Food Safety and Quality | Extension | University of Nevada, Reno

Practical food safety and quality advice you can trust

Providing information, programs and training grounded in research to help Nevada's people, agencies and businesses improve food safety and quality.

Featured Programs

Home Food Preservation Program

Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program

A pink piggy coin bank atop a full grocery cart of vegetables in a grocery store aisle. The uNR Extension and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program identifiers are in the lower right corner of the image with a navy blue background.

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

Featured Blog Post

Image of a high tunnel under snow conditions

How to Manage and Protect Your High Tunnel During Winter Conditions

Managing a high tunnel in winter requires more than closing the sides and hoping for the best. This guide explains how high tunnels behave in winter and provides research-based steps to protect structures, manage temperatures, reduce humidity, and keep crops productive in Nevada conditions.

All Food Safety & Quality Programs

horsing around in lake tahoe during the summer.

4-H Afterschool Program

The 4-H Afterschool Club teaches children basic life skills including math, reading, science, positive communication, goal setting, self-responsibility, decision-making and good nutrition. Youth who have these life skills are less likely to participate in risky behaviors.

4-H Ambassadors

Nevada State 4-H Ambassadors are 4-H youth from around the state who are committed in providing leadership for all 4-H members.

4-H AmeriCorps member holding a box of food to hand out.

4-H AmeriCorps Camping and Outdoor Education

The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents and the Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program have AmeriCorps members working to improve academic engagement and social emotional skills in youth in Nevada.

4-H Earn the Congressional Medal

This award recognizes youth who set and achieve personal goals in four areas: Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition. With 4-H, you’ll receive mentorship, set challenging goals, and engage in community service to earn this honor. It’s a powerful addition to college applications, scholarships, and resumes.

One adult and one youth sitting side by side by the pond at the 4-H Camp Alamo. Both individuals are wearing 4-H branded t-shirts.

4-H Healthy Living (Clark County)

The focus of Extension's 4-H Healthy Living Program is to enrich the community by educating youth on the importance of health, wellness, personal development and academic success.

4-H Shooting Sports

The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens. The 4-H Shooting Sports Program stands out as an example. Youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery, and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth and conservation ethics.

4-H Teen Pollinator Ambassador Program

Establish a statewide, Nevada 4-H Pollinator Ambassador Program, creating awareness, education, outreach, and peer-to-peer educational opportunities for at least 10 Nevada youth and adult Extension professionals.

Building rockets from straws in a great lesson in propulsion.

4-H Youth Development

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.

Advanced Business Training - The Native American Agriculture Fund

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) is a private, charitable trust serving Native farmers and ranchers through strategic grantmaking in the areas of business assistance, agricultural education, technical support and advocacy series.

cattle feeding at UNR's Main Station Ranch

Agricultural Outlook (Nevada)

Provide agricultural stakeholders with a concise evaluation of current market conditions, expected trends in crop and livestock income potential and management implications.

Agricultural Risk Management Education

Helping agricultural producers find the assistance needed to mitigate and manage production risk, price/market risk, financial risk, institutional risk, and human/personal risk.

field covered with round bails of alfalfa

Agricultural Solutions

The Extension's Agricultural Solutions program connects farmers and ranchers with timely, research-based guidance for Nevada’s unique agricultural challenges. We focus on issues raised directly by producers during farm visits, calls, and community meetings — ensuring that our information responds to real needs in the field.

Agrivoltaics

Agrivoltaics is a dual or shared land use strategy that utilizes the same area of land for two purposes: solar operations and agricultural operations. Under solar panels, farming or ranching occurs.

Kids and teacher dancing with colored scarves in a classroom

All 4 Kids Program

Extension's All 4 Kids Program and its annual Healthy Kids Festival use activities, music, dance and food to teach kids and their families in Clark and Lincoln Counties nutrition, physical activity and self-acceptance.

Beginning Farmer and Rancher - Herds & Harvest Program

Developing educational courses, workshops, technical assistance, business advice and mentoring support network for Nevada agricultural producers who are beginning or diversify a farm or ranch operation.

