FREE

SERVING NORTHERN NEVADA’S

RURAL COMMUNITIES

Volume 1 • Issue 2 • summer 2010

Inside This Issue…

Hay prices continue

to slide in Nevada
Page 2
Farmers Markets
increase in 2010
Page 6
It’s high school rodeo
time
Pages 10-11
Agriculture - The
new weapon in
Afghanistan
Page 12
 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange summer 2010

Weakened demand, oversupply cause

hay prices to drop in Nevada
By Rob Sabo
Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange PER TON PRICES FOR NEVADA HAY
After several years of escalating $200
prices for Nevada-grown alfalfa, and $190 $179
rising supplies as farmers planted more $180 $174 $172
of the crop to cash in on the trend, $168
$170
prices have dropped in half due to $160
oversupply and weakened demand.
$149
$150
$140 $136
The per-ton price for Nevada Hay
peaked at $199 in September of $130
2008, but starting in January of 2009 $120 $113
$110 $105 $101 $105 $105 $102
hay prices began an almost steady $100 $97 $100 $100
downward trend and now stand at less $100
than $100 per ton. $90
$80
The dramatic price reduction affects
$70
the operations of dozens of northern
$60
Nevada farmers: Humboldt, Lyon,
$50
Pershing and Churchill counties are the
JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

state’s most productive alfalfa growers
in that order.
Marcia Ernst and her husband
operate an 80-acre alfalfa operation
in Fallon that Ernst inherited in 2007.
She’s put off planting one of her fields
because of the tumbling prices, and
she’s still got hay in her barn with more
growing in the field. Ernst says current
prices are at levels that haven’t been
seen since the late 1990s, and she’s
concerned that she won’t be able to sell
of all her crop this year.
Ernst sells mostly to smaller
horsemen and cow or goat owners.
“It has been hard,” she says. “I didn’t
have any trouble getting rid of hay in
2007, and 2008 was no problem, but I
have one-third of my crop left and will
be cutting again in June.” Demand for
alfalfa and hay grasses has waned for a
number of reasons.
Foremost, says Don Gephart,
agricultural statistician with the
National Agricultural Statistics Service,
is the fact that there’s more than double
the amount of hay under roof today
than there was two years ago.
Further impacting hay prices is
2009
2010
decreased demand from financially
struggling Nevada dairymen, who have
switched from alfalfa to cheaper feed
stocks, and reduced demand from
horse owners, who have either sold
animals or turned them loose to free
graze on rangeland.
“When you are making $200 an acre
on alfalfa as opposed to $80 on wheat,
you get an oversupply on alfalfa,”
Gephart says. “It is going to be much
harder for alfalfa growers financially.
It’s going to put the pinch to them.
Inputs are not going down any, but
the market is coming down on them.”
When prices rose dramatically during
2007 and ‘08, horsemen and other
large animal owners began driving
out of state for lower-cost forage, says
Valerie Whitfield, purchasing agent for
Stockman’s Supply in Elko. But people
who chose to travel to Idaho farms for
their hay purchases erased any gains
made by lower-priced out-of-state feed
through the high costs of fuel, she says.
“People were getting together on
truckloads and splitting it for a better
price, but then again, once a person
drove a truck to Idaho, by the time
they go up there and back, it was just
silly really.” Whitfield says hay sales
at Stockman’s declined the past few
years as cash-strapped horse owners
either turned their animals loose or
gave them away. Stockman’s Supply
currently sells alfalfa for $12 a bale and
hay-grass mix for $13.49.
Reno-area feed stores are feeling the
effects of an oversupply as well.
Sales of more expensive feeds soured
as the recession took its toll on the
wallets of large animal owners, says
Cindy Oxley of Green’s Feed on North
Virginia Street. Equine owners that
didn’t either sell off their horses or find
new homes for them started buying
cheaper alfalfa cubes and pellets.
“As our economy shifted, horses in
particular kind of took a hit,” Oxley
says.
“They aren’t something people have
to have. People did what they had to
do to decrease the size of their herds.”
Baled hay at Green’s Feed currently
costs $8.95, down from a high of $13.50.
Mixed hay and straight grass is down
to $12 and $13 a bale from highs of
more than $20. Loyal customers who
kept their animals and still bought hay
severely reduced the amount of grain
they purchased, Oxley adds.
Dave Atherton, manager of Feed
World on Spokane Street in Reno, says
DEC
Source: National Agriculture Statistics Service
sales are slow because so many people
former customers have sold off their
horses, or they are buying direct from
farmers.
“Our business is pretty slow right
now, especially for hay,” he says.
Donna Lewison, co-owner of Foothill
Feed and Trailer Sales on Geiger Grade,
says her business has stayed fairly
stable because of the company’s free
delivery service. Foothill Feed delivers
to a wide geographic circle, including
Red Rock, Virginia City Highlands, Mt.
Rose area and Spanish Springs.
Alfalfa grass accounts for about 60
percent of Foothill Feed’s revenues.
“Our customers are pretty
consistent,” Lewison says. We deliver
free, and I believe they like that service.
We also try to get our hay at one place
so that it’s pretty consistent. That’s
why our hay might be little higher than
other feed stores.” Foothill Feed sells
grass hay for $13 bale and alfalfa and
alfalfa grass mix for $12 a bale. When
the business started in 2007, she was
getting $8 to $21 a bale.
Oxley doesn’t see feed prices
declining much more in the Reno-
Sparks area because of transportation
costs associated with bringing feed to
the Truckee Meadows.
“The Reno area doesn’t have lot of
production, and they still have to pay
for the fuel to get it here,” she says.

FREE

Don’t miss out on your

chance to advertise your SERVING NORTHERN
NEVADA RURAL COMMUNITIES

business or service in VOLUME 1 • ISSUE

1 • SPRING 2010

Northern Nevada’s premier

publication…
Nevada Ranch &
Farm Exchange Inside This Issue…

Call today! Water outlook for

2010 looks “tight”
Page 2
Dairymen continue
Central & eastern Nevada to lose money
Page 4

775-423-6041
A look at some of
Northern Nevada’s
Centennial Ranches
Pages 9-11
44th Annual Bull
Pablo Gonzalez of Green’s Feed in Reno bucks a 120-pound hay bale onto a truck. Sales of hay Western Nevada & eastern California termed a success Sale
Pages 18-19
have softened across northern Nevada due to increased supply and lower demand from equine
and other large animal owners.
Photo by Rob Sabo.
775-782-5121
summer 2010 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange 

What horses Some tips on buying hay:

should
By University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
With the rainy weather experienced
during the first cutting of hay this year,
many farmers had difficulty harvesting
good quality hay. That is one reason horse
owners that are thinking about purchasing hay lactating mares, foals or performance horses, which
should get a feed analysis done on all purchased forages. would require higher levels.
However, the problem maybe “most horse owners may Hay with an acid detergent fiber (ADF) value of 30-35
need help interpreting the results of their hay analysis.” percent is good for horses. The lower the ADF value, the
Horse hay should be 10-17 percent moisture and more digestible the nutrients in the hay are. Hay at 45
about 10 percent crude protein. Crude protein is percent or more ADF is of little nutritional value.
not likely to be a limiting part of the diet except in Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) levels should be 40-50
percent, and most horses
won’t eat anything above
65 percent.
Equine feed analyses
also provide non-fiber
carbohydrate (NFC)
estimates to help select
feed for horses that show
sensitivity to starches
and sugars and measure
digestible energy (DE)
in the hay. For a light
working horse, DE should
be about 20 Mcal/day,
and most hays range
from 0.76 to 0.94 Mcal/
lb of DE. Calcium and
phosphorus ratios can
vary among different types
of hay, an adult horse in
It is important horses receive good hay, and owners may supplement the feed with vitamins. a maintenance phase
Photo by Kim Lamb should have a calcium-to-
1. Remember that quality forage should be
the backbone of your horse’s diet (forage
should be a minimum of two-thirds of their
nutritional needs).
2. Have a good working relationship with a hay
supplier to ensure a consistent and reliable
source of hay.
3. Consider adding hay storage space to reduce
the effects of price and seasonal fluctuations
(i.e. hay is sometimes more expensive in the
winter vs. the summer.
4. Buy hay early. Do not wait until late summer
or fall to buy hay.
5. Plan in advance. Budget for any price
increase and re-evaluate how many horses
you can afford to feed.
6. Finally, try to keep your hay type (i.e., grass
or alfalfa) consistent. Constantly changing
hay types can lead to horse health problems,
specifically colic.
A good web site for purchasing hay or
determining the price of hay and straw is at
http://hayexchange.com/.
phosphorus ratio of 3:1 to 1:1.
Rained-on hay may be fine for horses in spite of the
color. Green is ideal but overrated. Green is an indication
of Vitamin A content and means that the hay has not
been rained on prior to baling. Actually rained-on hay
(unless it received a lot of rain over several days) is only
slightly lower in nutritive value than hay that was not
rained on. That loss in value is usually due to more leaf
loss due to more handling to dry the hay for baling. If
it isn’t moldy and it tests okay, it should be fine to feed
because horse owners should be supplementing for the
vitamins that tend to be lost in rained-on or older hay
anyway.

The Nevada Ranch &

Farm Exchange is a USDA Announces Initiative to Improve
Agricultural Energy Conservation and Efficiency
free publication printed
quarterly by the Sierra
Nevada Media Group.
Publisher By U.S. Department of Agriculture drying, and similar common on-farm activities. the development of an Agricultural Energy
Pete Copeland Management Plan (AgEMP) appropriate for
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has Participating states include: Alabama,
Editor announced an initiative designed to help Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, the eligible land of a program participant. The
Steve Ranson agricultural producers transition to more energy Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Farm Bill statute allows EQIP payments for up
efficient operations. This initiative will make Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, to 75 percent of the estimated incurred cost of
Advertising practice implementation for the development
Western Nevada & funding available for individual on-farm energy Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New
audits designed to save both money and energy York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, of an AgEMP meeting agency standards
Eastern California
775-782-5121 when fully implemented. South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and requirements. Eligible producers in the
Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. above listed states may apply for the AgEMP
Victoria Grathwohl - x221
through application at their local NRCS office.
Adele Hoppe - x224 Nevada is one of the participating states in Implementation will occur in stages EQIP payments are made directly to program
the energy audit program announced by beginning with the short-term immediate participants for development of an AgEMP by
Central & Eastern Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. This goal of providing the on-farm energy audits a certified Technical Service Provider (TSP)
Nevada initiative is designed to help agricultural
775-423-6041
to help identify how the operations can http://techreg.usda.gov/CustLocateTSP.aspx.
producers transition to more energy become more energy efficient. Longer term
Shannon Burns efficient operations, and will make funding Information about how to apply for an
goals will involve development of agricultural
Becky Taylor available for individual on-farm energy AgEMP is available at www.nrcs.usda.gov/
energy management plans for cost effective
Circulation Manager audits designed to save both money and implementation of the recommendations programs/eqip/EQIP_signup/2009_signup/
Keith Sampson energy when fully implemented. provided in their on-farm energy audits. index.html. Click on the State where the
More information about agricultural energy property that you are interested in obtaining an
Art Director EQIP AgEMP is located. Dairy, beef, poultry,
Michael L. Madsen
management plans is available at: www.nrcs.
“Reducing energy use on America’s farms usda.gov/programs/eqip/cap.html. swine, and other agricultural operations are
Send submissions to: and ranches will not only help our agricultural included in this energy efficiency initiative.
Editor producers become more profitable, but also The 2008 Farm Bill provides authority to use USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation
The Lahontan Valley News help the United States become more energy EQIP financial assistance funds for payment of Service, in partnership with USDA Rural
P. O. Box 1297 independent,” said Vilsack. “Through this practices and conservation activities involving Development, will implement the agricultural
Fallon, NV 89407 initiative, producers will be able to receive energy conservation and efficiency initiative.
or e-mail: individual on-farm energy audit evaluations For information about other NRCS
news@lahontanvalleynews.com and assistance with implementation of energy conservation programs, online visit: www.
News: 775-423-6041 conservation and efficiency measures.” nrcs.usda.gov, or visit the nearest USDA
Fax: 775-423-0474 Service Center in your area. This year
Approximately 1,000 on-farm energy audit
Reproduction without permission of
the publisher is prohibited. We advise evaluations in 29 states will be funded by $2 represents the 75th year of NRCS “helping
anyone who submits material to the million through the Environmental Quality people help the land.” Since its inception
Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange that
doing so constitutes a consent for Incentives Program (EQIP) in fiscal year 2010. the NRCS conservation delivery system has
the Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange The energy audits will be individually tailored to advanced a unique partnership with state and
to publish the material as it chooses
without any further compensation to the ensure coverage of each farm’s primary energy local governments and private landowners
author including but not limited to all uses such as milk cooling, irrigation pumping, delivering conservation based on specific, local
print, electronic and archival versions.
All rights reserved. heating and cooling of livestock production conservation needs, while accommodating
© 2010 Swift Communications facilities, manure collection and transfer, grain state and national interests.
 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange

BRIEFS
 summer 2010

Recent storms bring good

news to farmers
By Steve Puterski
Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange
The Truckee-Carson Irrigation District announced
it has increased the water allocation for the 2010
irrigation season to 100 percent for the Carson division
and to 90 percent for the Truckee division.
At their March meeting, the TCID board of directors
set the allocations at 90 percent for the Carson and 80
percent for the Truckee.
“We had really good storms in April that brought up
the snowpack,” TCID office manager Kate Rutan said.
“It’s definitely help their (farmers’) planting. You can’t
guarantee that the water will be there, but at least they
can plan (ahead).” Currently, the Truckee Canal is only
allowed to have 350 cubic feet per second of water
flow through due to the breech in the canal in 2008.
“That’s why we had to seek some extra funds,” Rutan
said. “We knew the canal was going to take a lot of
extra revenue to maintain.” TCID is waiting for the U.S.
Bureau of Reclamation to make repairs to the Truckee
Canal.
“It moves at a federal agency pace,” Rutan said.
“There’s a lot of red tape they have to jump through.
They’re in the process of doing studies.” Dan Greenlee,
a water supply specialist for the Natural Resources
Conservation Service, said the area around Lovelock
was hit hard with a dry season, and Rye Patch
reservoir has little to no water storage.
As of the June 1 water update, Greenlee said Rye
Patch is at 50 percent of average runoff this year,
and the Humboldt system did not receive a strong
snowpack this winter.
“There’s almost no storage at Rye Patch,” Greenlee
said. “Those folks are probably going to take the
biggest hit this year in Nevada. This will be the fourth
dry year.” However, thanks to a cool and wet April
and May, the Carson City area can expect an average
to slightly above average water allocation this year,
Greenlee said.
Rutan said the water flow in the Truckee Canal is
at 240 cubic feet per second as of June 14. She also
said the flow of the Carson Rivers is at 1,310 cfs, the
V-line is 500 cfs and the S-line head is at 101 and the
Lahontan Reservoir is at 590 cfs.
“It really sent us from a mediocre water year to a
fairly average year,” Greenlee said of the spring storms.
“In that respect it saved our bacon. We were looking at
more water shortages a few months ago.”
The Carson River, left, and the V-Line canal (both) are both full
this spring.
Photos by Steve Ranson
AG
 Fallon Corn Grower is State Winner
A Nevada corn grower has been honored as a
state winner in the 2009 National Corn Yield Contest
(NCYC), sponsored annually by the National Corn
Growers Association (NCGA).
James N Wadsworth of Fallon placed first in the state
in the Irrigated Class with a yield of 244.8496 bushels
per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was
Pioneer 35F37.
The local grower was one of 525 state winners
nationwide. The 2009 contest had a record 6,958
entries from 46 states. Of the state winners, 24 growers,
three from each of eight classes ‹ were named national
winners, representing 14 states.
The average yield among national winners was 306.7
bushels per acre ­ greater than the 227.3 bushels per
acre average for all entrants, and more than the 2009
U.S. average of 165.2 bushels per acre. Twenty-five
entrants recorded yields of 300 bushels or more per
acre.
 Olsen elected to DFA Board of
Directors
Pete Olsen of Fallon has been formally
seated as a director on the Board for Dairy
Farmers of America, Inc.’s (DFA). Olsen was
elected to the position following an election
in DFA’s Western Area, where he operates
Pete Olsen Hillside Dairy.
Olsen, in partnership with his two
brothers, milks 2,000 cows and farms 1,700 acres of
alfalfa, corn and rye. The partners will celebrate their
family’s 95th year in the dairy business in Nevada this
year, and Olsen’s father still actively works on the farm.
His sons are the fifth generation of Olsens to dairy in
Nevada. Olsen also is a partner in his sons’ 500-cow
Jersey dairy.
In addition to his new role on the DFA Board, Olsen
is president of the Nevada Ag Foundation.
Although DFA is a national milk marketing
cooperative, it is divided into seven areas, ensuring
grassroots representation of its members. The DFA
Board of Directors is made up of 51 board members
who are elected by members in their areas. Three
members represent cooperatives that are members
of DFA. Within the board, seven officers, who are
the elected chairs of their areas, serve as the board’s
executive committee. Each board member serves a
term of two years.

