Under the Final Rule. Schools will be prepared to meet updated school meal patterns for school breakfast and lunch which are based upon the 2020 – 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Schools will serve meals with less added sugars and sodium, more whole grain-rich options, and increased variety and freshness to enhance meal quality and student satisfaction. Targeted training and grant activities delivered over a 3-year period will reach rural and other high-need schools. Training topics will focus on Mastering the Meal Pattern (menu planning and forecasting to meet weekly menu requirements), Get to Know your Food (label reading to identify whole grain-rich products, added sugars, and sodium), Financial Management of School Meal Programs, and Preparing for the Final Rule Workshops (combined meal pattern and culinary training).