Biggest Little Pollinator Garden

The Biggest Little Pollinator Garden is located on the campus of University of Nevada, Reno near the Fleischmann Agriculture Building. The garden is maintained by U.S. Fish and Wildlife; University Arboretum Board; University Facilities; University Museum of Natural History; Nevada Bugs and Butterflies; College of Science; and College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources faculty, staff, students and volunteers.

Botanic Gardens

Extension's 7 acre outdoor educational Botanic Gardens surround the Extension office at 8050 Paradise Road in Las Vegas. The Plant Collection of the Botanic Gardens contains approximately 4,500 plants, most of which are desert-adapted and well-suited to the xeric conditions of southern Nevada. All plant selections and designs are water-smart in accordance with SNWA restrictions. The Botanic Gardens are curated and managed by the Botanic Garden Manager.

Capacity Building for Healthy Communities

Capacity building strengthens an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission to have a positive impact on communities. Strategic thinking, visioning, action planning and board development are capacity building activities.

Career Edge: Teens Taking Charge of Their Future! A Workforce Readiness Program

A workforce readiness program for high school students focused on skill development for workplace and job success. Career Edge provides information and training on interview skills, résumé development, filling out applications, finding job leads and selecting appropriate clothing for the workplace. In addition, many "soft skills" needed in the workplace such as decision-making, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership are integrated throughout the program.

Carson City / Storey County 4-H Youth Development

If you or your children are looking for a quality and fun youth development experience in the Carson City area.

Carson City Community Garden

The Community Garden began in 2001 and allows community members who don’t have room for a vegetable garden to rent a 4-by-16-foot garden bed for $40 a season at a 25-bed garden complex located at 1044 Beverly Drive, Carson City, NV. Applications open in 2024!

Cattlemen's Update

Cattlemen’s Update is Extension’s annual educational program offered for beef cattle producers to learn about issues affecting profitability and product quality in the Great Basin region.

Churchill County 4-H Youth Development

4-H club programming in Churchill County covers several project areas that teach leadership, life skills and citizenship.

Clark County (Las Vegas) 4-H Youth Development

4-H programming in the general Clark County area.

Clark County (Northeast) 4-H Youth Development

There are a range of programs in the two different communities of Moapa and Virgin Valley.

Resource Stewardship improves rangeland management cb

Collaborative Resource Stewardship Program

Extension has helped lead Collaborative Resource Stewardship efforts in northeastern Nevada over the past seven years, resulting in a model for other states and areas.

Commercial Landscape Horticulture

Classes offer training for green industry workers, including some bilingual classes, on how to landscape in the Nevada desert

Conservation & Sustainability

Extension offices provide support and research for many conservation initiatives throughout the state of Nevada. In addition, a partnership with Nevada's Conservation Districts has been formed which assists both organizations with the overall vision of Conservation for the state of Nevada while providing additional education and resources to help conserve Nevada's natural resources.

Desert Demonstration Garden

Extension's Pahrump Master Gardener Volunteers maintain the Desert Demonstration Garden, which features landscape and fruit trees, shrubs and plants suitable for the Mojave Desert climate, plus seasonal vegetable beds to show what you can grow to feed yourself and your family. The garden is free and open to the public.

Desert Green, Commercial Water Conservation Training

Desert Green is in its eleventh year and is designed to educate commercial clientele in the Green Industry as well as others who have an interest in water conservation issues. A committee representing the industry implements the training. Desert Green is chaired by one industry representative and one Extension representative. The program is presented once a year, with 36 classes taught in a two-day period.

Desert-Adapted/Native Plants Garden

The Desert-Adapted/Native Plants Garden is located at the Extension, Clark County Logandale Office. It is designed to show people what trees, shrubs and other plants grow well locally. It is set up for self-guided tours. Enjoy the black locust, honey locust, sweet acacia, shoestring acacia, chir pine, forest pansy redbud, chaste tree, coolibah eucalyptus, golden rain and a lacebark Chinese elm trees.

Digital Parenting Project

The Digital Parenting project provides access to a digital library of parenting messages and supports effective digital communication options. These parenting messages also support family-friendly approaches that allow parents to engage in their child’s development and learning as well as a healthy atmosphere to establish positive early childhood parenting. Parents may sign up below for the messages or teachers may inquire about the digital library for their center or classroom.