 BLM Designates 2010 Fee-Free Days

WASHINGTON, D.C. ­ The Bureau of Land
Management (BLM), in conjunction with other
agencies within the Department of the Interior, will
waive recreation-related fees for visitors on August
14-15, September 25 (National Public Lands Day), and
November 11 (Veterans Day) on many of the public
lands managed by the BLM, including areas within
the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS),
which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
“In celebration of not only the 10th birthday of the
BLM’s national conservation lands but also America’s
Great Outdoors, we invite visitors to take the path less
traveled and discover these treasured public lands
ALFALFA & GRASS FALLON during the fee-free days,” said BLM Director Bob Abbey.
Sale Every “For decades, millions of Americans have sought to
Tuesday 11:00am connect with the outdoors by exploring the National
PET & LIVESTOCK
SUPPLIES
System of Public Lands, and the BLM is proud to be
a part of the President’s America’s Great Outdoors
Livestock Exchange, Inc. initiative.”
Selling all classes of
VACCINATIONS
Site standard amenity and individual day-use fees
at BLM recreation sites and areas will be waived for
TA C K A N D F E E D AFFORDABLE
the day. Other fees, such as overnight camping, cabin
Sheep • Goats • Pigs • Cattle • Horses rentals, and group day use, will remain in effect.
755 S. Taylor St. AUTHORIZED DEALER
OF HOOF BEATS GATES
Where we work for you, the consignor… For more information on the conservation system’s
Fallon, NV 10th anniversary, go to www.blm.gov/nlcs. More
775.423.2300 NEW AND
Monte Bruck • Manager details about fee-free days and activities are available at
Tel: 775.867.2020 • Fax: 775.867.2021 • Cel: 775.426.8279 www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/Recreation/BLM_Fee_
M-F 9-6 • Sat 8-2 U S E D TA C K Free_Days.html
See you and your friends ringside every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.
summer 2010 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange 

Urban Homesteading: B e e f is at Shark

ey’
Sustainable living in the city is easier than you might think h e s!
By University of Nevada Cooperative Extension • Deciduous trees
T
Leslie Allen, commercial horticulture placed on the
program coordinator for the University south and west
of Nevada Cooperative Extension, has side of a home can
several tips you can use to combine the cut cooling bills
satisfaction of sustainability with the considerably.
comfort of city life.
• Lawn maintenance brings
The National Network for Sustainable opportunities for sustainable
Living Education defines sustainable choices. An hour on a standard
living as: living a life that is deeply gas mower produces as much
satisfying, fulfilling and appealing pollution as 11 automobiles.
because it is socially, environmentally A push-reel mower cuts
and economically responsible. grass better, and the

Prime
Try using some of Allen’s tips around blades remain on the
your home to become an “urban lawn, providing
homesteader,” then sit back and enjoy essential
the social, environmental and economic nitrogen
benefits of sustainable living. compounds as
they break down.

Rib 10
• Plant fruit trees,

$ 50
vegetable and In cities all over the country, “urban
herb gardens,
these simple
homesteaders” are taking strides to live
sustainably. The sustainable lifestyle 8 oz.
additions will starts with an understanding of our
bring the same connection to the environment.
food to your table at
“When we think of environmental
Comes
a fraction of the cost.
impact, we often think of some place Only with
• Chickens are easier to far away, as if the environment isn’t the
place where we live,” Allen said. “But
Soup or
maintain than dogs
and are legal in Elko, the environment is right outside our Salad, & Choice of Potato and
Washoe County and Reno door, and how we design and tend our
landscapes does have an impact.” Local
All Prices Include Sales Tax!
(not Sparks). They stay in

small flocks and will enjoy
a small, simple coop
design. Chickens raised
More than
Organizations The Northern Nevada
Poultry Fanciers Association meets
monthly and can give you excellent
advice on keeping city chickens.

great prime rib!

from chicks are quite
sociable and are available at feed The Northern Nevada Apiculture
stores beginning in March. Society meets monthly and can
help you start your own honey bee
• Consider apiculture operation.
(beekeeping) as a
potential source for Permaculture Northern Nevada

Community Organization Meetings

natural sweetener, meets at 6 p.m. to discuss urban
not to mention a homesteading the first Wednesday
of every month at the Universalist
at Sharkey’s
fascinating hobby.
Unitarian Church in Reno.
• Harvest water. Gather rainwater Reading Resources
from your gutter’s downspout with
a barrel to irrigate your indoor and
outdoor plants. About
• “Chicken Coops: 45 Building Plans
for Housing Your Flock” by Judy
• Bridge Club -
Mondays at 1PM
Sharkey’s is a
two gallons are
wasted waiting
Pangman
• CB Radio Club - Founding Investor
for your shower • “Chickens In Your Backyard: A
Beginner’s Guide” by Rick Luttmann
Tuesdays at 10:30AM Member of
to warm up. • Lions Club -
Collect cold and Gail Luttmann
Wednesdays at 6PM Main Street Gardnerville
shower water • “Farm City: The Education of an
in a bucket, and Urban Farmer” by Novella Carpenter
• Kiwanis -
watch your water Thursdays at 6:30AM
bill drop. • “The Backyard Homestead” edited by • Sertoma -
Carleen Madigan Fridays at 6:30AM
• If your landscape is paved, consider
breaking it up into chunks and • “The Urban Homestead: Your Guide • Masons -
filling the spaces with gravel. to Self-Sufficient Living in the Heart Fridays at 11AM
This helps of the City” by Kelly Coyne and Erik
collect rain Knutzen • Senior Line Dancing -
and runoff Fridays at 10AM
water and • “Toolbox for Sustainable City Living: • Carson Valley Cruisers
creates a nice A Do-It-Ourselves Guide” by Scott
urbanite, Kellogg and Stacy Pettigrew • Carson Valley Ropers
paving stone look.
Internet Resources:
• Backyard chickens - a recourse for
• The raising chickens in limited space
desert sun • Backyard beekeeping - a guide to
is a useful apiculture
tool.
Clotheslines • Storey Country Wisdom Bulletins
dry clothes quickly, - country living skills that can be
and passive solar devices like solar applied in the city
ovens and solar food dehydrators
produce food while cutting energy • Sustainable Living Project - an
costs. Oregon State University Extension 1440 U.S. Hwy. 395 N. • Gardnerville, NV
Program (775) 782-3133
 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange summer 2010

As farmers markets draw a broader demographic, offerings change

By John Seelmeyer
Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange
Farmers markets are changing the
diets of some low-income mothers and
children in northern Nevada.
And the poor families, in turn, are
playing a role in determining the sorts
of crops that farmers in the region sell
directly to consumers as their demand
for fresh fruits and vegetables has grown
dramatically.
The story begins in 2005, when Saint
Mary’s contracted to provide services
through the federal WIC, “Women,
Infant and Children”, program, which
delivers healthy food and nutrition
education to families with young
children.
Saint Mary’s officials soon learned the
program didn’t allow for distribution
of fresh fruits and vegetables to WIC
families. (The rule since has been
changed.) Casting about for a way to
get more fresh fruit and vegetables into
the diet of WIC families, Saint Mary’s
officials began providing them with
coupons they could redeem at farmers
markets.
Initially, the coupons were anything
but a smashing success, says Michael
Johnson, Saint Mary’s vice president
for community health and mission
integration.
While farmers markets are popular
with white middle-class families, they
draw far fewer low-income or ethnically
diverse consumers.
In fact, only $1,900 of the WIC
coupons were redeemed at farmers
markets in Reno and Sparks during the
summer of 2006, the first year of the
program.
But farmers at the markets around
town began to see the stirrings of a
change, says Ann Louhela, executive
director of the Nevada Certified Farmers
Market Association.
“There were all these young girls
showing up, embarrassed and hesitant,”
Louhela says.
A two-pronged educational effort got
under way. Saint Mary’s WIC counselors
began talking up the benefits of fresh
foods purchased from farmers markets.
So did farmers.
“All of the farmers greeted them with
open arms,” says Louhela. “It was a
great educational thing.” Slowly, she
says, farmers began noticing that the
new customers were returning from one
farmers market to the next, and they
were beginning to bring their children
and their parents with them.
The value of WIC coupons redeemed
at farmers markets tripled from 2006
to 2007. By last summer, WIC families
redeemed some $38,000 in coupons, 20
times the use of the program’s first year.
And even though federal rules
now allow use of WIC debit cards for
purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables
at grocery stores, Johnson expects
the families will continue to rely
increasingly on farmers markets during
the summer months.
“It works to the farmers’ benefit,”
he says. “They want to get that
demographic into the markets.” And
Louhela says northern Nevada farmers,
no dummies, are shifting their product
offerings in response to the new
shoppers.
“Farmers will grow what there is a
demand for,” Louhela says, noting that
growers found success last summer
with tomatillos and increased varieties
of peppers.
Other growers see potential for a
variety of Korean melon that will help
draw Asian shoppers into the markets.
(The Farmers Market season in northern Nevada
began in early June. Go to nevadagrown.com for a
schedule of events throughout the summer.)

