The University of Nevada, reno is set to host its annual Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo, offering a glimpse into the future of food production, sustainable agriculture, and natural resource management. The event, a long-standing tradition, provides an possibility for the community to engage with researchers, farmers, and students who are working to address the challenges of producing healthier and tastier food in increasingly demanding environments.

Scheduled for May 30 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Valley Road Field Lab and Greenhouse Complex, located at 1000 Valley Road in Reno, the expo promises a diverse range of activities, demonstrations, and exhibits. Attendees can expect hands-on experiences, wine tasting featuring local produce, a farm stand stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, and the chance to purchase locally sourced meats and plants.

A Hub of Innovation and Collaboration

The event is hosted by the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources (CABNR), encompassing the Experiment Station, Extension, and Extended Studies units. With over 40 booths, the expo also includes participation from various partners with whom the University regularly collaborates, highlighting the interconnectedness of research and practical submission.

The booths will showcase the College’s ongoing efforts to:

• Advance food production and food security within Nevada.
• Track and sustain natural resources.
• improve human health and nutrition.
• Contribute to economic growth and foster healthy communities.

Bill Payne, dean of the College, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, this is a great time of year for people to visit the University’s Valley Road Field Lab and get just a taste of what we do in these areas we focus on. He added, There will be a lot to do and see. We enjoy connecting with the community and demonstrating how what we do impacts our communities and the lives of Nevadans.

Engaging activities and Culinary Delights

Beyond the informative exhibits, the Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo offers a variety of engaging activities. A main stage will feature presentations, while the Silver State Pie Company will offer pies made with University-produced vegetables and meat. Kona Ice will also be present, selling shaved ice.

Visitors can participate in the “Where’s Wolfie” game, searching for mini Wolfies throughout the event to win prizes. this interactive element adds a playful dimension to the experience, encouraging exploration and engagement.

Spotlight on Sustainable Farming and Ranching

Supporting Nevada’s Farmers: Produce,Plants,and Innovative Techniques

The Experiment Station’s Desert Farming Initiative (DFI),located at the Valley Road Field Lab,will be a central attraction. The DFI will sell its organic produce and plant starts, host wine tastings, and provide facts on programs supporting small farm resiliency, such as the Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program, the Food Sovereignty Program, Grow Organic Nevada, and the Nevada Farm Network.

A tomato grafting presentation will showcase how to enhance plant yields by attaching a scion to a robust tomato rootstock. Attendees will have the opportunity to try their hand at grafting techniques. Additionally,a new tomato variety developed for indoor agriculture will be introduced.

Researchers will also present their work on drought-tolerant plants, aiming to breed these traits into other plants to improve food production in arid climates. Many of these research plants will be available for purchase.

Extension will provide insights into the use of hoop houses for both home gardeners and agricultural producers. Master Gardener staff and volunteers will be available to answer gardening and landscaping questions, while horticulture experts will demonstrate water conservation techniques. Information on creating pollinator-friendly spaces will also be available.

The Extension’s Food Business Center will share information on its efforts to support local food businesses, enhancing food security. the College’s work with tribal communities to improve access to healthy food will also be highlighted. A healthy cooking demonstration, complete with samples, will be presented by Extension nutrition staff.

For those interested in history, the university Archives will display past photos and documents highlighting the significance of agriculture, Extension, and the Experiment Station in the University’s history.

serving Nevada’s ranchers and Meat industry: wolf Pack Meats and Cutting-Edge Technology

Wolf Pack Meats, a unit of the Experiment Station, will offer locally produced meats from the Main Station Field Lab. This facility provides USDA-inspected harvesting and processing services, trains students in meat technology, and maintains its own herd to study meat production methods.

Extension’s Meat Workforce Development Program will demonstrate steak cutting and cooking techniques, showing how to break down large cuts of beef into family-size portions. The mobile harvest unit, which supports local meat processing, will be on display, and information on the College’s education and harvest services will be available.

Visitors can also learn about the use of GPS technology for livestock tracking, virtual fencing collars for containment, and drones for pasture management and weed identification.

Sustaining Nevada’s Natural Resources and Wildlife

The nevada Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit will demonstrate “PIT tagging,” a method of tracking animals using implantable electronic tags. These tags, similar to pet microchips, allow researchers to monitor animal movement and behavior, aiding in the conservation of species and management of wildlife populations.

Researchers will also showcase methods in historical ecology, demonstrating how scientists determine past landscapes.

another demonstration will highlight how fiber optic cables can “listen” to the habitat, with researchers from the CTEMPs lab showing how different cable types and soil conditions affect data collection for earthquake monitoring, groundwater studies, and infrastructure safety.

Extension’s Living With Fire Program will present a matchstick forest demonstration, illustrating how wildfire spreads through forests. Participants will learn how factors like slope and tree density influence fire behavior. The program will also provide information on making homes and neighborhoods safer from wildfire threats.

The University’s student logging team, the Nevada Loggers, will demonstrate their skills in logging sports competitions, including bucking and chainsaw events.

Promoting a Healthy Nevada

Visitors can learn about improving their fiber intake through games and quizzes, with recipe booklets and other items available. The College’s Rethink Your Drink Program will offer information, activities, and giveaways promoting healthy drink choices.

the 4-H Youth Development Program will highlight hands-on learning opportunities for youth, including an inflatable archery display and art activities. Information on 4-H programs and camps will also be available.

Researchers will display their work on insect physiology, focusing on pests affecting humans, animals, and agriculture, aiming to discover new, safer insecticides and management practices.

Collaboration and Education

The local nonprofit LEAD with Horses will showcase their equine-assisted services, discussing the use of horses in education, and in mental and physical health. Other participating organizations include the Nevada Department of Agriculture,the Walker Basin Conservancy,the USDA Agricultural Research Service,Great Basin Fire Science Exchange,the USDA Natural Resources conservation Service,Bees4Vets,and One Health.

Faculty and staff will be available to provide information on the College’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and also programs offered by Extended Studies, noncredit professional development programs, and industry-specific training programs.

the Valley Road Field Lab,spanning 27 acres,features state-of-the-art research facilities,including the Greenhouse Complex,the Nevada Genomics Center,biofuels research facilities,eight high-tunnel hoop houses,an 18-acre equestrian facility,and a fully equipped maintenance engineering shop.

Event Details

Admission is free. For more information, contact Rose Anguiano at 775-682-8357 or via email. Individuals needing special accommodations should contact Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the event.