Douglas County 4-H Youth Development

4-H programming in Douglas County can cover most any topic that an adult in the community would like to share with youth.

Eagles & Agriculture

Eagles & Agriculture is a multiday celebration of agriculture to teach about agriculture and the benefits it provides to wildlife and the community. The program, a collaborative effort that began in 2003, encourages the conservation and prosperity of ranching in western Nevada, teaches participants about wildlife and the history of agriculture in Carson Valley (Douglas County), and creates an agritourism model that enhances the profitability of local farming and ranching businesses.

Early Childhood Workforce Online Courses

Online courses in early childhood education provide individuals with the opportunity to gain knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to work effectively with young children in various educational settings. These courses are designed to accommodate the needs of students who may have personal or professional obligations that prevent them from attending traditional in-person classes.

Elko County 4-H Youth Development

4-H programming in Elko County includes programs in a variety of curriculum and content areas and delivery methods.

Eureka County 4-H Youth Development

4-H programming in Eureka County includes programs in a variety of curriculum and content areas and delivery methods.

Everyday SEL and YOU

Everyday SEL and YOU is a seven-week family engagement program for families with children ages 3-5. It focuses on enhancing young children's Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).

Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program

testing

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

In Nevada, the EFNEP is administered by University of Nevada, Reno Extension to engage adults and youth in boosting nutrition by building basic skills. Participants learn how to read food labels, save money on groceries, plan meals, handle food safely, make healthy food choices and be more active.

Diverse Children in Circle Around Safety Lock

Exploring Safety: A program for families with young children

This four-week program is designed to improve awareness of important child safety issues and to increase parenting knowledge

Family Storyteller: Interactive Literacy Workshops

National award-winning Family Storyteller is a literacy workshop aimed at encouraging and training parents to play a vital role in the literacy development of their children. The statewide program creates an opportunity for parents and young children to interact around literacy and language activities.

Fire Toolkit Portal

The toolkit is developed to provide guidance for communities and on-the-ground organizers engaging in collaborative planning to reduce their threat to wildfire.

Food Business Center

Providing training and technical assistance to help Nevada producers diversify and expand their product portfolio, optimize operational processes and ensure that those entering food processing are compliant with US requirements.

Food Insecurity

Learn about food deserts, food security, what they mean, and how we are addressing food insecurity in Nevada!

Food Safety Project

Extension has been instrumental in bringing about the "Nevada Food Safety Task Force," which strives to provide a working forum for food safety experts and to improve communication between all entities that are held accountable for food safety and security within our state.Improving Food Safety Education for Child and Adult Care Providers in Nevada.

Food Systems

Explore Nevada’s food systems from farm to table. Learn about local production, processing, access, consumption, and recovery through Extension programs.

Parents and children doing a name craft at a Fun to Play class

Fun to Play for Preschoolers

This 6-week program encourages positive parent-child interaction and learning through creative play. It also promotes children’s school readiness skills. Each week emphasizes a Nevada Pre-K standard.

Green Industry Training

A workforce development program to train green industry professionals, who receive continuing education units for pesticide applicator, ISA-certified arborist and Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper

Grow Your Own, Nevada!

Learn the secrets of high desert gardening

Healthy Aging Initiative

Using Extension's expertise, the HAI team can connect you with the resources to navigate aging and its trends. HAI programs are offered for adults over 50 and those who partner with them to provide care and support, including careers in aging exploration for middle and high school students and incoming college freshmen. We provide expert nutrition and physical activity training information for elders, caregivers and professionals. We have sponsorship options for tours and professional education.

Healthy Food Systems

The Healthy Food Systems Program works to increase access to and knowledge about healthy foods within the community through direct education and policy, systems, and environmental changes. The program focuses on local food production, food preparation and processing, nutrition, and food security to successfully educate the community on how food systems influence health.

