October 23, 2026

Newsletter for October 23, 2026

X Share This Email

This Issue:

  • Time Is Ticking — Register Now for the 107th Nevada Farm Bureau Annual Meeting!
  • AFBF President Notes Appreciation For Further Assistance
  • Labor A Critical Matter For The Current And Future Of U.S. Agriculture
  • An Overview Of U.S. Farm Economic Activity 
  • Reminder - Public Stakeholders Meeting For Proposed Water Regulatory Changes – Oct. 28
  • Nevada Farm Bureau’s General Policy Section
  • Nevada Native Seed Activity Postponed
  • Mark Your Calendar: 2026 County Farm Bureau Annual Meetings

Time Is Ticking — Register Now for the 107th Nevada Farm Bureau Annual Meeting!

Make your plans to join us November 11–13 at Santa Fe Station in Las Vegas as Farm Bureau members from across the state come together for this year’s theme, “Rooted in Tradition: Growing Nevada’s Future.”


The schedule is officially set, and we have a great Annual Meeting planned! This year will feature educational workshops, Farm Bureau discussions, networking opportunities, the YF&R Discussion Meet, Small Farms Dinner, awards, sponsor activities, and much more.

Sessions will cover practical topics you can take home and put to work, including using ChatGPT, strengthening member engagement, tax tips for producers, diversifying farm and ranch income, advocacy, banking and financing, and more.


Register now, reserve your room, and join us in Las Vegas for three days of learning, connection, and celebrating Nevada agriculture.


We look forward to seeing you in November!

AFBF President Notes Appreciation For Further Assistance

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented appreciation on President Trump’s announcement to provide $8 billion in relief for farmers facing higher diesel prices this fall.


“Farmers and ranchers welcome the administration’s announcement of $8 billion in relief through the Harvest Fuel Relief program to help farmers struggling with high diesel prices. We appreciate President Trump and Secretary Rollins recognizing that higher diesel prices have squeezed farmers’ bottom lines. By building on the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, USDA will be able to quickly deliver this relief to farm country.


“We look forward to working with the president and USDA to ensure specialty crop growers, livestock producers, fishermen and others get the support they need so they can continue growing the food America’s families rely on. We also value the president’s continued support for Congress passing a modernized farm bill, allowing year-round E15 and addressing agriculture’s labor needs.”


Based on recent meetings and discussion, there are still questions on how the program will operate and who will be eligible to receive the funds.

Labor A Critical Matter For The Current And Future Of U.S. Agriculture

Based on the last session of the Nevada Legislature and the ongoing importance of attempting to find a legislative solution in the U.S. House and Senate, understanding the reality of America’s agricultural situation is critical.  This article by Dr. Lorin Harvey, an assistant professor and Extension sweet potato specialist of Mississippi State University, shines a clear and bright light on how dependent our country is on H-2A workers.  There are extremely valid reasons why pretending the myths about this important program need to be resolved.


“Before receiving H-2A certification, an employer must recruit U.S. workers.” Dr. Lorin writes and continues with the other foundational requirements. “The Department of Labor requires employers to document those recruitment efforts, record U.S. applicants and, generally, hire qualified and eligible U.S. workers who apply. U.S. workers must also be offered wages and working conditions that are no less favorable than those offered to H-2A workers.”

An Overview Of U.S. Farm Economic Activity 

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) John Newton, Vice President of Public Affair and Economic Analysis has recently released a piece which offers a state-by-state overview where each state ranks in the economic hierarchy.  The information is based on each state’s gross farm income, production expenses and net income.  Newson also points out what the top states are in terms of these measurements. The top 10 states, account for more than half the nation’s gross income and production expenses, while the top 10 states in the mix have over 60 percent of the top net farm income.


For those who are wondering and don’t want to click on the highlighted link above – or read the article…Nevada agriculture, in 2025, had roughly $1.5 billion in gross farm revenue (a slight increase) – farm production expenses of $1.1 billion – leaving a state level Net Farm Income of $ 0.4 billion.  If you don’t believe me – click on the link, open the article and look at what the maps say.