2010 Nevada Farmers Markets

CARSON CITY HENDERSON
Wednesdays • 3pm - 7pm • June 9 - Aug 25 Thursdays • 9am - 4pm • Year round N
Saturdays • 9am - 1pm • June 12 - Sep 11 2 EW in
Pony Express Pavilion 241 Water St (in front of City Hall)
Sierra Summit Shopping Center
010!
Shirley, (775) 746-5024 Dave, (702) 579-9661
Shirley, (775) 746-5024
Spring Saturdays • 9am - 1pm • June 19 - Sept 17 www.hendersonfarmersmarket.com N
Sundays • 9am - 1pm • June 6 - Sept 5 2 EW in
3rd & Curry St LAS VEGAS The Grove at South Creek
010!
NEW in
Linda, (775) 882-6741 2010! Tuesdays • 2pm - 6pm Winter • 4pm - 8pm Summer 95 Foothill Road
www.carsonfarmersmarket.com Gardens Park in Summerlin Todd, (775) 329-5181
DAYTON 10401 Garden Park Drive, Summerlin 89135 Sundays • 9am - 1pm • June 13 - Sept 12
Thursdays • 3pm - 6:30 pm • June 17 - Sept Steve, (702) 562-2676 West Street, Downtown Reno
Hwy 50 & 2nd Ave www.lasvegasfarmersmarket.com Shirley, (775) 746-5024
Community Roots Nursery Wednesdays • 2pm - 6pm Winter • 4pm - 8pm Summer
Wendy, (775) 250-7884 Bruce Trent Park, 1600 N. Rampart 89134
SILVER SPRINGS
Rampart at Vegas Drive, Las Vegas Sundays • 10am - 2pm • June 13 - Oct
ELKO By appointment other times of the year
Steve, (702) 562-2676
Second Saturday of the month • July 10, Aug 14, Sep www.lasvegasfarmersmarket.com Silver Springs On-Farm Sunday Green Market
11, Oct 9 Tuff Luck Ranch
Downtown - call for location Saturdays • 10am - 2pm • May 15, June 19, July 17, 3315 Hwy 50 W
Amber, 775-340-7730 Aug 21, Sep 18, Oct 16, Nov 20
Beth, (*775) 577-9225
www.localharvest.orrg/farmers-market/M34704 Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs
9200 Tule Spring Rd, Las Vegas SPARKS
ELY Steve, (702) 562-2676 Tuesdays • 8am - 1pm • June 1 - Sept 14
Saturdays • 10am - 2pm • Aug 14 - Sept 18 www.lasvegasfarmersmarket.com United Methodist Church
400 Ely Street Spring, Summer, Fall - Call for Dates 1231 Pyramid Way
Phil, (775) 289-8364 Clark County “Backyard Farmers Market” Everett, (775)358-0925
www.elyrenaissance.com Winchester Cultural Center Thursdays • 4pm - 9pm • June 10 - Aug 19
EUREKA 3130 S McLeod Dr, Las Vegas (no market Aug 5)
Betty-Jane, (702) 455-7340 Sparks Hometowne Farmers Market
Thursdays • 4pm - 7pm • July - Sept www.accessclarkcounty.com/parks Victorian Avenue in downtown Sparks
Gold Street
Gary, (775) 237-5326 LOVELOCK Greg von Schottenstein, (775) 353-2291
www.sparksrec.com
FALLON Fridays • 4pm - 7pm • July - Oct
Saturdays • 9am - Noon • July - October TONOPAH
Tuesdays • 5:30pm - 9:30 pm • June 1 -­ Aug 24 8th & Cornell Street
(closed July 6) Mondays, 4pm - Dusk, July 5 - Oct 4
John, (775) 273-0604 Hwy 95, Main Street at Pocket Park
The Original Fallon Farmers Market Churchill County
Fairgrounds MINDEN Mary, (775) 482-3118
325 Sheckler Rd www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/M19984
Tuesdays • 4pm - 8pm • June 1 - Sept
Don, (775) 427-3428 Esmeralda Avenue, Downtown VIRGINIA CITY
www.fallonfarmersmarket.com Roxanne, (775) 782-2444 Thursdays • 3pm - 6pm • June 10 - Oct 14
Tuesdays & Thursdays • 8am - 2pm RENO Miner’s Park by the Senior Center
Lattin Farms Jeanne, (775) 847-9533
1955 McLean Road Tuesdays • 8am - 1pm • June 8 - Oct 5
(775) 867-4580 Shoppers Square WINNEMUCCA
N Shirley, (775) 746-5024 Thursdays • 5pm - 7pm • July - Sept
Saturdays • 9am - 1pm • June 12 - Sept 4 2 EW in
Downtown Fallon on Maine St
010! Wednesdays, 4pm - 8pm • June 16­ - Aug 25 Next to the Community Garden
Somerset Town Square Ed, (775) 623-8413
Wendy, (775) 423-1100
7650 Town Square Way Yerington
GARDNERVILLE Linda, (775) 787-4500 Ext 311
www.mysomersett.com Second Saturday of each month Year Round
Wednesdays • 8am - 1pm • June 2 - Sept 15 9am - 3pm
Lampe Park Fridays • 8am - 1pm • June 11 - Oct 8 Summer • The Attic parking lot • 33 Hwy 95 N
Jana, (775)782-9828 Tamarack Junction Casino Winter • Boys & Girls Club • 124 N. Maine St.
www.douglascountynv.gov/sites/recdept/Adult.cfm Shirley, (775) 746-5024 Elisabeth, (775) 463-5383
Saturdays • 8am - 1pm • June 5 - Oct 2 summervilleelizabeth@yahoo.com
California & Booth Streets Source: Nevada Certified Farmers Market Association
Shirley, (775) 746-5024 www.nevadagrown.com.
summer 2010 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange 
Northern Nevada growers fight spring elements
By Brian Duggan
Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange
Mark O’Farrell takes a seat by a tiny wooden shed on
his five-acre farm just south of Carson City.
“It has not been an easy spring,” O’Farrell said, sporting
a flannel shirt and baseball cap. “It’s hard to predict the
grow season in Nevada. Usually in April or May there are
a couple of usable weeks with warmer weather.” Another
winter-type storm was just topping the Sierra, and a flock
of chickens suddenly scurried into their coop when a
hawk began circling overhead.
Welcome to farming in rocky, windy northern Nevada.
O’Farrell is the owner of Hungry Mother Organics,
located at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center. He
grows dozens of fruit and vegetable varieties and raises
free-range chicken.
He’s also among the dozen or so farmers who bring
produce to a farmers markets every week during the
summer in Carson City. But sustaining his 4-year-old
operation requires more than hawking tomatoes and
farm-fresh eggs to eager foodies in the city.
“There have always been people
who care about cooking and
buying the best food they can
and eating locally and eating in
season.”
~ Nancy Dineen, Nancy’s Green Barn Farm
His farmers market business amounts to just a quarter
of O’Farrell’s income, which is why he is trying to break
into the retail business. He recently opened a store on
Highway 395, the former Northern Nevada Nursery, just
south of Carson City. He also supplies a Whole Foods
market in Reno, and several area restaurants.
The demand for his products have steadily increased,
partially thanks to farmers markets, O’Farrell said.
Linda Marrone, executive director of Nevada Grown
who also oversees farmers markets in Carson City,
said the events have grown each year since they were
Sierra Auction & Trailer Sales
Your Trailer Supply Company
• Lowest Prices in N. Nevada & N. California
• RV, Trailer Parts & Supplies
• Tractor & Trailer Sales
• M–F 9:00–6:00, Sat 9:00–3:00
(800) 257-2630 • (775) 867-2705 • Reno Hwy & Dorral Way • Fallon, NV
Fine Local Purveyors of Grass-Fed
All-Natural Beef
from Ranch 1
The first land claim in Nevada
Unique Gift Shop • Birthday Parties • Family Fun
Cooking Classes • Gourmet Food • Bakery Items
Summer Hours Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 5pm
2276 Main Street, Genoa NV ~ 782-2518
established three years ago. She said she tallies between
500 to 1,000 attendees and 30 vendors, including about a
dozen farmers, each week.
The number of farmers markets across the country is
ballooning, too. There were 5,274 farmers markets in the
United States in 2009, a 12.6 percent increase from 2008.
In 1994, there were 1,755 markets nationwide, according
to the United States Department of Agriculture.
“People are much more aware because of all the E.
coli scares, the pesticide scares, the whole obesity thing,”
Marrone said. “There have always been people who care
about cooking and buying the best food they can and
eating locally and eating in season.” Nancy Dineen goes
to work around 8 a.m. Her office: a farm in her backyard.
Dineen and her husband Barry bought a house and
five acres on the outskirts of Dayton five years ago. Today,
they’re raising chickens, turkeys, sheep, pigs and a variety
of fruits and vegetables. They named it Nancy’s Green Mark O’Farrell, owner of Hungry Mother Organics, works in one
Barn Farm. of his greenhouses.
Photo by Cathleen Allison
As she checks her chicken coops for fresh eggs, a
couple of dogs roam around the backyard among the Sue Young still gardens and sells some produce,
free-range poultry and a flock of sheep whine for food. including eggplants and peppers, to friends.
It’s heaven for Dineen who insists she was, “born “It was not a major source of income,” Marv Young
to plant.” Considering the various costs that go into said. “It’s primarily because my wife loved gardening and
we had to do something with our produce.” Susan Dyke,
maintaining a farm, Dineen’s tiny operation isn’t a big
money maker. Barry, a former police officer, still teaches who lives in north Carson City, started her own potpourri
criminal justice classes at California universities and business, Garden Scents, in her backyard and eventually
plans to retire soon. developed a custom drying shed for her product.
Nancy Dineen used to attend farmers markets But just four years into his farming venture, O’Farrell
acknowledges it’s an uphill battle. He said consumers
regularly, but has found a more lucrative business in so-
called community supported agriculture. see price tags before they notice where the food is made.
Still, last year was the first time his farm did better than
So far 10 people have signed up to pay the Dineens $20
break-even.
per week. They, in turn, deliver a bag of fresh produce
and eggs to their customers’ doors on Tuesdays and “You mass produce food, you can do it a lot cheaper,
Thursdays. They also sell chickens, pigs, turkeys and the problem is you get the same problems with mass-
rabbits (not as pets). produced anything,” he said. “It’s like comparing a mass-
produced piece of furniture to a handmade piece of
Dineen avoids food filled with antibiotics and doesn’t
furniture.” So O’Farrell is growing food and urging others
spray her vegetables with chemicals.
to try it for themselves, even if it means a small backyard
Her goal is simple: “I want people to try stuff without garden.
all the garbage in it.” Vendors who come to local farmers
“On a small scale it’s tough to do it commercially
markets vary in size and scope. Many are backyard
because of the seasons,” O’Farrell said. “People could
growers with a passion for gardening.
produce more of their own food, you could have more
Sue and Marv Young sold produce from their Carson small-scale things.” He said his goal isn’t to expand the
City garden for eight years. Both retired from state jobs farm. It’s to get more people interested in growing their
and after last year decided to retire from the farmers own food.
market circuit, too.
“It used to be self-sufficiency was a given,” he said.
Urban kids learn about AG industry
By Teri Vance
Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange
Although the spring snow and rain kept the kids from
going outside to look at larger livestock, hundreds of area
students showed up Thursday for the annual Farm Days.
They spent the day touring dozens of displays inside
the exhibit hall at Fuji Park, and petting smaller animals
like rabbits, tortoises and a couple of goats.
“They’re alpine goats,” explained their owner Megan
Forman of Carson City’s Merry Milkers Dairy 4-H Club.
“That means they’re a dairy goat so they produce milk for
cheese, ice cream and even stuff you can’t eat, like soap.”
The annual two-day presentation is sponsored by the
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
Mikayla Portsch, 7, of Sutro Elementary School, gives dairy goat
“It’s to get these urban kids to understand more about “Saphera” a big kiss during the Farm Days event.
Photo by Cathleen Allison
farming and ranching in Nevada and how it affects the
environment and how the environment affects farming School in Dayton, appreciated it.
and ranching,” said Sandy Wallin, who directs 4-H
“I like when it rains it absorbs muddy water so it is
and youth programs. “We have so much agriculture
in Nevada. So many people don’t understand that. clean water so we don’t have to drink muddy water,” he
They think of Nevada as Reno and Las Vegas.” Margie said.
Evans from the Clear Creek Watershed Council used Other booths explained the sources of meat and
a model farm to demonstrate how farmers will plant a honey, and had weaving and quilting demonstrations.
buffer to act as a filter system for the water supply. She Joel Ibarra, 7, most liked the display from the Nevada
sprayed water onto a dirt field and showed how the grass State Museum that showcased skulls of different animals,
absorbed most of the dirt before the water dripped into as well as preserved specimens of creatures indigenous
the stream below. to the Silver State.
“The farmer is doing a very good thing by placing a His favorite was the bat. “They fly,” he said. “I want to
buffer there,” she said. fly. I like the rattlesnake, too.” Farm Days continues with
Ben Buchanan, 7, a first-grader at Sutro Elementary school-sponsored field trips today at Fuji Park.
 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange summer 2010
Camp selling site-grown plants to the public
By Scott Neuffer
Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange
With harsh, cold winters and hot, dry summers, China
Spring Youth Camp and Aurora Pines Girls Facility in
the Pine Nut Mountains is not exactly the best growing
climate for vegetables and flowers.
Yet the plants raised in the youth development camp’s
new 1,100-square-foot, year-round greenhouse prove
that with the right materials and the right community
partners the high mountain desert can bloom.
“We had no idea how much it would take off or how
much could grow in here,” China Spring Case Manager
Jeff Gorton said. “People will be shocked to see what’s
been done up here. I have the feeling that if people find
out about it, they will already be looking forward to
next year.” Gorton and Aurora Pines Facility Manager
Wendy Garrison recently showed off the polycarbonate
greenhouse that was built last summer by camp residents
and staff members with the help of a nearly $72,000 grant
from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training
and Rehabilitation.
With snow still on the ground from Monday’s storm,
Garrison and Gorton stood in the warm humid air of the
new greenhouse. An electronic monitor on the wall, wired
to Garrison’s office computer, read a pleasant 77 degrees
Fahrenheit, with a humidity level between 60-80 percent.
With the warm humid air came the strong,
overwhelming aroma of hundreds of growing plants.
Tomatoes, cantaloupes, peppers. Gorgeous house plants
prolific in their well-watered pots. And, hanging above
everything, approximately 60 flower baskets overflowing
with blossoms and color.
Garrison said 38 of the large flower baskets will be
going to the Town of Gardnerville to be hung on Highway
395 for the summer season. The remaining smaller ones
will be sold to the public.
“Wherever we go, we tell people what we have and see
if they’re interested,” she said.
H & J Tack and Feed
Your One Stop Shop for
all your animals needs.
We carry feed for your:
Equine Dogs
Sheep Cats
Goats Etc. Come see our
selection of
Tack and Jewelry
13203 South Virginia Street • Reno, NV
Garrison said word-of-mouth is helping spread rumors
of China Spring’s amazing greenhouse products. In fact,
about 300 house plants were sold at a recent sale at Plant-
It Nursery in Gardnerville.
“In order to clear out, anything that doesn’t sell we’ll
put in the garden,” she said.
In some cases, if the produce is ready to eat, it will go to
the camp kitchen.
“We used lettuce grown in here in the kitchen, and it
saved about $250,” Garrison said.
In tight budget times, she said, the camp is trying to
find ways to support programs not funded by the state.
Plant sales have already raised about $3,000, which goes
straight back into the greenhouse and other educational
programs. Besides plants, the camp raises chukar and
goats.
“The goal is to have each program support itself,” said
Gorton.
Above all, the greenhouse benefits the camp’s at-risk
youth. It’s amazing, Gorton said, to watch a resident tend
a seed as it sprouts into a mature plant, and then later eat
the produce of that plant. Aurora Pines Facility Manager Wendy Garrison and China
Spring Case Manager Jeff Gorton stand in the greenhouse at
“We like to expose them to this stuff,” he said.
the China Spring Youth Camp and Aurora Pines Girls Facility in
“Growing lettuce, they were so ecstatic,” Garrison Douglas County.
Photo by Shannon Litz
added. “They kept saying how it tastes so much better.”
make money but give back to everyone supporting us,”
plants, corn, peppers and some of the smaller flower
Garrison said.
baskets, among others.
Garrison and Gorton said it’s been a community “We also want to hear from the community if there is
effort to get the program where it is. Plant-It Nursery has something they want us to grow,” Gorton added.
assisted with the flowers. The Genoa Tree Farm, Carson Staff at China Spring started their own contest to see
Valley Garden and Ranch and the Greenhouse Garden who among them can grow the biggest tomatoes.
Center in Carson City have all donated pots. When asked what the reward is, Garrison smiled
Garrison said that when China Spring runs out of plants and said, “Bragging rights.” To make donations to the
to sell, they’ll refer people to the greenhouse at Douglas program or for more information, call 265-5350.
High, which is run by the school’s agriculture students. Checks can also be mailed to China Spring/Aurora
“We’re trying to get more involved and not only Pines, P.O. Box 218, Minden, NV, 89423.
WARRANTIES IN WRITING • CONVENIENT CREDIT • SUDDEN SERVICE
Fallon • 2555 Reno Hwy • 775-423-7722
summer 2010 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange 
Of beef,
irrigating and
men shaving
their legs
By Marie Johnson
May, and the irrigation boards were frozen together
this morning. But water is still plentiful so can’t
complain. Branding is done and so is most of dragging
and ditch cleaning. Allen, a family friend, now retired,
shaved his legs. And look for the signs Carson Valley
Beef producers are putting up acknowledging a
proclamation made by Douglas County commissioners
recognizing local beef producers this month.
At least 17 Valley ranchers are placing discrete
2-by-3-foot white and red signs on their property
acknowledging being a local beef producer. Seventeen
is a pretty exciting number. That many active ranches
is a good sign agriculture is working in Carson Valley.
Enough cattle here to supply beef for the whole Valley.
But admittedly I am not organized enough, yet, to do
that. Details need to be worked out. But some area
ranchers are making progress and supply their Carson
Valley beef to local stores and restaurants. Ask for it, see
what happens.
Something else is afoot in the Valley. A reliable
source, PBWLV (Psycho Bird Woman of Long Valley),
says there are lots of chickens in the Gardnerville
Ranchos. She mentioned this along with saying, “I
was looking up how to make a chicken tractor on
backyardchicken.com.”
Yep, devoted people with a small plot of ground in
an urban environment want to raise chickens. PBWLV
claims to know a number of these Gardnerville area
residents raising chickens in their backyards and they
love it. They compare coops, feed, breeds, egg collecting
strategies, chicken tractors and gosh, who knows what
else. Another exciting agricultural community in the
Valley.
It too may find a way into our area stores. Then look
for proudly posted poultry producer signs in your area.
But not out here. I have nothing against chickens.
I just do not want, can’t and won’t raise them, ever.
And am amazed when someone else does. I would
rather walk through warm cow pies barefoot then walk
through a chicken coop with knee high rubber boots
on. Chickens are “oowweeeyy” to me.
I know it comes from an old prejudice developed
collecting eggs as a small, innocent girl in the Midwest.
Roosters chased and mean hens pecked me. I know
chickens help keep insects in check, reducing the need
for pesticides, can produce good protein hormone free
and rich fertilizer when cared for properly. But I only
like my chickens fried, baked, barbecued or sautéed in
white wine, with butter and capers. Besides there are
way too many coyotes, minks, skunks, cats and hawks
interested in any chickens I raise out here. I will keep
PBWLV my local poultry connection.
And about Allen’s shaved legs. It is a reminder bicycle
season is in full swing and serious male peddlers shave
their legs in case of a fall making wound cleaning easier.
So watch for bikers when out and about looking for
local agricultural producers signs, chicken or beef.
Marie Johnson is a Carson Valley rancher.
Mincer Silversmiths
Schwall said quite a few cowboys and cowgirls will
remember the SSIR.
fun at the Silver State than nationals,” he said.
de Braga’s love for rodeo and how she wanted to give
competitors a second chance.
John Mincer 775.423.3379
one of awesome. She wanted cowboys and cowgirls to
get a second chance,” Stix said.
www.MincerSilversmiths.com
Marcia de Braga’s efforts
centered on her love for people
By Steve Ranson
Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange
People who worked with Marcia de Braga knew her
as a hard working lawmaker during her five terms in the
Nevada State Assembly.
Others remembered de Braga as a lady who loved
both Nevada and its rugged West culture.
The 72-year-old de Braga died this spring after a long
battle with cancer.
Good friend Gaye Johnston remembered de Braga as
a skilled lawmaker, but she also marveled at her love for
children.
In 1986, Marcia and her husband, Lyle, began the
Silver State International Rodeo, which is celebrating
its silver anniversary this year. She wanted to give
high school cowboys and cowgirls a second chance at
performing their events if they failed to qualify for the
National High School Rodeo finals.
What began as a small three- or four-day rodeo grew
into a week-long celebration that brought many of the
top rodeo competitors to Fallon from the West, several
Canadian provinces and occasionally from such distant
states like Florida, Hawaii or North Carolina.
“This was a huge thing for our kids who weren’t
able to go to nationals,” said Kelly Anderson, former
Utah high school rodeo president and now that state’s
national director. “This was just as big to go there as
anywhere else.” He said Utah loves Fallon and the SSIR
and the hospitality the committee injected into the
annual event.
“Marcia’s dream of the SSIR,
of the invitational, was one of
awesome. She wanted cowboys
and cowgirls to get a second
chance.”
~ David Stix Jr., Family Friend
“It was a well-run rodeo. We enjoyed going there,”
Anderson said. “Our kids had a lot of fun with other
activities.” SSIR President Rick Schwall said he is
saddened with the loss to the community. He said de
Braga supported rodeos from the “little guys” to high
school. “Marcia gave a lot to the community,” he added.
Schwall said de Braga and her husband, Lyle, whom
she married in 1955, spent much time in putting
together the rodeo along with a committee. Her
unselfishness struck Schwall.
“She did not expect anything back,” he said, adding
her only motivation was to ensure the participants had
a good time.
With the SSIR approaching its 25th birthday, Schwall
said the committee is still planning to celebrate the
anniversary and recognize the de Bragas.
“We knew Marcia was ill, and we were hoping to
have her for the 25th,” Schwall explained. “This is a big
landmark for the SSIR.” Although many competitors
during the past 25 years may not have known de Braga,
“Time and time again, I heard kids say they had more
David Stix Jr., a close friend of the family, spoke about
“Marcia’s dream of the SSIR, of the invitational, was
Stix said one little slip-up, the luck of the draw or a
Marcia de Braga served Northern Nevada as a five-term
Assemblywoman and was heavily involved in youth rodeo.
LVN photo
stumble may have been the difference between going
to the nationals or the SSIR. One of those who received
a second chance to rodeo at the SSIR was professional
bullfighter Joe Baumgartner.
“Fifteen thousand cowboys and cowgirls also got a
second chance,” Stix added.
In addition to her work on the SSIR, de Braga served
for 21 years as secretary for the Nevada State High School
Rodeo Association and associated the junior rodeo and
high school club.
Rodeo wasn’t her sole passion, however. After her first
election in 2002, she served five terms as one of the few
rural legislators in the Nevada State Assembly.
“When she decided to get into public service in the
Legislature, she did a wonderful job for the community
and served us well,” Fallon Mayor Ken Tedford Jr. said.
“She worked her hardest.” Former Gov. Bob Miller said
she dealt wish issues without regard to political parties.
“She was a wonderful lady, polite and soft spoken, an
ardent proponent,” he said. Miller said de Braga had a
full understanding of the small communities in Nevada.
“She felt it was critical for them to be heard,” he said of
the rural areas.
“She did an outstanding job for me,” said Joe Dini,
retired Speaker of the Assembly and a fellow Democrat.
“She was a hard worker, very knowledgeable on water.
She always did her homework.” Dini said she would
brighten the session when she would recite some of her
poetry.
John C. Carpenter, a Republican from Elko, considered
de Braga as one of his closest friends in the Legislature.
“She and I had a very good relationship,” said
Carpenter, who was born in Fallon before moving as a
young boy. “We understood the needs or rural Nevada.”
He said de Braga was keen on water rights, especially
the passing of AB 380 water rights program that helped
compensate many people for water-right losses. She also
had passed legislation to provide funding for the Reno
Rodeo and the Nevada High School Rodeo Association.
Her other major legislation included the passage of
legislation to prevent government from raiding the Public
Employees Retirement funds for use in other areas, a bill
to create investigation and new research into the causes
of childhood leukemia and protection of children whose
custody was previously often awarded to parents who
were abusive to each other.
Carpenter explained that one session of the Assembly
was equally split with 21 Democrats and 21 Republicans.
They both co-chaired the Natural Resources committee.
“We may have been at the opposite end of the political
deal, but we looked out for rural Nevada,” he said. “She
was a rancher. I was a rancher. We came from the same
roots.” Likewise, current Republican Assemblyman Pete
Goicoechea, who defeated de Braga for her seat in 2002,
said he appreciated her involvement and the hard work
she did in the Assembly.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for the work
she did,” he said.
10 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange summer 2010