Kids and leader dancing with colored scarves in a classroom

Healthy Kids Resource Center

A one-stop shop for evidence-based research, resources, curricula, activities and materials that focus on obesity prevention for teachers and parents of young children. It is designed to educate parents and teachers as well as provide the tools needed to teach young children how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Kids, Early Start

Early childhood public health approaches to promote nutrition, wellness and physical activity. Individualized site-based action plans, teacher trainings and professional development, family engagement, evidence-based curriculum and interactive activities for children.

Healthy Living, Sustainable Recovery

Program teaches nutrition and healthy lifestyles that address weight and energy concerns in women with substance abuse issues

Heart & Hope: Building Resilient Families

Heart & Hope provides resources and skills to victims of domestic violence who have left the perpetrator and are building a new life for themselves and their family. Workshops help parent victims gain parenting skills and confidence, build resilience for themselves and their children, avoid becoming victims in future relationships, strengthen family relationships and envision hope for the future. Workshops help children build social and emotional skills to prevent them from becoming future victi

Home Food Preservation Program

The Home Food Preservation Program provides technical support on how to safely preserve foods through various methods and techniques.

Pink, yellow, and purple native flowers in landscape surrounded by rock terrace landscaping

Home Horticulture Certificate Program

The Home Horticulture Certificate Program was developed by the University of Nevada, Reno Extension Horticulture team to provide basic horticulture education to homeowners, educators, and anyone interested in learning more about the Nevada landscapes, plants, and more.

Hope for Family Resilience Program

The Hope for Family Resilience Program set out to support families through education, programs, and resources that provide a foundation for using both the heart and head for building the family on deeper knowledge, trust, reliability, and commitment.

Humboldt County 4-H Youth Development

4-H club programming in Humboldt County covers several project areas that teach leadership, life skills and citizenship

Garden plant and pest sprayers image by Olga Seifutdinova from Getty Images

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management program is a long-term management strategy that uses a combination of tactics to reduce pests to tolerable levels with potentially lower costs for the pest manager and minimal effect on the environment.

A mother holds her sleeping newborn baby

Just in Time Parenting

Just in Time Parenting is an electronically delivered age-paced parenting newsletter originally developed by a national network of Extension Family Life Specialists in 2008. The program was designed to reach parents at teachable, transitional moments.

Lander County 4-H Youth Development

4-H programming in Lander County includes programs in a variety of curriculum and content areas and delivery methods.

Let's Discover STEM

Let’s Discover STEM is a 6-week program that focuses on STEM enhancement and parent engagement for families with preschoolers.

Lincoln County 4-H Youth Development

4-H programming in Lincoln County includes programs in a variety of curriculum and content areas and delivery methods.

Photo collage of parents and children cooking together.

Little Books & Little Cooks

Healthy eating, family literacy and positive parent-child interaction is promoted in this 6-week program for families with preschool aged children. It also promotes children's school readiness skills. An important component of the program is the involvement of both parents and children, especially during the hands-on cooking activities.

Livestock Biosecurity

Biosecurity is important to keep your animals healthy and your business productive. Small steps can make a difference and prevent diseases in your livestock (cattle, swine, sheep, goats) and poultry.

Living with Drought

Our goal is to connect Nevadans with resources to help prepare for, respond to, and recover from drought.

Living With Fire

Helping Nevadans and visitors prepare for wildfire

Lyon County 4-H Youth Development

4-H programming in Lyon County.

Managing Ranch & Farm Stresses

Working in agriculture is accompanied by managing a variety of stresses on a regular basis. Connecting with others can help us cope with stress and become more resilient.

Silver Ironweed, Vernonia lindheimeri v. leucophylla

Master Gardener Energy Way Demonstration Garden

The Master Gardeners of Washoe County maintain a small raised-bed demonstration garden featuring ornamental plants. It is located on the east side of the Extension, Washoe County Office.

Master Gardener Native Plants Demonstration Garden

Members of the Master Gardeners of Washoe County's Native Plants Committee maintain a small demonstration garden on the west side of Extension, Washoe County Office.

Master Gardeners of Clark County

Serving Clark, Lincoln and Southern Nye counties gardening needs.

Master Gardeners of Douglas County

Learn about Extension's Master Gardener Program in Douglas County, Nevada.

