The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is holding eight public workshops throughout the month of October to help ranchers and farmers affected by drought and wildfire.
Many Nevada ranchers and farmers have had to dramatically cut back on their hay and alfalfa cultivation this summer due to dwindling irrigation supplies. Mineral County Extension Educator Staci Emm, coordinator for Cooperative Extension's Herds & Harvest program, said producers throughout Nevada have had to deal with drought and fire, which could be devastating to agricultural operations.
Emm said the result is higher costs and reduced income for many agricultural producers. The fires in the state have destroyed federal grazing opportunities for Nevada ranchers. This combined with limited water supplies in certain parts of the state forces producers to make difficult management decisions.
At the October workshops - scheduled for Winnemucca Oct. 10, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the UNCE Humboldt County, 1085 Fairgrounds Rd.; Elko Oct. 11, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the Great Basin College, Health Science Building room 108, 1500 College Parkway; and Fallon Oct. 25, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the UNCE, Churchill County, 111 Sheckler Rd.; -representatives from state and federal agencies will present information on technical and financial assistance available to landowners and livestock operators. U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency representatives will also discuss insurance programs.
The U.S. Farm Service Agency will discuss emergency loans, water hauling and fence repair programs. The U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service will discuss programs available to help with reseedings, spring developments and fencing.
The workshops were created after several small and large ranches and farms contacted UNCE asking for help and resources. The workshops cost $10 per person and include a meal. Participants will have an opportunity to sign up for programs at each workshop.
To register and for more information, contact Jennifer Kintz at 775-945-3444, kintzj@unce.unr.edu, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Mineral County, P.O. Box 810, Hawthorne, NV 89415.
Other locations, dates and times can be found at www.unce.unr.edu/calendar/files/pdf/DroughtFireWorkshops.pdf
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