e r n N e v a d a !
Hey N o r th
By Steve Puterski
Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange
Cowboys and cowgirls come from all around the world for a shot to take
home a title from one of the sport’s premier rodeos.
Through June 26 more than 780 professional riders, along with an expected
crowd of 135,000, will swarm to the Reno Livestock Events Center. The event is
the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Associaiton (PRCA) fourth-richest rodeo.
The economic impact in the city of Reno is between $42 million and $44
million annually.
“The Reno Rodeo is one of the top five (highest paying) rodeos leading up to
National Finals Rodeo in (Las) Vegas in December,” Reno Rodeo spokesman
Steve Schroeder said.
Schroeder said the main prize the athletes look forward to winning is a set of
hand-made silver sterling spurs, awarded to the All-Around champions.
Silver State
International
Rodeo marks
The rodeo has been a staple in Reno since 1919 and is the
third largest event in the city behind Hot August
Nights and Reno Air Races.
“It’s grown from a two-day rodeo to four-day,
and now a 10-day rodeo,” Schroeder said. “They
(the athletes) can win up to $30 ,000 at the Reno Rodeo.” In addition to the
rodeo, fans will be able to enjoy a carnival, food and other activities throughout
the events center. Ticket prices range from $5-$25.
Schroeder said the rodeo isn’t just for those who follow the sport. Along with
the carnival and other activities, about 150 Western vendors will be present and
give demonstrations of roping.
By Steve Puterski “It brings a lot of revenue to the town,” Schwall said. “We
“You don’t have to be a Western-style person, from a ranch or serious rodeo Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange have different things going on. We have a mud volleyball
fan,” Schroeder said. Each year hundreds of high school cowboys and cowgirls tournament between the states, sack races and dog races.”
Last year’s rodeo saw more than 500 athletes compete,
For information about the rodeo, visit their website at www.renorodeo.com. come from across the U.S. and Canada to ride in the Silver
State International Rodeo on July 4-9. though Schwall did not know the number for this year’s event.
The rodeo was founded by the late Marcia de Braga and Rich
This year marks SSIR’s 25th anniversary and will kick-off Lee in 1986 as an event for contestants who performed well
the event with a Fourth-of-July parade. In addition to the but didn’t qualify for the National High School Finals Rodeo.
parade, there will be a barbecue and fundraiser for college
scholarships. De Braga was the Nevada High School Rodeo Association
secretary at that time, and Lee was secretary of the National
“We don’t have anything real, real special going on, just our High School Rodeo Association.
grand entries and prizes,” SSIR president Rick Schwall said.
They came up with the idea while returning to Fallon from
The rodeo is open to athletes who finished fifth through an NHSRA meeting in 1985.
10th in their state or provincial rodeo finals for the year. First
through fourth qualified for nationals in Casper, Wyo. The first rodeo in 1986 drew about 125 contestants because
participation was limited to those from the Western U.S.
Although the national qualifiers won’t be in attendance, states and Canadian provinces. Known originally as the
obviously, Schwall said some are national caliber Nevada International Invitational Rodeo, participation was
athletes and a number have gone on to professional opened in 1987 to all states and provinces with high school
rodeo careers. rodeo associations. The name was changed to Silver State
“It’s a great opportunity for them (the athletes) because International Rodeo in 1988.
they may have missed going to nationals by no fault of their “She put her heart and soul in it for the kids,” de Braga’s
(left) Kenneth Collins III attempts to stay on his horse before being own,” Schwall said. “We get a lot of kids who say they would daughter Jaime Dellera said. “She was so accomadating. She
bucked off on his head during the Fallon High School Rodeo. rather come here than nationals because they have more also did it for the town.”
(above) Trenton Montero from the Humboldt County Rodeo Club fun.” SSIR features two go-rounds, followed by a short-go
athletes must negotiate to qualify for the finals. Only the top

Promotional Nights
tries to defy gravity and a gyrating bull during his ride.
(below) Fernley cowboy, Victor Ugalde competes in tie-down
15 of each event advance to the finals.
roping at the Fallon High School Rodeo. Winners of the short-go and finals are awarded a variety of
(right) Christian Stremler of Humboldt County holds on for his prizes including a three-horse slant horse trailer, sponsored
timed ride at the Fallon High School Rodeo.
Photos by Kim Lamb
by the city of Fallon, to the All-Around Cowboy and Cowgirl.
• July 5th •
Marcia de Braga / Military Night

• July 7th •
Family Night

(left) Fallon senior Terynn Archuleta goes for the takedown and a
first-place time of 7.78 seconds in steer wrestling.
Photo by Kim Lamb
Cover photo by Kim Lamb