Master Gardeners of Nevada

Program trains local gardeners to provide research-based horticulture information to Nevadans.

Master Gardeners of Washoe County

Master Gardeners provide free, research-based horticulture information to Nevadans.

Meat Workforce Development Program

The Workforce Development Meat Program trains and provides certifications in meat harvest and processing for beef, lamb, pork and poultry. Training is a combination on in-class room lecture, hands-on experience and tours.

Mineral County 4-H Youth Development

4-H programming in Mineral County, Nevada.

Mobile Harvest Unit

University of Nevada, Reno, offers a USDA-compliant Mobile Harvest Unit that serves as self-contained slaughter floors on wheels.

Nevada Beekeeping Program

Our Nevada Beekeeping Program is committed to fostering responsible beekeeping and promoting the well-being of all pollinators in Nevada. The program engages in outreach and education, emphasizing the benefits of ethical beekeeping practices.

Nevada Creeks & Communities

An interagency and interdisciplinary program designed to meet Nevada's need for riparian management education. The program team teaches workshops and submits proposals; writes articles and publications; and works with landowners, land users, and interest groups and agencies.

Nevada Desert Bioscape

Extension’s Desert Bioscape program takes a holistic approach to conserving natural resources in an urban setting. This program targets adult learners in the green industry of southern Nevada. The program uses the successful Correctional Horticultural program as a model for development.

Thomas Harris speaking to group of Nevada Economic Assessment Project Stakeholders at an update meeting

Nevada Economic Assessment Project (NEAP)

NEAP focuses on providing Nevada’s counties, state and federal agencies, and their partners with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand the demographic, social, economic, fiscal and environmental characteristics, trends and impacts.

Nevada Naturalist

This program educates adult volunteers who educate others and engage in environmental projects in southern Nevada.

photo of lungs with red and blue ventricles

Nevada Radon Education Program

The Nevada Radon Education Program is funded through a grant from the EPA to educate Nevadans about the health risk posed by elevated levels of radon in the home. The Extension program offers literature, educational presentations and low-cost radon test kits in many county Extension and partner offices.

Nevada Tribal Programs

The Nevada Tribal Programs works within Extension to provide need-based educational programs to Nevada tribal members.

Nevada Youth Range Camp Program

Most of Nevada’s youth live in large urban environments, with little exposure to rangelands, forests or agricultural environments, and the products and services rangelands provide. This program teaches students ages 14-18 how to read maps; identify and the importance of rangeland plants; evaluate sagebrush, woodland and stream ecosystems; wildlife habitat; and many other topics related to rangelands.

Next Steps: College Access & Readiness Program

The program's mission is to guide and motivate youth and their families on the path to achieving a post-secondary education.

Northern Nye County 4-H Youth Development

Northern Nye County offers clubs and other activities for youth in Tonopah, Round Mountain and surrounding areas.

Partners in Parenting

Parenting education and support are key to raising successful children, creating confident parents and building strong families and communities. Partners in Parenting offers many educational programs, workshops and resources primarily for parents with preschool-aged children to support healthy child development, school readiness skills, and positive parent-child interaction. Programs, workshops and resources are also available for families with children ages 0-18 y también en Español.

Pershing County 4-H Youth Development

Pest Solutions

Low-risk garden pest and weed solutions for Nevada

Pesticide Safety Education Program

Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program provides web-based training for pesticide applicators seeking to apply restricted and general use pesticides safely, properly and according to the law. Pesticide licensure and certification is administered by the Nevada Department of Agriculture.

Pollinator Week

Events aimed at educating people about the importance of pollinators will be held locally, including in-person gatherings, webinars, and garden-planting activities.

Positive Connections for Parents & Teenagers

Understanding teenage behavior and increasing parenting knowledge and skills is explored in this 4-week program for parents with adolescents.

Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL)

Training will provide participants with local water, soil and plant information, basic and advanced irrigation principles and hands-on water audit skills they can use in the field

girl playing football against Raider player

Raiders/UNLV Sports & Health Program (RUSH)

Extension, the UNLV School of Public Health and Las Vegas Raiders partner to provide physical activity and nutrition education and promote mental health awareness for middle school-aged students.