Reminder - Public Stakeholders Meeting For Proposed Water Regulatory Changes – Oct. 28

The Division of Water Resources has scheduled a session for October 28 to present several proposed regulations and hear input from interested stakeholders.  The meeting begins at 2 p.m. and is available in a face-to-face meeting in the Tahoe Conference Rm (2nd floor) Nevada Division of Water Resources, Carson City or in a virtual TEAMS meeting link that can be found on this meeting notice.


The three regulations, presented on the agenda, include NAC 533 – proposing to amend wording dealing with extensions of time.  Proposed wording for this section can be found in File R012-26. Proposed changes to NAC 534 deal with minor changes to well drilling and NAC 535 with dams.

Nevada Farm Bureau’s General Policy Section

What Nevada Farm Bureau members think about water is found in the largest section of the organization’s policy book.  In fact, in order not completely take up this issue of the newsletter, we’ve made the decision to only share the first section of the policy Water General Policies. As we continue to the voting delegate session at the Nevada Farm Bureau annual meeting, we work at wrapping up what we haven’t already covered in this weekly section on current policy positions.


We look forward to hearing from you on how well you believe the current Nevada Farm Bureau general water policies fit your current views and needs.

Nevada Native Seed Activity Postponed

The Native Seed Harvest Demonstration Roadshow scheduled for October 24th at Walker Basin Conservancy’s Plant Nursery in Smith has been postponed until November 14th. This change, according to Stephen Kielius, the Nevada Department of Agriculture, is due to environmental conditions. The seed that was planned to be harvested in the demonstration will not be ready at this time and will be better suited for harvesting in mid-November. 

Mark Your Calendar: 2026 County Farm Bureau Annual Meetings

County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting season is here!


County Annual Meetings are an important part of Nevada Farm Bureau's grassroots process. These meetings give members an opportunity to connect with other farmers, ranchers and community members, hear updates, discuss issues affecting agriculture locally, and help determine the priorities of their County Farm Bureau.


Most importantly, your voice matters. The conversations and policy ideas that begin at the county level help guide Nevada Farm Bureau and ensure our organization continues to represent the needs of Nevada agriculture.


Mark your calendars for these upcoming 2026 County Farm Bureau Annual Meetings:


Central Nevada Farm Bureau

Monday, October 26, 2026


Join Central Nevada Farm Bureau members to discuss issues affecting agriculture in the area, share ideas, connect with fellow members and help shape the county's priorities for the coming year.


Additional time and location details will be announced soon.


Clark County Farm Bureau

Tuesday, October 27, 2026


Clark County Farm Bureau members and supporters are invited to come together for an evening of food, agricultural and Farm Bureau updates, and an opportunity to connect with the local Farm Bureau community.


Additional details and registration information will be announced soon.


Elko County Farm Bureau

Join us for the Elko County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 29 at 6:00 p.m. at the Birch Creek Angus Sale Barn in Ruby Valley!


Come enjoy a taco dinner, visit with fellow Farm Bureau members, and take part in an evening focused on Elko County agriculture and Farm Bureau.


Attendees are invited to bring a dessert to share and a baked good to donate to the auction. Proceeds from the auction will support the scholarships awarded by Elko County Farm Bureau, so come ready to bid and help support the next generation!


Thursday, October 29 | 6:00 p.m.

Birch Creek Angus Sale Barn

8239 Ruby Valley Road, Ruby Valley, NV 89833


Get Involved in Your County Farm Bureau

Your County Farm Bureau is where grassroots involvement begins. Whether you've been involved for years or have never attended a county meeting before, we encourage you to show up, bring your ideas and be part of the conversation.


Have an agricultural issue affecting your farm, ranch or community? County meetings are also a great opportunity to bring those concerns forward and help determine whether Farm Bureau policy needs to be developed or updated.


Additional meeting information will be added as it becomes available. Visit the Nevada Farm Bureau Events Calendar for the latest dates, locations and details.