The Nevada High School Rodeo finals concluded June

20 in Elko. The top four finishers in each category Boys results:
Nevada High School Rodeo finals results
Tie-down roping Bareback Girls results: Barrel racing
move on to the national high school rodeo finals from
Cutting 1. Luke Malcomb 1. Grant Denny, Douglas Cutting 1. Mariah Wilcox, Washoe
July 18-24 in Gillette, Wyo., while the fifth through
10th cowboys and cowgirls advance to the Silver State 1. Casey Barton, Elko 2. Justin de Braga, Elko 2. Trenton Montero, Humboldt 1. Paige Moreda, Yerington 2. Rachel Primm, Independent
International Rodeo in Fallon from July 4-9. 2. Bobby Hoenick, Humboldt 3. TJ McCauley, Washoe 3. Wyatt Denny, Douglas 2. DeeAnna Pasquale, Humboldt 3. Kelbee Cheeney, Lincoln
Team roping (coed): 3. TJ McCauley, Washoe 4. Zayne Dishion, Washoe 4. Blaine Tibbals, Yerington 3. Randi Buchanan, Washoe 4. Kelsie Leas, Las Vegas
1. Zayne Dishion and TJ McCauley 4. Seth Garrett, Wells Bull riding Saddle bronc 4. Quinn Mader, Humboldt Breakaway roping
2. Justin de Braga and Casey Barton Steer wrestling 1. Trenton Montero, Humboldt 1. Joe Harper, Humboldt Pole bending 1. Shelby Scott, Alamo
3. Kayla Bland and Mariah Wilcox 1. Terynn Archuleta, Fallon 2. Grant Denny, Douglas 2. Clayton Souza, Eureka 1. Randi Buchanan, Washoe 2. Morgan Howard, Fallon
4. Sean Castodio and Luke Malcomb 2. TJ McCauley, Washoe 3. Blaine Tibbals, Yerington 3. Trenton Montero, Humboldt 2. Casey Simmer, Alamo 3. Quinn Mader, Humboldt
3. Mitch Rhodes, Spanish Springs 4. Sam Harper, Humboldt 4. Rowdy Hutchison, Wells 3. Mariah Wilcox, Washoe 4. Kayla Bland, Independent
4. Grant Denny, Douglas 4. Rachel Primm, Independent
12 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange summer 2010
West-central Nevada has become the ag training
ground for military personnel going to Afghanistan
By Steve Ranson
Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange
Central Nevada’s agriculture industry has become the
new training ground for the National Guard deploying to
Afghanistan.
Instead of fighting the enemy with guns and bullets, a
64-member Agribusiness Development Team consisting
of Nevada National Guard soldiers and airmen will assist
Afghan farmers become more proficient with the land.
“Our intent is to show them better techniques with
agriculture and livestock production,” said Lt. Col. Bart
O’Toole, team leader for agriculture. “We’ll supervise the
implementation of programs and train.” O’Toole, a Fallon
resident and longtime rancher who has been deployed
10 times since 9/11 to both Iraq and Afghanistan, said his
team has received much hands-on training since the unit
formed several months ago.
Each one of the 11 agriculture specialists interviewed
for a position on the ADT. The specialists were
recruited based on their background in irrigation, pest
management, animal husbandry, forestry and veterinary
science, At least half the unit consists of a security force.
After completing its statewide training, the ADT flies to
Afghanistan in August to begin its year-long mission.
Since the ADT’s formation, teams of Nevada airmen
and soldiers have traveled to Southern California and
and attended instruction in Reno and Churchill County
to become more familiar with a plethora of agriculture-
related jobs.
Dr. David Faught, a veterinarian with Lahontan Valley Veterinary
Clinic, performs a quick examination on a horse while Spc.
Christina Gonzalez watches.
Photo by Steve Ranson
UNCE, Guard team up
First, members visited the University of Nevada
Cooperative Extension where they picked up tips on
various aspects of agriculture. UNCE, an outreach of the
university, brings information to those who need to solve
problems and deal with critical issues in agriculture,
community development, health and nutrition,
horticulture and natural resources.
O’Toole said UNCE is providing experts back in
Nevada to include Sue Donaldson, a weed and water
quality expert with Cooperative Extension in Washoe
County; Bob Morris, a horticulturist and irrigation expert
with Cooperative Extension in Las Vegas; and Wally
Miller, a soils expert from the University of Nevada, Reno’s
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Science.
Air Guard Staff Sgt. Eric
Ritter once served as a mass
communications specialist for
Naval Air Station Fallon before
leaving the Navy and joining the
National Guard. Like the others,
he has volunteered for the one-
year tour.
“Our job is to help these
farmers get back into
production and in doing that
help legitimize the Afghan
government,” said Ritter. “After
30 years of war, many of these
people need to regain the ability
to grow the foods they were
world famous for like almonds
and pomegranates.” According
to the UNCE, the Pentagon sees
efforts like this by Cooperative Lt. Col. Bart O’Toole, left, and dairyman Eric Olsen discuss the training guardsmen received
at his dairy operation south of Fallon.
Extension and the Nevada
Air and Army National Guard
as essential to stabilizing the
Afghanistan economy and returning the country to self
sufficiency.
“In 2007 we realized you can’t win a war through guns
alone; now it’s time to turn toward the heart and minds
of the people,” Ritter said. “As Gen. Stanley McChrystal
(Commander, U.S. Forces Afghanistan) said, “We can’t
fight our way out of Afghanistan, we have to farm our
way out.’” O’Toole said guardsmen will spend most of
their time in Logar Province, an area having a climate
very similar to Nevada. Because of this, he said the UNCE
experts are familiar with the irrigation system and climate.
A Forward Operations Base (FOB) was built two years in
the province, which is southeast of Kabul.
“We’ll farm the Taliban out of there
and make these folks successful.”
~ First Sgt. Shane Jensen, Nevada Army National Guard
609th Combat Engineer Co.
“The similarities between the two areas will help us
apply what we’ve learned about irrigation and growing
things here in Nevada to the farms there in Afghanistan,”
Donaldson said. “So when the team there runs into any
questions or problems, they can contact us and we’ll
help them work through any obstacles they encounter.”
UNCE said Morris, however, has traveled to Afghanistan’s
northern neighbor, Tajikistan, where he assisted farmers
with drip irrigation of fruit and vine crops and helped
organize farmer cooperatives and water user associations.
“I enjoy being thrown a curve ball and having to figure
out the best way to approach a particular problem,” said
Morris, who traveled to Tajikistan under the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded
Farmer-to-Farmer Program. “It’s a mind challenge.”
Tapping into the dairy industry
Although the hilly terrain and dry climate of central
Nevada mirrors most of Afghanistan, the sophistication of
Nevada’s dairy industry could become an integral part to
the Nevada National Guard’s success.
COMSTOCK SEED
WE SPECIALIZE IN:
Native Seed Collections,
Drought Tolerant
Landscaping, Reclamation
and
Agriculture Seed
Ed & Linda Kleiner 775-265-0090 Gardnerville, NV
www.comstockseed.com
Photo by Steve Ranson
Dairy farmer Eric Olsen, whose spread consists of more
than 2,000 cows, assisted in the training that dealt with
many facets of the dairy operation.
“They’re learning the system,” Olsen said, “from how
to best handle the cows to knowing more about sanitary
issues.” On the farming side, Olsen said guardsmen are
learning the importance of growing better feed for the
cows, which, he said, will lead to better production. Olsen,
who comes from a long line of milk producers, applauds
the National Guard for its initiative to teach the Afghan
farmers better techniques.
“I appreciate what the guard is doing for us,” Olsen said.
Although Olsen operates one of the largest dairy
ranches in the state, O’Toole said the concepts are similar
to what the ADT will find in Afghanistan.
“This is a high-tech dairy, but we have broken down the
training to a low-tech operation – the little things,” he said.
“We’ll take a system that works here, simplify it and take it
there,” O’Toole said.
Olsen concurred. “We’ve discussed the simple ways
to increase production.” Spc. Christina Gonzales, a
veterinarian technician from Las Vegas, soaked up as
much learning as she could from Olsen and his dairymen.
For example, he advised her to evaluate the livestock,
Only a very small share of Afghanistan’s land
(about 15 percent), mostly in scattered valleys, is
suitable for farming; about 6 percent of the land
is actually cultivated. At least two-thirds of this
farmland requires irrigation.
Water is drawn from springs and rivers and is
distributed through surface ditches and through
underground channels, or tunnels, which are
excavated and maintained by a series of vertical
shafts. Such a tunnel is known as a karez or
qanat. In 1987 about 26,600 sq km (10,300 sq
mi) of farmland were irrigated.
Wheat is the most important crop, followed
by barley, corn, and rice. Cotton is another
important and widely cultivated crop. Fruit and
nuts are among Afghanistan’s most important
exports. Afghanistan is noted for its unusually
sweet grapes and melons, grown mostly in the
southwest, north of the Hindu Kush, and in the
fertile regions around Herat. Raisins are also
an important export. Other important fruits
are apricots, cherries, figs, mulberries, and
pomegranates.
Livestock is nearly as important as crops
to Afghanistan’s economy. Karakul sheep are
raised in large numbers in the north. The tight
curly fleece of Karakul lambs is used to make
Persian lamb coats. Other breeds of sheep, such
as the fat-tailed sheep, and goats are also raised.
Source: Government of Afghanistan website
summer 2010 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange 13

Karez water systems are vital to Afghanistan’s agriculture

Lt. Col. Bart O’Toole, left, and 1st. Sgt. Shane Jensen from Fallon participate in agricultural
classes at Cal Poly Pomona in May.
establish a vaccination and deworming
program for parasites once she arrives in
Afghanistan and begin working with local
farmers.
“You will soon learn what works (and
doesn’t work) in the ag environment in
Afghanistan,” he said.
That information was also disseminated
when ADT members recently visited
California State Polytechnic University
Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona).
Gonzales, though, is anxious to expand
her knowledge in Afghanistan. The
California State University Chico graduate
has been a vet tech for seven years and
a member of the Nevada Army National
Guard for 18 months. She said she is
happy to be a part of the ADT, but it was
by accident Gonzales found out about the
ADT.
“Colonel O’Toole asked me why I wasn’t
on his team,” she said. Now, she is certain
her veterinarian experience helped her
earn a spot.
Irrigation challenges in arid terrain
O’Toole said irrigation will also be
challenge in Afghanistan. Approximately
80 percent of the people use 15 percent
Photo by Nevada National Guard
According to Donaldson, Logar is a
relatively flat river valley surrounded
by rugged mountains and laced with
underground irrigation and canal works
known as karez. She said say the karez
system in the valley has been heavily
damaged over the years and needs to
be cleaned out to restore the flow of
groundwater to local fields.
Once the ADT arrives in country,
O’Toole said they will have an aggressive
training schedule ranging from goat and
sheep breeding in the fall to orchard
management in the winter to planting and
growing crops in the spring.
“Robust training is needed for a growing
system,” O’Toole said, adding that a
sustainable agriculture program will help
the Afghans become more independent.
Knowing basic animal husbandry
Dr. David Faught, a large-animal
veterinarian with Lahontan Valley
Veterinary Clinic south of Fallon, gave
five guardsmen an intensive two-day
course on animal husbandry. His
instruction centered on animal health
and situations the ADT may encounter.
“Husbandry is pretty primitive over
While Nevada farmers use wells and pumps or siphon off surface water
from rivers to irrigate their crops, farmers in many parts of Afghanistan
utilize a series of underground tunnels to bring groundwater to their
crops, vineyards and orchards.
The tunnel system is known as a karez. According to Dr. Guy Fipps of
Texas A&M University’s Irrigation Technology Center, karezes have been
used in the Middle East for drinking and irrigation water for thousands of
years.
Karezes are designed with a gently sloping, elliptical-shaped tunnel that
runs horizontally into an alluvial fan at the base of a mountain, tapping
into the groundwater deep beneath the surface. The tunnels are often
lined with rock, although some are just bare earth.
Farmers access the tunnel through a series of perpendicular shafts that
run from the surface down to the main tunnel. The deepest shaft is at the
head of the tunnel where it taps into the groundwater source and is known
as the “mother well.” When a shaft or tunnel collapses, blocking the flow
of water, farmers crawl down into the shafts and clear out the debris and
restore the flow of water.
Source: UNCE
said if the Guard sends him information Engineer Co. He will serve as the ADT’s
and photos, he will be able to offer pest specialist although he spent time
advice on how to handle a certain shadowing Faught.
situation. “They wanted someone with farming
“The main thing is they will be and a ranch background. I applied and
able to e-mail us with any problems,” was interviewed,” said Jensen, who grew
Faught said. “I also gave them access up on ranches in Wyoming and South
to online training videos that cover Dakota.
simple procedures.” Overall, Faught Nevertheless, he is also looking
said Gonzales’ experience as a vet tech forward to this deployment because
is extensive and will be a plus for the the mission will help the Afghan people
National Guard.
become more productive with their land.
“She will be the primary source on the
“This one is not based on fighting but
front,” Faught said. based on agriculture, the development
First Sgt. Shane Jensen of Fallon of the country,” he said. “We’ll farm the
has taken leave from the Nevada Taliban out of there and make these folks
Army National Guard’s 609th Combat successful.”