Raising Your Relative's Kids: How to Find Help

As part of the family support program Kinship Families, Raising Your Relative's Kids: How to Find Help is a resource guide for kinship caregivers caring for children in out-of-home placement. We offer an informational website using the 100+ page resource guide, which is also available in print and on CD, including a Spanish version.

Master Gardener taking grape inspection notes on a clipboard

Research Center & Demonstration Orchards

Research new varieties of fruit-producing trees, grape vines, vegetables, herbs and other plant materials in sustainable ways for the Mojave Desert climate.

Small Business Education Program

The Small Business Education Program aims to instruct small business owners about fundamental business concepts while providing access and direction to informational resources. Small business owners, at any stage of development, can benefit from educational opportunities and awareness of all business network resources. This is where the Small Business Education Program, with its workshops and relationships with Nevada business programs, steps in to act as a guide.

SNOWPACS: Synthesizing kNowledge to Optimize Water Policy for Agriculture under Changing Snowpack

SNOWPACS is a National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)-funded project on the impact of changes in mountain snowpack on agricultural production and water allocation institutions in the western United States.

Southern Nye County 4-H Youth Programming

Southern Nye County 4-H serves youth with many clubs and activities at the 4-H Annex at 1651 E. Calvada Blvd. Other activities are offered in the communities of Amargosa, Beatty, and Pahrump and also online via Zoom.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education - Programming by UNR Extension

Improve the nutritional well-being of people who receive SNAP benefits and other Nevadans with a low income through community based education, programs and needs assessments.

Sustainable Energy & Water Reuse for Community Resilience

The project brings together researchers from University of Nevada, Reno; Louisiana Tech University; and Jackson State University to create Mobile Energy-Water Reuse Systems (MEWRS) to support reliable, safe drinking water supply in rural communities.

University Center for Economic Development

UCED conduct applied and basic research studies, provide technical and management assistance services, offer counseling and referral services and sponsor workshops and seminars. We serve clients in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas in Nevada. Clients may include state government, community, organization or trade associations and, in some cases, business and industry and individuals.

Veggies for Kids

Veggies for Kids teaches children about healthy eating habits and improves accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Washoe County 4-H Youth Development

4-H strengthens and promotes healthy youth development to give young people the capacity to act as responsible citizens and agents of community change.

Water for the Seasons

The program partners scientists with community water managers and water right holders in the Truckee-Carson River System to explore new strategies and solutions for dealing with extreme climate events such as droughts and floods.

White Pine County 4-H Youth Development

4-H is a learn-by-doing life-skills program that teaches youth communication, self-concept, team-building, problem-solving, decision-making, self-responsibility, conflict resolution, aspiration-building, goal-setting, community leadership and career development.

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA)

The curriculum teaches youth to raise quality swine, beef and dairy cattle, sheep, goats, dairy goats, rabbits, and poultry.

Youth Horticulture Education Program

Youth Horticulture Education Program is the premier program of horticulture projects that involve youth, families and educators.

Food Related News Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...


