2026-2028 Western SARE State Implementation Program, Nevada

Commodities

Practices

Nevada's 2026-2028 Western SARE State Implementation Program builds upon the previous funding cycle by infusing emerging results from the ongoing statewide Horticulture, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment (HANRE) needs assessment. Focus groups and key‑informant interviews completed across Nevada's counties reveal common threads: producers struggle with declining irrigation water supplies, escalating costs, and unpredictability due to drought and weather variability. Soil health degradation, rangeland overuse, and the spread of invasive weeds and pests threaten forage and crop productivity. Labor shortages and an aging producer population hinder the adoption of innovative practices, while rapid urban growth and renewable energy development pressure agricultural lands.

To respond to these needs, the program will deliver workshops, travel scholarships, and mini‑grants centered on these needs. Training topics will include water conservation technologies, drought contingency planning, soil health and related sustainable practices, invasive species management, adopting new technologies/ innovations in both crop and livestock production, and youth workforce development. The program will help professionals integrate sustainability principles into their work, enhance collaboration among agencies, and empower producers to adopt resilient practices.

To deliver targeted, evidence‑based training and statewide workshops addressing the top needs identified in the HANRE assessment. At least four workshops over the three years will focus on water and drought management, soil health and sustainable agriculture-related topics, integrated pest and invasive species management, improved forage and livestock production systems, enterprise diversification, and other topics that address emerging issues in HANRE.

To provide professional development travel scholarships enabling extension educators and staff from partner organizations like NRCS and conservation district staff, tribal leaders, and farmer leaders, so they can attend trainings and conferences relevant to the identified top HANRE priorities. Scholarship recipients will agree to share learned concepts with colleagues or producers through local educational events.

To sponsor mini‑grant projects that pilot practices or outreach efforts that address local priorities, such as water‑use efficiency, soil health, and related sustainable practices, pest and weed management strategies, livestock and forage management practices, or diversified cropping initiatives. Each project will include an evaluation component to capture outcomes and share lessons learned.