EXTRAORDINARY
of the land for farming and livestock. He there,” Faught said. “We need to keep it
said water is a major issue with crops and to simple husbandry.” During the two
animals. For example, O’Toole is very days Faught spent with the guardsmen,
familiar with the various irrigation systems they visited the dairy in the morning and
found in central Nevada, considering his his clinic in the afternoon. He showed
family has owned a ranch in the Reese them how to examine horses and
River area for many generations. livestock, keep records and euthanize,
something he said guardsmen could
“This is the closest irrigation system we encounter frequently. During one
have to Afghanistan,” O’Toole explained. afternoon session, Faught put an old
O’Toole explained while much of the horse down because it was emaciated
irrigation system has been modernized, and in poor health. ALL WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER 2010
he said certain areas still have primitive Once in Afghanistan, those assigned
irrigation because of the land or to monitor the health of the horses and
availability of sufficient water. Weddings • Special Events • Group Tours
livestock will still be able to tap into
Corporate BBQs • Family Reunions
Faught’s expertise. For example, Faught
Indoor Arena • Surrey Tours
Turn to a local resource for your Herd & Equine Health needs.
For more than 10 years, we’ve been here supplying livestock Pig Races • Pumpkin Patch
pharmaceutical products throughout Nevada and Northern California. Corn Maze • Pony Rides
School Days/Educational Tours
A lifetime in agricultural and ranching enables us to Night Crawler Maze Event
understand the needs of livestock owners and to work Private Groups
hand-in-hand to reduce the costs and increase production. Gourds and Squash
Our product lines include names such as: Produce and much more!
• Merial • Boehringer- • L&H Branding Irons And more,
•
•
Intervet
Schering-Plough
Ingelheim
• Ft. Dodge
• Jorgensen
• Vita-Flex
including special
orders
Order your Engraved
• Pfizer • Colorado Serum Co.
• Allflex Pumpkins by July 31st
“Ol’ Fashioned Service in a True Western Spirit” Your Hosts:
Jon & Paula Corley • Joni & John Raper
PINENUT LIVESTOCK SUPPLY
1416 Industrial Way, Suite A • Gardnerville, NV, 89410 • (775) 782-5337
859 Hwy 395 S. • Gardnerville
775-265-3045
800-513-4963 www.corleyranch.com
14 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange summer 2010
USDA’s food atlas provides insight into health, habits
Online feature at eXtension analyzes diets, spending of Nevadans
By John Seelmeyer
Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange
Tom Filbin needs to keep careful track
of more than 3,000 head of sheep at the
Rafter 7 Sheep Ranch along the East
Walker River near Yerington.
Breed-research programs jointly
sponsored by the University of Nevada,
Reno, College of Agriculture and the
ranch owner, the Edwin L. Wiegand Trust,
look to develop more profitable sheep for
wool producers in the Western states.
And that requires careful accounting of
the genetics and history of every animal.
Filbin’s staff at Rafter 7 has turned to
technology, radio frequency identification
tags, to provide efficient and accurate
information about individual animals.
The tags, similar to those used by
technologically savvy distribution centers
to track merchandise as it moves through
a warehouse, allow ranch staff to use an
electronic scanner to identify individual
animals.
And although the high hopes of makers
of electronic tags were set back by the
federal government this winter, the high-
tech tags continue to find a niche.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture,
faced with strong resistance from
ranchers and farmers nationwide,
decided in February to scrap its proposed
National Animal Identification System.
That system, intended to provide quick
tracking of livestock in case of an outbreak
of animal disease, was expected to
529 FAIRVIEW DR. • NEXT TO LOWE’S
CARSON CITY • 775.883.6409
WWW.COMSTOCKENERGY.COM
because you
can’t use all
of your energy
outside…
“Natures” 100% pine animal bedding and
Natures Fuel pellet stove fuel by the ton
or truck load.
We Sell Windows, Fireplaces and Wood, Gas &
Pellet Stoves.
Our Services Include: Chimney cleaning &
repair, Air duct & dryer vent cleaning, Service
most brands of wood, gas & pellet stoves.
drive widespread adoption of electronic The more you can have on a computer, David Thain, Nevada’s state extension
systems. the better job you can do.” The cost, about veterinarian in the department of animal
The market cratered when the USDA $2 a head, plus software and hardware, biotechnology at UNR, says a number
pulled back from the proposed standard. isn’t inexpensive, but Filbin says the of livestock operations in the state have
operational convenience and accurate moved to electronic identification as a
“It’s a depressed market,” says records make the system co-effective. means of maintaining records, and to
Jay McCown, founder of Ranger ID help track the source of animals after
Technologies, a Mountain Home, Idaho, When Rafter 7 began using the tags,
some staff wondered the electronic they’re sold.
company that develops and markets
electronic identification systems for devices would be lost as sheep grazed in The ability to track livestock through
livestock. open range and encountered fences and the market is important to Asian export
corrals. markets, McCown says, as those markets
But market hasn’t disappeared. often require the ability to trace meat
“We’ve had very good retention,” Filbin
“What we’re left with is niches all over says. products back to their source.
the place,” says McCown.
Animal ID proposal gets a fresh look
The federal proposal for a livestock-traceability program that spurred
One interest in development of electronic tagging systems is back on the drawing
niche, he boards, and the new proposal calls for states to develop their own systems.
says, is found The U.S. Department of Agriculture last month completed a round of
in operations meetings around the nation to hear from livestock producers and the public.
such as Rafter
7 Sheep Ranch, From there, federal officials will develop goals for the program and suggest
where accurate procedures for individual states and Indian tribes to follow. And once that is
records are the done, Nevada will conduct its own meetings of producers, industry groups and
cornerstone others before writing state regulations.
of breed- “We are ready to develop a traceability program as soon as federal guidance
improvement has been provided,” says Ed Foster, a spokesman for the Nevada Department
initiative. of Agriculture.
Says Rafter An earlier plan, which would have tracked animals and meat products from
7’s Filbin: birth through the retail chain, was abandoned by the USDA this year after
“It’s the best complaints from livestock producers who said the government wanted too
technology as much information.
far as accuracy.
Home of:
COMSTOCK
energy
Safe, Fun, Educational Horsemanship
Wild Willy’s Horse Camp
* Year-round Programs
* Week long & Weekend Camps; Day Programs
* Kids ages 6 and up, including teens
* Girl Scout & Boy Scout Troops, Special Events
KinderPonyPlay
* Children ages 4, 5, & 6 learn beginning
horsemanship skills with parent/guardian
KinderRanch
* Kids ages 4, 5 and 6 learn about life on a ranch
* Goats, Chickens, Sheep, Pigs and Cows
Group and Private Lessons for Kids, Teens,
and Adults; Clinics; Special Interest Groups
Chappell Morgan Horses
* Breeding & Sales - Foundation Lines
* Standing Chappell’s Blue Blood Boy
Contact: Kim Chappell 775-265-6483
www.chappellranchllc.com • kkc827@aol.com
531 Centerville Lane • Gardnerville, NV
summer 2010 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange 15
As horses wear old shoes
longer, farriers feel pinch
By Rob Sabo
Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange
You’re not the only who’s waiting longer to buy that
new pair of shoes. So are some horse owners in northern
Nevada, and that’s cutting into business for some of the
farriers who specialize in taking care of equine feet.
Farriers say that although they aren’t gaining many
new clients, their appointment books still remain fairly
full from regular customers who require new shoes on
their horses, or hoof trimmings.
Jason Carlisle, owner of Carlisle Farrier Service, says
horseshoers are always losing clients to attrition. Owners
move or sell their horses. Horses die. But there’s also
usually a small stream of new clients to replace lost ones.
“The focus becomes on the
horse again.”
~ Michael Tannehill
Owner, Sierra Farrier Service
Lately, however, Carisle says, his phone has been pretty
quiet.
“When you are building a book, you try to build it with
clients that shoe or trim on a regular basis,” says Carlisle,
a certified journeyman farrier who shoes about 20 horses
a week throughout the outskirts of the Reno-Sparks area.
“Hopefully you have got a book of good clients, and that
is how you make a living.”
Carlisle says he usually books appointments about
eight weeks in advance, and once his schedule fills up,
he can’t take on more clients without hiring help. But
new clients have been slim, as horse owners wait longer
UNCE’s ‘People of the Land’ wins national award
Extension curriculum helps government, tribes close ‘knowledge gap’
By University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
University of Nevada
Cooperative Extension’s “People
of the Land,” a self-paced,
eight-chapter curriculum
examining the historical, social
and economic attributes of
Indian reservations within a
four-state region of the West,
has been named a top winner
in the National Association of
County Agricultural Agents’
Communications Awards
Program.
The 2009 publication by Extension educators Staci
Emm of Mineral County and Loretta Singletary of
Lyon County is designed to help agricultural and
natural resource professionals work more effectively
with American Indian farmers and ranchers in Idaho,
Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
The researchers’ curriculum is the result of a three-
year quality-of-life assessment of American Indians
and the U. S. Department of Agriculture professionals
who work with them. Government officials said they
have trouble helping Indian farmers and ranchers
develop sustainable agriculture and natural resource
management skills on reservation land. Meanwhile,
tribal leaders expressed their desire to strengthen
agriculture on Indian lands.
The Cooperative Extension study by Emm and
Singletary identified a “knowledge gap” that indicated
the need to improve understanding and appreciation
of individual tribal histories and cultures in order to
work more effectively with tribes. “People of the Land”
provides the training to close that gap.
between shoeings.
“In years past, in the spring and summer the phone
usually starts ringing and you fill in vacancies. Now I only
get an occasional call. In years past it was not uncommon
to get two or three potential clients per week, and that’s
something you can work off.”
Horse owners usually stay loyal to one farrier, Carlisle
adds. Michael Tannehill, owner of Sierra Farrier Service
in Gardnerville, typically shoes between 30 and 40
horses in a week from Reno all the way south to Bishop,
Calif. Tannehill says some of his customers have tried to
cut back on equine expenses by going longer between
shoeings and trimmings, but at the same time, other
clients have been avoiding taking expensive vacations
in favor of staying home. As a result, they’re riding their
horses more, which means more shoeing.
“The focus becomes on the horse again,” says
Tannehill, a journeyman farrier since 1993.
Farriers typically charge a flat fee for shoeing or
trimming hooves, and additional fees if they need to
clip a horse’s pads or do any other therapeutic work.
Tannehill says the biggest trend in the industry is a
movement to forgo shoes in favor of barefoot riding.
Sales of farrier supplies — primarily horseshoes, nails,
and hoof-care products —also remain relatively flat,
say operators of farrier supply stores in Carson City and
Gardnerville.
Katie Krueger, manager of Washoe Valley Farrier
Supply, a 2,400-square-foot retail operation at Research
Drive in Carson City, says sales peaked in 2007 and ’08
and have decreased over the past few years due to a
reduction in the number of horse owners.
Big sellers at Washoe Valley Farrier Supply are
horseshoes and pad and hoof-care products, such as
rasps, knives and trimmers.
To drum up new business — many local farriers
purchase their supplies at the store — Washoe Valley
“American Indian farmers and ranchers contribute
a great deal economically to rural reservations,” Emm
said, “and even though federal programs are designed
to help increase the profitability of farms and ranches,
Indian land tenure can make it difficult to implement
and encourage sustainable agriculture programs on
reservation lands. ‘People of the Land’ is an effort to
improve that situation.”
Singletary called American Indian land tenure issues
“profoundly complex,” and said those issues affect
the sustainability of both agricultural operations and
natural resource management efforts on reservations.
“Our curriculum seeks to explain these issues and
how they evolved over time,” she said. “Tackling this
subject was challenging, but if we can increase the
awareness and understanding of the obstacles Indian
landowners face in managing their resource base,
perhaps we can effect a lasting program impact.”
Cooperative Extension Dean and Director Karen
Hinton praised Emm and Singletary for taking on a
Katie Krueger, manager of Washoe Valley Farrier Supply, says
sales of horseshoeing equipment have slowed the past few
years.
Photo by Cathleen Allison
Farrier Supply has revamped its Web site, and reworked
Web copy for search engine optimization.
“For the most part the local farriers already know
where we are at, but we are expanding business by
going on the Internet,” Krueger says. Internet sales have
long been the prime revenue generator for Hoof-It
Technologies of Gardnerville, but the company is moving
into new warehouse space in the Meridian Business Park
at 2222 Park Place and will open a small retail storefront.
Leslie Batistich, director of operations for Hoof-It,
says business has remained flat through the recession,
but Hoof-It benefits from casting a very wide net. The
company has warehouses in Brazil, Germany, and
domestically in Wisconsin and California.
Hoof-It primarily sells farrier supplies, as well as
equine and bovine dentistry equipment. One of its best-
selling pieces of equipment is a hoof stand that allows
farriers and horse owners to shoe or trim hooves without
having to support the weight of the hoof.
The company is opening a retail operation to better
serve local customers who want to drop in for supplies,
Batistich says. Hoof-It employs more than 20 full and
part-time employees at its locations.
difficult job.
“This is an example of how
our faculty use science-based
research to help people,” she
said. “’People of the Land shows
how we try to bring real solutions
to real people to improve the
economy and people’s lives.”
Singletary and Emm have
already taught the curriculum,
published last year, to hundreds
of tribal agriculture producers
and land managers within the
four-state region. Program
impact measures showed that
agency professionals working on Indian reservations
came away with increased knowledge of key issues,
including: American Indian culture; federal Indian
policy; issues surrounding Indian land tenure,
including checkerboard and fractionated lands on
American Indian reservations; Indian agriculture
irrigation projects; and Indian governance.
Demand for the 166-page textbook has been
unexpectedly high. The book is already in its second
printing, and Emm and Singletary – at the request of
county officials and state educators – are working on
two separate publications – one focused specifically
on Nevada tribes and another written for Nevada
students.
For more information, contact:
Staci Emm, Extension Educator, 775-945-3444,
emms@unce.unr.edu
Loretta Singletary, Extension Educator, 775-463-
6541, singletaryl@unce.unr.edu
16 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange summer 2010

Conservation Legacy
Reaches Back to
By Liz Warner Bennett, a soil conservation pioneer
Natural Resources Conservation Service who had worked for the Department
April marked the 75th anniversary of the Natural of Agriculture since the early 20th century. In 1933, the
Resources Conservation Service. Soil Erosion Service was formed in the Department
of the Interior, with Bennett as chief. The Service was
Established by Congress in 1935 as the Soil transferred to the Department of Agriculture in 1935,
Conservation Service, NRCS has expanded to become and was shortly thereafter combined with other USDA
a conservation leader for all natural resources, ensuring units to form the Soil Conservation Service. Bennett
private lands are conserved, restored and more resilient continued as chief, a position he held until his retirement
to environmental challenges. in 1951. In 1994, the agency was renamed to the Natural
In Nevada, over 9 million acres of land are privately- Resources Conservation Service as part of the Federal
owned, making stewardship by private landowners Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture
absolutely critical to the health of our environment,” Reorganization Act of 1994.
said Bruce Petersen, state conservationist for the NRCS The history of the NRCS is a story of land and people. One of the first Conservation Districts is formed after the
in Nevada. “We work closely with private landowners NRCS draws on a tradition of principles in working with creation of the Soil Conservation Service.
as well as federal land managing agencies, Tribal private landowners that is as relevant today as when it Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS
governments, local and state agencies to make sure the was a dream to Bennett. A career soil scientist with the US
land will be protected for soil, air, water, as well as the plant, animal and human life
Department of Agriculture, Bennett became convinced of the whole watershed.
another 75 years.” that soil erosion was a national menace and that its
To honor the Service’s Formation of the first conservation district, bounded
solution lay in tailoring conservation practices to fit the
legacy, Nevada Gov. Jim by the Brown Creek watershed in North Carolina, on
land and the desires of landowners. The Dust Bowl of
Gibbons proclaimed April as August 4, 1937, established a method for the SCS to assist
1935 helped Bennett prove his point to Congress. Fertile
Soil and Water Conservation farmers in the conservation districts. Locally elected
topsoil from as far away as Kansas blew into Washington,
Month. citizens established priorities and plans for the district’s
D.C. while Bennett stood before Congress asking for the
work.
“Conservationists creation of a national conservation agency.
across our beautiful state Today, 28 conservation districts cover the state of
Bennett knew that simple solutions for all situations
work hand in hand with Nevada, providing local input on resource concerns and
would be fruitless. The crops, the land and the climate
the citizens of Nevada to challenges. District supervisors help set local priorities for
were so diverse that specialists in agronomy, forestry, soil
conserve natural resources Farm Bill funding, coordinate tours and local work group
science, biology, engineering, and social sciences were
and leave a better earth meetings, and share the latest technology with fellow
called upon to help develop conservation methods. They
for our children and landowners.
worked with farmers to find solutions that benefited the
Destitute pea pickers in grandchildren,” Gibbons land and fulfilled the landowners’ aspirations. “We’ve been at this for 75 years and while our
California. Mother of seven wrote. environment is healthier and our food is safer, we still
In 1933, the Service began working with farmers in the
children. Age thirty-two.
The agency was founded have a lot more to do,” said Petersen.
Nipomo, California. Library of Coon Creek watershed of southwestern Wisconsin to
Congress image call number: largely through the efforts transform the square, eroding fields into a showplace of For more information about the 75th Anniversary, visit
LC-USF34-009058-C. of Hugh Hammond conservation practices and wise land use that benefits the the Nevada NRCS Web site at http://www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov.
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS

Tours allow visitors to step into Carson Valley past

By Sharlene Irete “One of the goals in the
Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange restoration process is to
The opening of tour season at the Dangberg Home recreate Gertrude’s garden
Ranch Historic Park gives the opportunity to see how four as it would have been in
generations of a Carson Valley family lived. the 1930s and ‘40s,” he said.
The special exhibit of “Dangberg Short Stories” is open The restoration process
noon to 4 p.m. is helped by historic
photographs of the garden,
Friday through Sunday. Park tours tell the history of the plant catalogues left by
Dangbergs through the collection of furniture, clothing, family members and
books, dishes, artwork, photographs, and documents left plants that survived on the
in the house and grounds off Highway 88 in Minden. grounds over the years.
The park features a bunkhouse, and other buildings The garden still has
constructed between 1857 and 1916. The 15-room main daffodils, peonies,
house, once one of the most prominent homes in Carson crabapple trees and
Valley, is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The lilacs that originally grew
house, stone cellar, laundry building and garden are there, and park staff and
included in tours. volunteers have added
“The Dangbergs are representatives of Nevada ranching hyacinths, tulips, iris
The Dangberg Home Ranch
~ Tour details ~
families,” said Park Interpreter Mark Jensen, one of and other plants. Plants was settled by Carson Valley The Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park is at
the presenters of the “Dangberg Short Stories” exhibit and supplies have been pioneer Heinrich Friedrich 1450 Highway 88, a half mile south of the Carson
represented by several themes in different rooms of the donated by Gardnerville’s Dangberg Sr., in 1857. By the Valley Swim Center. Map and information at parks.
house. Plant It Nursery. time of his death in 1904, he nv.gov/hr.htm Make required reservations at
had created one of Carson
“The sitting room is the original cabin,” said Jensen. dangbergranch@parks.nv.gov or 783-9417. Tours
“With the support of Valley’s largest ranches at
30,000 acres. His children, are limited to 10 people, but larger groups can
“Now the ‘History of Flight’ will be represented in this Plant It Nursery, we’ll request special arrangements. Admission is $3 for
room on tours.” “Stories of Patriotism” about the Civil War including H. Fred Dangberg
create not only an effective Jr., founded the Dangberg adults, free for children under 13.
and the World Wars are told through correspondence, demonstration garden Land and Livestock Co., a
photographs and other artifacts in the living room. and interpretive tool, but Regular one-hour tours are 10 a.m. Wednesday
collection of cattle and sheep
ranches, orchards and other
through Sunday, with additional
In the dining room are souvenirs and photographs also a thing of beauty,” said
Jensen. businesses that grew to 2 p.m. tours Saturdays and Sundays. Information,
from three world’s fairs in the “Stories from the Midway” 48,000 acres by the middle of Mark Jensen, dangbergranch@parks.nv.gov or
exhibit. “The park’s collection the 20th century. In 1905, the 783-9417.
isn’t just about the company founded the town of
The “Stories of Gertrude’s Garden” exhibit shows the Minden. The “Dangberg Short Stories” exhibit is open
progress volunteers have made to restore the flower beds Dangbergs. Many others
noon to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Admission
created by Gertrude Dangberg, who lived 1876-1968. who spent time at the for the 1 1/2 hour tour is $3 for adults and free for
home ranch or were otherwise connected with the family children 12 and younger. Regular tours will not be
Jensen said the exhibit features vintage gardening tools, left behind their own fascinating stories, and this exhibit is offered during this exhibit.
plant catalogs and family photographs showing how her our chance to share some of them.”
garden looked in the past.
summer 2010 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange 17