2023 Nevada Small Agriculture Conference Tentative Agenda The Nevada Small Agriculture Conference is being coordinated by Nevada Farm Bureau members with the assistance of the University of Nevada, Reno Extension and Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE). It will be held on August 25-26, 2023 at the Santa Fe Station in Las Vegas, NV. Chapin, K. 2023, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Alternative Marketing Options for Nevada’s Livestock Producers Food safety concerns and the separation between producers and consumers are related, as the insecurity consumers feel regarding food safety stems from the numerous channels food products pass through before reaching the final consumer, especially in the case of imported products. Cowee, M. and Curtis, K. 2008, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Application of bacteriophages on beef trim decreases loads of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC) in ground beef This fact sheet contains extensive information on the benefits of bacteriophages on beef trim. Shebs, E.L., Torres, E.S., de Mello, A.S. 2019, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno FS 19-02
Application of MS bacteriophages on contaminated trimmings reduces Escherichia coli O157 and non-O157 in ground beef Shebs-Maurine, E.S., Torres,E .S., Yeh-Parker, de Mello, A.S. 2020, Meat Science
Buying Local: Perceptions of High-End Chefs in Nevada According to the National Restaurant Association (NRA), Nevada’s restaurant industry is expected to experience the fastest growth of any state in the U.S., in terms of jobs and sales, between 2009 and 2019. This fact sheet provides an overview of the results of the survey. Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Gatzke, H., and Morris, R. 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-41
Corn Variety Trial 2012, Pershing County Alfalfa hay remains by far the most important crop, in terms of both acres harvested and value of production (Foster 2010). Small grains typically are grown for hay and are a rotational crop during the year(s) after an alfalfa field has been removed and when it is replanted. Foster, S., and Davison, J. 2012, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Detecting Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Uptake and Translocation in Lettuce to Enhance Food Safety Assessment. Reclaiming Water for Urban Foodsheds integrates basic scientific research with extension outreach to examine the feasibility of using reclaimed water resources for irrigated agriculture in urban environments. Yang, Y., Das, K., Barrios-Masias., F., and Singletary, L. 2018, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, FS-18-03.
Developing Farmer and Gourmet Chef Partnerships The gourmet restaurant sector has long been a stalwart niche of the greater market, and yet in Nevada ties between local producers and chefs are just emerging, leaving an open opportunity for continued growth and development due to the varied tourism destinations in Nevada. Curtis, K., Entsminger, J., Gatzke, H., and Morris, R. 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-40
Effect of Beef Silver Skin (Epimysium) Levels on Meat Emulsion Stability, Quality Attributes, and Texture Parameters Kewata, K., Giotto, F.M., de Mello, A.S., Kingery, T., Silva, L.H.P. 2023, Foods 2023, 12(20
Effects of bacteriophages and peroxyacetic acid applications on beef contaminated with Salmonella during different grinding stages Shebs-Maurine, E.L., Giotto, F.M., Laidler, S.T., de Mello, A.S. 2021, Meat Science
Effects of different antioxidants on quality of beef patties from steers fed low-moisture distillers grains Corn Distillers Grains plus Solubles (DGS) are commonly used as a source of protein and energy for finishing cattle and its composition may vary based on moisture levels, fat and protein content. However, the inclusion of DGS in finishing diets alters beef quality attributes when compared to corn-based diets. Fruet, A.P.B., Nörnberg, J.L., Calkins, C.R., de Mello, A.S. 2019, Meat Science, Volume 154, August 2019, Pages 119-125
Effects of fortification of beef steaks with krill oil on physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics Fruet, A. P., Gerrard, D., Nörnberg, J. L. and de Mello, A. S. 2018, Journal of Human Nutrition & Food Science
Effects of liquid-based diets with breweries grains enriched with isolated starch and fish oil on veal quality Giotto, F.M., Gamage, N.H., Macias-Franco, A., Gerrard, D.E., Fonseca, M.A., de Mello, A.S. 2024, Meat Science, Volume 216, October 2024, 109592
Effects of liquid-based diets with breweries grains enriched with isolated starch and fish oil on veal quality American veal producers are making efforts to implement new production standards to improve product quality and animal welfare. Overall, including brewery grains, starch and fish oil in liquid diets containing milk replacer can improve veal production. Francine M. Giotto, Nadini H. Gamage, Arturo Macias Franco, David E. Gerrard, Mozart A. Fonseca, Amilton S. de Mello 2024, Meat Science, Volume 216, 2024, 109592, ISSN 0309-1740
