Nevada Department of Agriculture

The board discussed several key industry updates, including regulatory oversight of dairy production, the impact of federal shutdowns on food assistance programs, and current conditions within cattle and sheep production. Members received reports on favorable fuel pricing, advancements in veterinary education through partnerships with Utah State University, and ongoing efforts to establish a new state veterinary school. The meeting addressed concerns regarding unlicensed pest control operators and the emerging threat of Tropilaelaps mites in bee populations. Additionally, the board formalized the enforcement of permit requirements for the collection and movement of feral honeybees to ensure public safety and approved expenditures for maintaining memberships in national alfalfa and forage organizations.

The public hearing focused on the proposed adoption of regulations to amend Chapter 557 of the Nevada Administrative Code to align state hemp program definitions and regulations with federal requirements, specifically concerning total THC levels and post-decarboxylation testing methods. Key topics included the rulemaking background, the alignment with federal 7 CFR 990.1 standards, and the procedural next steps for final adoption by the legislative commission.

The Division of Food and Nutrition report covers updates on various programs including The Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Senior Nutrition and Wellness Program, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. It details the distribution of USDA Foods, operations of the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, and the status of American Rescue Plan Act funding for rural food hubs and community food access grants. The report also provides data on meals served under the Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, National School Lunch Program, and School Breakfast Program, alongside administrative and compliance review progress.

The meeting featured board member updates regarding represented industries, including dairy production, supplemental nutrition, cattle production, petroleum, specialty crops, pest control, nursery stock, sheep production, and veterinary medicine. The Director provided reports on federal impacts, food distribution efforts, state fair planning, veterinary school feasibility, and hemp regulation. Administrative updates covered public records, agriculture literacy, trichomoniasis testing regulations, equine herpesvirus response, and food safety transitions. The Board discussed and approved the enforcement of permit requirements for the collection and removal of feral honeybees from quarantined areas and authorized expenditures for membership dues in national alfalfa and forage associations.

The agenda for this meeting includes the Pledge of Allegiance, a Moment of Silent Reflection, and roll call. Key discussion items involve the potential approval of the December 4, 2025 meeting minutes, discussion and possible action regarding the approval of regular meeting dates for the remainder of the 2026 calendar year (June, September, and December), and Board Member Updates on Represented Industries. The Director's Report will feature an honor for former board member Heather Lackey. Updates will also be provided by the administrators of the Division of Administrative Services, Division of Animal Industry, Division of Food and Nutrition, Division of Measurement Standards, and Division of Plant Health and Compliance.