Bill threatens youths’ ability

to work on farms
By the Farm Bureau News
Special to Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange
Working on both a dairy farm and a horse farm when
he was 15 through 17 helped make Patrick First the
person he is today, he says. Now the college student is
setting his sights on becoming a veterinarian and will
start applying to vet schools this summer.
“Working at farms helped me realize what I wanted
to do with my life,” First said, “that I really wanted to get
into the vet profession.” First already had experience
with horses. Working on a dairy farm broadened his
perspective.
“It would be throwing out the good
with the bad. This bill is definitely
the wrong approach.”
~ Ron Gaskill, Immigration & Labor Specialist
American Farm Bureau Federation
“I learned a great deal about just hands-on working
with dairy cows,” he explained. “That has helped me a lot
and it got me interested in working with food animals.”
Taite Henson, a high school student works on a horse
ranch where she keeps the horses ridden so they don’t
buck or crow-hop (make small, jerky leaps) when others
try to ride them..
She says she loves working on the farm, being around
animals and making new friends. Plus, it’s taught her
some important lessons.
“I’ve learned how to care for the animals, how to
respect them,” she said.
“I have learned a lot of safety skills, at least around
tractors and animals.” She’s also learned some important
life skills. “Knowing
that you have to
get up at 5 o’clock in the morning to feed your animals;
getting ready for packing up ahead of time for a show;
those are some leadership skills I’ve learned by working
on farms as well as being in 4-H and FFA.” Working on
farms during the summer break or after school has been
a way for high school students, especially in rural areas,
to earn money and valuable experience while doing what
they love. But those opportunities would come to an end
if a bill passes in Congress.
The Children’s Act for Responsible Employment (H.R.
3564), or CARE Act, would eliminate the Fair Labor
Standards Act (FLSA) exemption that currently allows 12
to 17 year-olds to work on farms as long as conditions are
safe and parents give their consent.
Under the bill, minors would only be allowed to
work on their own parents’ operation under the direct
supervision of a parent or legal guardian. There is no
exception in the bill for non-farm youth who may be
working as part of their participation in vocational
agriculture programs, 4-H or cooperative education
programs.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard
(D-Calif.) and got a boost from a report by Human Rights
Watch in early May, Fields of Peril, saying that migrant
farm workers put their kids in the fields to make more
money, and the work threatens the children’s health and
education.
While there may be some young people in the field
when they don’t want to be there or shouldn’t be
Under proposed legislation, children under 18 may not work on
there, Ron Gaskill, American Farm Bureau Federation a farm unless they are working for their parents.
immigration and labor specialist, says, Roybal-Allard’s Kim Lamb photo
bill goes too far.
he would not have gotten the experience he needed.
“To prohibit all employment of people under the
age of 18 would take away a lot of benefits that young “I guess I probably would’ve had to get a job as a
people gain from working on farms,” he said. “It would be busboy or something, working at a restaurant, and that’s
throwing out the good with the bad. This bill is definitely completely not me,” he said. “I’m an outdoors person,
the wrong approach.” Gaskill says existing laws should and I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed that at all. I
be enforced. Meanwhile, youths in agriculture should worked at four or five different farms when I was under
continue to be exempt from the FLSA and, with parental 18 and at each of them I learned so much.”
consent, be able to work in jobs that are safe. The Farm Bureau News is a publication of the
First says if he had not been allowed to work on a farm, American Farm Bureau Federation.

Junior livestock shows support 4-H, FFA

Mikaela McCormick
showed her sheep
at the spring
Churchill County
Junior Livestock
Show. By Stephanie Carroll
Steve Ranson photo
Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange
Every year Churchill County community members have
the opportunity to support local youth and purchase locally
raised, high quality meat at the Churchill County Junior
Livestock Show and Sale at the Churchill County Fairgrounds.
“You help our local 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of
America) clubs,” said Jake Olsen, 16, who raises hogs.
“The kids put so much money into these animals to
make them nice and to make them a quality show
animal.” Amanda Allegre, 4-H community based
instructor, said the sale and show are not just for big
spenders. She said not only can people purchase
an animal together and split the meat, but it is also
generally cheaper to purchase in bulk, at least for steer.
Allegre said purchasing a 1,250-pound steer for
$1.50 per pound at the auction will cost about $2,255
after slaughtering fees whereas 543 pounds of beef at the
grocery store costs about $3,398.
“I think it’s very valuable because it’s good quality meat and
it’s going to taste good,” Olsen. “A lot of people say the prices
are ridiculous … for the amount of work kids put into them,
it’s worth it.” Allegre said one steer could easily last a year so
purchasing a single animal can provide a large quantity of
meat for a lower price. Allegre added the taste is also better
because 4-H and FFA members strive for quality. The show is
a competition for who raised the best market animal.
“We feed them very expensive feed,” Olsen said. “In a show
you want them to have a lot of muscle.” Buyers also have the
rare opportunity to find out exactly how the animal was raised
because the children are there to answer any questions.
“Talk to the kids,” Allegre said. “Let them talk about the
animals. They’re pretty knowledgeable.” Allegre added buyers
can resell the animal if they want to support the children
without acquiring all the meat.
“The benefit of doing that is to get your name out there to
show you’re supporting the community,” Allegre said. “They
still get that advertising.
We try to get the community aware as much as possible of
who is supporting the kids.” Allegre said the show benefits 4-
H and FFA members in multiple ways. They acquire a variety
of adult and business life skills in addition to raising money.
Olsen said he puts at least $500 into each hog, and it’s difficult
to break even.
“A lot of the kids use it for purchasing their next animal,”
Allegre said.
“A lot of the older kids use it for their college fund.” Allegre
said once purchased, the buyer chooses where the animal is
harvested, how the meat is cut or if they want to keep it alive.
Children will also be judged on showmanship. Allegre said
showmanship winners participate in a round robin event
where they must show every species at the event to become
the Master Showman.
“They have to show all the species,” Allegre said. “They
have to show swine, goats, beef and rabbits. It broadens
their horizons. It’s stepping out of their box a little bit. It’s
fun.” Allegre said she understands the economy makes large
purchases difficult, but she explained there are savings
to buying an animal for meat in addition to the support it
provides 4-H members.
“We welcome everybody to come down and support the
kids,” Allegre said.
 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange

How’s your WUIEE?

18 summer 2010

UNCE’s ‘Living with Fire’ offers help to

homeowners in danger zones
By Ed Smith, Natural Resource Specialist managed to reduce the
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension fire threat and allow
firefighters a place to
wui • ee \ wü – e\ n: Slang for wildland-urban interface, the safely work.
area where houses and residential landscapes meet wildland
vegetation. Typically, these areas are at great risk from wildfire. Next, emergency
In order to live safely in these areas, residents and agencies responders need to
need to create wildfire-resistant communities. be able to locate and
arrive at your home
My friend’s wuiee is sick. Without treatment, his in a timely manner.
wuiee not only threatens his life, but the lives of his This means having
family members and neighbors. The prognosis is not noncombustible, readily
good. Experts say that it is just a matter of time before visible street and address
his wuiee delivers a life-threatening blow. While an signage, adequate,
ailing wuiee is curable, it requires people to help safe turnarounds for
themselves, be proactive and to take action to reduce firefighting equipment,
the threat. and bridges and culverts
that can support fire
Unhealthy wuiees abound in Nevada. People have engines.
them in Austin, Elko, Mount Charleston, Pioche and
many communities in between. But Nevadans are Finally, at the
fortunate; we have one of the best wuiee support groups community level, a
in the West. Unlike some other places, Nevada’s local, healthy wuiee would have
Ed Smith checks out an area ravaged by wildland fire.
state, federal agencies, the university, and nonprofits a fuel break. Fuelbreaks Photo courtesy of UNCE
work closely to help improve wuiee condition. But it still are strips of land, usually
takes willing individuals to want help and to do their 50 to 100 feet or more in
program coordinated by University of Nevada
part on the home front. width, where flammable vegetation has been reduced
Cooperative Extension that helps Nevadans reduce the
or replaced with less hazardous vegetation. A good
The condition of our wuiees, i.e., the wildland- wildfire threat to their communities. To find out how to
community water and hydrant system and more than
urban interfaces, are a significant concern to Nevada’s create a healthy wuiee, go to: www.livingwithfire.info. For
one road in or out are also desirable features.
firefighting agencies. possible funding and support for good wuiees, contact
So, how do you know what condition your wuiee is Andrew at the Nevada Fire Safe Council, 775-884-4455.
So what makes a good wuiee? First, the presence of in? Thanks to the Bureau of Land Management and the Finally, your local fire protection agency is eager to help
ignition-resistant houses. Houses with fire-resistant Nevada Division of Forestry, we have an appraisal of with your wuiee problems. Asked them for advice.
roofs, dual-paned and tempered glass windows, wuiee condition for many of Nevada’s communities. To
noncombustible siding and vents that resist ember There is more wildfire in Nevada’s future. We need to
find out, go to: www.nvfsc.com, click on “CWPPs” and
penetration are key. create healthy, safe wuiees for ourselves, our families
then find your county and community. These reports
and our communities. Check out the Living With Fire
Second is creation of an effective defensible space. rate your community, tell you the hazards and suggest
website for a list of fire awareness week activities in your
Defensible space is that area between a house and mitigation measures.
community.
an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been The Living With Fire program is an interagency

UNR professor receives award for watershed study

By University of Nevada “This is a well-deserved
University of Nevada, Reno professor Tamzen award,” Alexander said.
Stringham has been awarded the Outstanding “Stringham has written
Achievement in Research/Academia award at the seminal articles for
63rd Society for Range Management and 50th Weed major publications on
Science Society of America joint annual meeting in the development of state
Denver. and transition modeling
for uplands and riparian

“Riparian watersheds make up only two percent of

our landmass, but 98 percent of all wildlife spends
time in these areas.”
~ UNR Professor Tamzen Stringham

ecosystems, and how we

Stringham’s work in riparian watersheds maps
national ecological sites to study relationships
between soil, water and plants and how they will
respond to natural disturbance, so predictions can
be made on whether the watersheds will improve or
decline.
“Riparian watersheds make up only two percent
of our landmass, but 98 percent of all wildlife spends
time in these areas,” Stringham said.
“Riparian areas are critical to our fish and
wildlife.” Stringham, who holds the Donna Anderson
Endowed Professorship in the Department of Animal
Biotechnology, was nominated for the award by Jack
Alexander, first vice-president of the Society for Range
Management.
look at ecological sites. University of Nevada, Reno professor Tamzen Stringham collects winterfat seeds for studies of
She’s highly proficient in the riparian watersheds of Nevada.
Photo courtesy of UNR
the field. Her work has
allowed the esoterica land conservation management policy when
of science to be applied to the practical matters land published in fall 2010.
managers and agricultural leaders need to make University students attending the conference
day-to-day decisions.” Stringham collaborates with placed first in the university chapter display board
the Bureau of Land Management and the Natural competition, describing how Nevada fits into the
Resource Conservation Service. The Natural Resource working landscapes theme of the conference. The
Conservation Service publishes her work in the board is on display for public view on the second
National Range and Pasture Handbook as a guide for floor of the Fleischmann Agriculture Building on
landowners and land managers to use in conservation, the University campus. In a separate competition,
tactics and planning. University student Garrett Noles placed third in
These guidelines on developing ecological site the extemporaneous speaking contest during the
design and management will become part of national conference.
summer 2010 Nevada Ranch & Farm Exchange 19

classified
Marketplace
SERVING NORTHERN NEVADA’S
RURAL COMMUNITIES

g o to l a h o n ta nva l l ey n ew s. c o m
and click on PLACE AN AD
or call 775-423-0353

www.lahontanvalleynews.com/ads REAL ESTATE | JOBS | AUTO | STUFF

"QBSUNFOUT "QBSUNFOUT )PVTFT )PVTFT .BOVGBDUVSFE

7BDBUJPO
3FOUBMT 7BDBUJPO
3FOUBMT 7BDBUJPO
3FOUBMT

5SBEFT
$" 5SBEFT
$" 5SBEFT
$"
6OGVSOJTIFE
/7 6OGVSOJTIFE
$" 'VSOJTIFE
$" 6OGVSOJTIFE
$" .PCJMF
)PNFT
/7
CE
CB
XE
/4QFUT

TU
MBTU
CE
CB
NP

EFQ
TPNF
VUJMJUJFT
GSFF

Oceanfront Vacation Home

5BIPF
,FZT 4FBEBODF
PO
UIF
-PTU
$PBTU
BU
4IFMUFS
$PWF
$"

TFD
EFQ
$BMM 
XCPBU
TMJQ OFXFS
"QQM


%PHT
OP
 #1 Selection of
CE
CB $595/mo 6 mo. CE
CB  Vacation Rentals 5IJT

TG
PDFBO
GSPOU
IPNF
PGGFST
TQFDUBDVMBS

OFBS
,FZT
 
PS
 PDFBO
WJFXT
TPPUIJOH
PDFBO
TPVOET
BXFTPNF
New Lease, MOVE IN
NPOUI
XE
ILVQT 0WFS

)PNFT

$PO
SPECIAL
DMPTF
UP
4UBUF /41FUT GVSOJTIFE TVOTFUT
FYDFMMFOU
XBWF
BOE
BRVBUJD
WJFXJOH
BOE
)PVTFT 
i:w
BSFB
 *O
53&
CE
CB

DBS EPT
7JFX

CPPL
POMJOF
MJOF


CFBDI
/41FUT $BMM
 XXXSFOUBMTMBLFUBIPFDPN BO
PQQPSUVOJUZ
UP
VOQMVH
GSPN
FWFSZEBZ
MJGF
6OGVSOJTIFE
/7 
$FOUSBM
 HBS
XE
GFODFE
DFO
-BLF
5BIPF 4FBEBODF
JODMVEFT
CECB
TMFFQJOH

