Welcome to the Nevada State FSA Web Site

Agriculture is a big deal in Nevada! The Silver State is home to some of the largest onion and potato producers as well as some of the largest cow-calf counties in the nation. Our high-quality alfalfa and timothy hay is shipped all over the world. Nevada also ships powdered milk from a milk plant, located in Fallon, Nevada to China. Nevada Agricultural crops mostly consist of alfalfa hay, alfalfa seed, potatoes, barley, wheat, rye, oats, vegetables, mint, garlic and onions, and some fruits. The Silver State has over 3,400 farm operations that cover more than 6.1 million acres or 8.7 percent of the state, this despite Nevada having mostly mountainous and desert terrain. Agriculture is Nevada’s third largest industry. So yes, "We grow things here"!

Where water’s available, the state’s high desert topography and climate lends itself well to production of some of the highest protein high-value alfalfa in the country, much of it exported outside Nevada and overseas. The state has more than 5,000 acres dedicated to producing alfalfa seed stock overseen by the Nevada Department of Agriculture’s Seed Certification Program.

According to the Census of Agriculture, 11 Nevada farms grew over 4 million pounds of Alfalfa seed in 2017. Locally-grown food thrives as Nevada Grown farms inspire Las Vegas retailers and others to buy local and buy fresh. Agricultural operations in southern Nevada supply casinos and other eating establishments on the Las Vegas Strip with locally grown meat, fruit and veggies, and the area is home to a large-scale pork production facility which ‘harvests’ those establishment’s edible leftovers for feed.

Despite being the nation's most arid state, new farmers and new types of farmers are springing up all over the Nevada. Since 2007 Nevada has been ranked second among states to add new farmers, a 32% increase since 2007. New types of farmers are springing up from north to south as hydroponics is attracting some of the nation's largest hydroponic companies to our state. Aquaponics is on the rise across the state also.

It's hard to imagine so much innovation and growth in such a dry state. A State where approximately 86% of the land is controlled by public land agencies. Yet, our farmers and ranchers find ways to grow things here!

None of these great Ag stories would be possible without the mission of the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The FSA provides a safety net to producers in times of natural disasters and also provides loan monies to eligible producers. Strong farms and ranches play a key role in the economic success and sustainability in our rural communities.

In addition to our County Offices, our County Committees ensure that farm and ranch voices will be heard through its grassroots structure and approach. Together, we will protect the Ag Culture across our state.

For more information, stop in at your nearest FSA County Office or stop by our State Office located at:

300 Booth St. Suite 2081
Reno, NV 89509

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Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Launch June 15

The nomination period for USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committees runs June 15 through Aug. 1, 2023, and elections will take place starting in November.

County committees are unique to FSA and serve as a direct link between agricultural communities across the country and USDA. Committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. Their input is vital on how FSA carries out disaster programs, as well as conservation, commodity and price support programs, county office employment and other agricultural issues.

Throughout the nomination period, we'll introduce you to county committee members from around the nation. To see their stories and to learn more on FSA county committees, visit fsa.usda.gov/elections.

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USDA Establishes New Farm Service Agency Urban County Committee in Las Vegas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is establishing a new urban county committee in Las Vegas, joining 26 other cities with a committee focused on delivery of USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs to urban producers.  County committee members make important decisions on how federal farm programs are administered locally, and this new urban county committee in Las Vegas is part of USDA’s broad support for urban and innovative agriculture.  

Urban agricultural producers who participate in USDA programs in these cities or cooperate with USDA programs by providing information about their farming operation are encouraged to participate by nominating and voting in their local urban county committee elections. FSA will share more information on the nomination process and elections for this new urban county committee. 

This urban county committee in Las Vegas was announced last week by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small as part of a significant investment in urban agriculture.

The new urban county committee is part of USDA’s broader USDA investment in urban agriculture in Las Vegas. Other efforts include inviting community gardens to join the People’s Garden initiative.

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MicroLoans are now available up to $50,000.00.

For more information see MicroLoans 

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About Us

The Farm Service Agency in Nevada is headquartered in Reno. There are seven county offices primarily located in USDA Service Centers serving over 3,400 farms across the State. The seven offices are located in Elko, Ely, Fallon, Las Vegas, Lovelock, Winnemucca and Yerington.

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State Committee (STC) Members

Chairman

• Mike Olsen

Members

• Toby Brinkerhoff 
• Staci Emm 
• Stan Hardy 
• Pete Mori