QMVT
GVMMZ
 USBM
IFBUTXBNQ
DPPMFS
'FODFE GVSOJTIFE
LJUDIFO
QPPM
UBCMF
MBVOESZ
HBT
GJSF
CE

HBT
IFBU
/4QFUT $POEPT
5PXOIT 
$FOUSBM

1PPM BWBJM

NP
 "DDPNNPEBUJPOT

%VOMBQ
%SJWF
 QMBDF
TBUFMMJUF
57
FYUFOTJWF
7)4

CPPL
MJCSBSZ
    N P 
M F B T F

S F G T 'VSOJTIFE VUJMT

TFD
EFQ
$BMM
SFR

PS
6OGVSOJTIFE
/7 
i:w
BSFB
 
PS
  -PDBM
BDUJWJUJFT
JODMVEF
#MBDL
4BOE
#FBDI

HPMGJOH
GJTIJOH
CPBUJOH
BCBMPOF
EJWJOH
IJLJOH
CJDZDMF





#FESPPN GFODFE

MWF
NTH IPNFT

DPOEPT 3PPNT
GPS
3FOU SJEJOH
UJEF
QPPMJOH
BOE
UIFSF
JT
B
TNBMM
BJS
TUSJQ

i:w
BSFB
 $PNNFSDJBM GPS
UIPTF
XIP
XJTI
UP
GMZ
JO

BQUT
SFBEZ
GPS 
$FOUSBM
4UVEJP $"
$99 Move in Special JNNFEJBUF
PDDVQBODZ 3FUBJM 5P
MFBSO
NPSF
BCPVU
4FBEBODF
PO
UIF
-PTU
$PBTU
CE
CB



VQ CE
CB

MPGU
 6UJMJUJFT
*ODMVEFE BU
4IFMUFS
$PWF
HP
UP
XXXPDFBOGSPOUTIFMUFS
TUBSUJOH
BU
 Econo Lodge
3FNPEFMFE
DMFBO CE
CB

DBSQPSUT 7BMMFZ
3FBMUZ
.HOU TG
4IPQ
TQBDF
XJUI $PNQMFUFMZ
3FOPWBUFE DPWFDPN
PS
DBMMFNBJM
+BO
BU



HSFBU
WBMVF

%FQ
"TTU 

EFQ
"MM
VUJMT $BMM


 Call For More!! PGGJDF

CBUI
Y
SPMM TFFKBOQPSUFPVT!HNBJMDPN
UP
MFBSO
NPSF
BCPVU
Best Rentals 3PPNT
Sec. 8 Vou. Accepted!! /P
QFUT
NP
MFBTF VQ
EPPS
*O
5PXO
(BSE 8FFLMZ
"WBJM

 UIJT
XPOEFSGVM
BOE
SFMBYJOH
IPNF
BOE
CPPL
ZPVS
Call 775-220-8910 
PS CE
CB
*OEJBO
)JMMT
JO 530-544-7707 OFSWJMMF
NP
$BMM WBDBUJPO
HFUBXBZ
www.laketahoe4sale.com 
-BLF
5BIPF
#MWE

 4PVUI
$BSTPO
$JUZ
  
WFSZ
DMFBO
XFMM
NBJO
Affordable Rent ! UBJOFE
 'VSOJUVSF)PNF
.JTDFMMBOFPVT





#FESPPNT %VQMFYFT 0GGJDFT .FEJDBM
&RVJQNFOU
'VSOJTIJOHT .FSDIBOEJTF
TNBMM
QFU
PL
&YFDVUJWF
IPNF
JO
/ 0GGJDF
4QBDF 4VQQMJFT
Griffin House Apts. 6OGVSOJTIFE
/7 .JOEFO
CE
CB

DBS -BXO
NPXFS
)POEB
w
MBXO
DBS

USBTI
JODM CE

CB

CMPDL
GSPN i:w
BSFB
1SPGFTTJPOBM 
4OPXCMPXFS
.5%


4
/FWBEB
4U 
GSQM
BD
XE
ILVQ   w
    
$ B M M
 NP

TFD
EFQ 8FTU
&OE
#FBDI
%PO 4VJUF
HSPVOE
GMPPS

T
TN
CL
ZSE
/4
"WBJM -FBWF
NTH
 OFS
-BLF
NP SPPNT
SFTUSPPN
BOE 

 
     N P  
EFQ
 TIPXFS
1MVT
BEEM
OE Hoveround 75% Off
.JOEFO
CE
CB
OFX 
PS
 &YFDVUJWF
IPNF
JO
4LZ GMPPS
TVJUF
XJUI
LJUDIFO Original Price
XE

DBSQFU
PO

BD MBOE
CE
CB
HBS
Power Chair

PS
CPUI
UPUBM
TG -JLF
OFX
DPOEJUJPO
QSJWBUF
NP

EFQ XE
EFDL
QSJWBUF CE
CB
MPGU
"SN NP
'SFF
SFOU
PS
SFOU 8"/5&%

6TFE
*OTVMBU
VUJMT
JOD
/41FUT
"WBJM OFWFS
VTFE
PVUTJEF 
1JFDFT
CFBDI
/4QFUT
 TUSPOH
5SBDU
NP DSFEJU
UP
JNQSPWFNFOUT 
 FE
%SBQFT
)PUFMT

.P

$BMM


&
$PMMFHF 
PS
 ZS
MFBTF
OP
QFUT
553 $BMM
 &YDFMMFOU
$POEJUJPO UFMT

FUD
3FEFDPSBU
PS
 1LXZ
EFMVYF
CE
BD 
XXXNZUB Family Room Suite JOH
*
OFFE
BOZ
TJ[F
GSQM


DBS
HBS
QWU
EPH IPFUSVDLFFWBDBUJPODPN 'VSOJUVSF)PNF
Living Room Suite QBUUFSO
PS
DPMPS

-POH

ZBSE

 37
2 Bedroom Suites
'VSOJTIJOHT 8JEF

PS
4QBDFT Conference Room 
Special!! •1/2 off 2nd %JOJOH
UBCMF
TPMJE
PBL
mo.
t  C E
   
t  # % %VQMFYFT GPPU
BTLJOH

$BMM Dining Room
XGSQM

NP


 6OGVSOJTIFE
$"  Library 1FUT"OJNBMT
EFQ
/P
1FUT
$MPTF
UP Office
CFBDI

DBTJOPT TG

CE
CB 37
4QBDF
"WBJM
OPX
 41&$5"$6-"3
-",& .VTU
CF
TFMG
DPOUBJOFE 
QJFDF
TFDUJPOBM
XJUI
VQTUBJST
VOJU

8%
     N P
$ B M M .PWJOH
4BMF
NP
OFBS
CVTMJOF 7*&8
/&7"%"
 IJEF
B
CFE
PBUNFBM
DPM June 29 to July 1st
find -&"4&

:3

  Adorable Shih Tzu
$BMM
 PS

4XJWFM
SPDLFS
0GGJDF

NFEJBYSDJTF UFBM
DPMPS

4POZ
w ;FQIZS
$PWF 9mo and 3 year females
/FWBEB Fabulous Dogs!!
it in the CE
CB
DBSQPSU
'SQM
8%
)PPLVQT
DMFBO
$BMM

1BU 3PPNT
GPS
3FOU
57





$BMM

classifieds /41FUT

3FGT
$SFEJU
$,
-FBTF
!
)PVTFT CE
CB
)PNF
XMBOE
TDBQFE
ZBSE
JO
.FZFST
/7 1IPUPT
1SJDFT
2VFTUJPOT
(FSNBO
4IFQIFSE
)BOETPNF
OFVUFSFE
ZS
"OJUB

%S
 6OGVSOJTIFE
$" BSFB
PO
DVMEFTBD
OFYU PME

IPVTF
USBJOFE
4UVEJPT UP
/BUM
GPSFTU
3FNPE t-PWFTFBU

1MBJE
PQFOT %POBUJPO

CE
CB
,JOHTXPPE
&TU FMFE
LJUDIFO

CBUIT
"MM UP
UXJO
CFE
 775-588-7473
Back On Track Inn (P
UP
$" MPGU
OFX
QBJOU
DBSQFU BQQM
JODMVEJOH
XE

$PNF
CF
B
3FTJEFOU
t4PMJE
0BL
$VQCPBSE
IUUQXXXEFFQ
(PMEFO
3FUSJFWFS
XE

TUPSBHFT
TIFET w
57
JODMVEFE
1FUT
PL TQBDJPVT
-JLF
/FX
1BJE 1VQQJFT
",$
TU
TIPUT

XE
OP
QFUT
/4 CE
CB
"M
5BIPF OJDF
OFJHICPSIPPE XBQQS
3&/5
/&(05*" 44%JTBCJM7FUFSBOT
&UD 
"TLJOH
 MBLFDPMMFDUBCMFTDPN 7FU
DL
3FBEZ
UP
HP
NP
TU
MBTU

TFD DMFBO
GSQM
EX
XE
IL NP

EFQT
ZS #-&

PS $450/mo. or $130/wk t'VMM
4J[F
#SBTT
)FBE IPNF


5BLJOH
E F Q P T J U 
$ B M M VQT
DBSQPSU


EFQ MFBTF

/4QFUT
$BMM  'VSOJTIFE

6UJM
/1 CPBSE
BOE
'SBNF
 EFQT

   
PS
 :PV
)BVM
 (BSBHF:BSE
4BMFT
TAHOE FLEA MARKET
&MLT
$MVC
%S
!
IXZ

4BU4VO
4QBDFT
VQ
4BU


GPS


NBQ



-BXO

(BSEFO
Non-Toxic Pest
Control -
Adopt a Barn Cat:
4FBST
$SBGUTNBO
3JEJOH "
GFSBM
DBU
XJMM
LFFQ
-BXO
.PXFS
w
$VU ZPVS
QSPQFSUZ
SPEFOU
CFFO
VTFE

IPVST
BVUP GSFF
GPS
UIF
QSJDF
PG
USBOT

FMFDU
TUBSU
IQ EBJMZ
DBU
GPPE
BOE

GENOVA
A Beloved Friends 0/-:
 ZPVhMM
CF
TBWJOH
B
MJGF
/FWBEB
)VNBOF
4PDJ
Pet Crematory 'JSFXPPE'VFM FUZ
JT
TFFLJOH
PVUEPPS
IPNFT
XJUI
B
CBSO
of Northern
Nevada, Inc. -PH
4QMJUUFS
XJUI
PS TIFE
PS
PUIFS
TIFMUFS
XJUIPVU
PQFSBUPS
GPS GPS
IFBMUIZ
OFVUFSFE

WBDDJOBUFE
GFSBM

Personal &
$
10 Off SFOU
$BMM
GPS
QSJDJOH
 DBUT
*G
ZPV
XPVME
MJLF
UP
BEPQU
B
CBSO
DBU
PS
Safe, Fun, Educational Horsemanship with this ad .JTD
'FFE
UXP
QMFBTF
DBMM

Factory Outlet
Wild Willy’s Horse Camp
Compassionate Call for free brochure



FYU

Year-round Programs; Week-long and Weekend Camps; Aftercare HAY FOR SALE
Day Programs; Kids ages 6 and up, including teens All Cremations Call Phil 1VH
:PSLJFT
UJOZ
BOE
KinderPonyPlay • KinderRanch with Dignity  BEPSBCMF
TU
TIPUT

Performed  FB
$BMM
CFGPSF
QN
$BMM
Group and Private Lessons • Adult Programs for Your Pet. 
PS

Special Events • Birthday Parties on Our Premises.
Special Interest Groups • Girls Scouts "QQMJBODFT
24-Hour Service
Kim Chappell • 775-265-6483 5325 Louie Lane #20 • Reno, NV 89511
"QQMJBODF
.BTUFST
TBWF

PO
SFCVJMU
VOJUT/FX
See it. Love it. Drive it.
825.9900 • Mon-Sat or by appointment BOE
VTFE
QBSUT
'SFF
chappellranchllc.com • kkc827@aol.com ESPQ
PGG
PO
ZPVS
PME
BQ
www.abelovedfriendspetcrematory.com QMJBODFT
"MTP
CVZ
DMFBO $BNQFST37T
531 Centerville Lane • Gardnerville, NV XPSLJOH
BQQMJBODFT
3FOU
UP
PXO
QSPHSBN 8JMEFSOFTT

.(
 5SBWFM
5SBJMFS
2/
.#3

#VOLT
4MJEFPVU
"$

VINYL FENCE
(&
TUBDL
XE

"QU
SBOHF
 #JH
,JUDIFO
4MFFQT

4NBMM
LJUDIFO
TJOL
XJUI )BVMT
FBTZ
&YDFMMFOU
GBVDFU

-H
(&
SFGSJH DPOEJUJPO
.645
4&--

6OEFS
DPVOUFS
BQU /"%"
37
QSJDF
SBOHF
JT
SFGSJH

(MBTT
DPSOFS L
UP
L

"TLJOH
TIPXFS
TUBMM


$BMM  



115O Southern Way


#PBUT1PXFS
$BOPFT,BZBLT
3PX
#PBUT $PCBMU


#3

FOH
i5BIPF
0OMZ
#PBUw

Sparks, NV 89431


3&8"3% XFMM
LFQU
USBJMFS
JODM
4UJMM
PGGFSFE
GPS
JOGP .VTU
4FF
$BMM
+BNFT
GPS
MFBEJOH
UP
BSSFTU
BOE EFUBJMT

PS
DPOWJDUJPO
PG
QFSTPOT 

775.358.4111
SFTQPOTJCMF
GPS
UIFGU
PG
For advertising opportunities, ,BZBLT
BU
&NFSBME
#BZ .PUPSDZDMFT
JO

8F
CFMJFWF
,BZ
please contact Ginger Brown BLT
BSF
JO
'MPSJEB
CVU )BSMFZ

3PBE
,JOH
775-881-1218 TVTQFDU
JO
PO
XBZ
CBDL
UP
5BIPF
BSFB
CMBDL
XJUI
UPVS
QBDL
FYDFMMFOU
DPOE
 
gbrown@sierranevadamedia.com 4UFWF
 PCP

 BOB’S
PERFORMANCE CENTER
Large Selection
of Trailer and RV Parts In
Stock! Come Check Out Our
New Showroom!

Your Complete Truck Center!

All Repairs:
Complete Horse Trailer From Headlights
Maintenance and Repair To Tailpipes!
O p e n
e
We ar ays!
S a t u r d

775-782-1958
1417 Industrial Way • Gardnerville Just off 395, Turn at Meek’s
Break Special Diesel Lube & Oil Change
Gas or Diesel Restore Original Change oil with up to 12 quarts of Delo
Mileage &
$189.95
Replace front brakes with 15-40W oil, oil filter, all fluids topped off, 25
premium pads. Machine point inspection & FREE tire rotation.
front rotors, lube Power Injection
caliper, pins and sliders. + tax
Service $99.00 + tax
Machine flush fuel injectors,
clean throttle body of Oil and Filter Change
Wheel Alignment deposits & gum build-up, Most Cars and Light Trucks (gas)
inspect throttle.
FREE 25 point inspection
$69.00 + tax
(Gas or Diesel)
with FREE

$39.95
+ tax and Hazardous Waste
Tire Rotation
$99.99 + tax up to 5 quarts of premium oil