Effects of MS bacteriophages, ultraviolet light, and organic acid applications on beef trim contaminated with STEC O157:H7 and the “Big Six” serotypes after a simulated High Event Period Scenario Shebs, E.L., Giotto, F.G., de Mello, A.S. 2022, Meat Science
Effects of muscle and finishing diets containing distillers grains with low moisture levels on fatty acid deposition in two novel value-added beef cuts Giotto, F. M. Fruet, A. P. B., Nörnberg J. L.,Calkins, C. R., de Mello, A. S. 2020, Food Science of Animal Resources, pISSN: 2636-0772, eISSN: 2636-0780
Effects of the incorporation of tannin extract from Quebracho Colorado wood on color Parameters, lipid oxidation, and sensory attributes of beef patties Condensed tannins from Quebracho Colorado wood are incorporated into beef patties as a natural antioxidant source to improve shelf life. Fruet, A.P.B., Giotto, F.M., Fonseca, M.F., Nörnberg, J.L., and de Mello, A.S. 2020, Foods 2020, 9(5), 667
Effects of wet and dry aging on yields, tenderness and microbial loads of beef loins This fact sheet contains extensive information on beef short lions usage for wet and dry aging on yields by measuring the tenderness and microbial loads after 21 and 42 days. de Mello, A.S. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS 19-01
Efficacy of bacteriophage and organic acids in decreasing STEC O157:H7 populations in beef kept under vacuum and aerobic conditions: A simulated High Event Period scenario Bacteriophages led to improved reductions of the bacteria E. coli in aerobically-packaged beef. As well as, bacteriophage applications are more effective than organic acids in package meats. Shebs. E.L., Lukov, M.J., Giotto, F.M., Torres, E.S., de Mello, A.S. 2020, Meat Science. Volume 162, April 2020,
Entrenamiento en la Seguridad de Pesticidas: Como Protegerte Mientras se Aplican los Pesticidas Video El hecho de protegerte mientras se aplican los pesticidas es muy importante. Según la Agencia a cargo de la Protección Ambiental, un pesticida es cualquier sustancia o mezcla de sustancias destinadas a prevenir, destruir o repeler cualquier plaga. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., and Harrison, D. 2020, University of Nevada, Extension, YouTube Channel
Entrenamiento en la Seguridad de Pesticidas: El Manejo Segura de Pesticidas Video En este video, hablaremos sobre el manejo seguro de pesticidas, que incluye cuatro áreas relacionadas con la seguridad: el almacenamiento adecuado de pesticidas, el transporte seguro de pesticidas, la eliminación de pesticidas que no se han utilizado y la eliminación de los contenedores que se usan para los pesticidas Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., and Harrison, D. 2020, University of Nevada, Extension, YouTube Channel
Evaluation of Food Action Planning Committee Meeting and Urban Agriculture and Food Sustainability Forum, August 23-24, 2017 Buffington, A., and Bosket, C. 2017, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-18-01
Fall Vegetable Production On Small Acreage in Desert Climates Costs and Returns, 2012 This publication presents sample costs and returns to produce fall vegetables on small acreages in Nevada. It is intended to be a guide, used to make production decisions, determine potential returns and prepare business and marketing plans. Bishop, C. 2012, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-12-
Finishing diets containing dry and modified corn distillers grains differently affect fatty acid profile of beef Giotto, F.M., Fruet, A.P.B., de Mello, A.S. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS 19-03
Flows for Floodplain Forests: A Successful Riparian Restoration Throughout the 20th century, the Truckee River that flows from Lake Tahoe into the Nevada desert was progressively dammed and dewatered, which led to the collapse of its aquatic and riparian ecosystems... Stewart B. Rood, Chad R. Gourley, Elisabeth M. Ammon, Lisa G. Heki, Jonathan R. Klotz, Michael L. Morrison, Dan Mosley, G. Gary Scoppettone, Sherman Swanson, And Paul L. Wagner 2003, BioScience, 53(7):647-656
Food Safety for Children, Pregnant Women, Older Adults, and those with Impaired Immune Systems This fact sheet provides great insight into multiple ways to handle food to make it safe for children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with impaired immune systems. Learn more about storing, preparing, cooking food, foodborne illness, etc. Wilson, M. 2000, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-00-37
Food Safety in the Edible Garden Andrews, A. 2016, Reno Gazette-Journal
Food Safety in the Garden Andrews, A. and Morrow, L. 2014, Reno Gazette-Journal
Food Safety in the Kitchen This fact sheet explores food safety in the kitchen by understanding how to avoid cross-contamination, safe food handling, proper cutting boards, and many more. Petermeier, H. and Collins, C. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-01
From Farm Fresh to Fine Dining: Producing for Gourmet Restaurants In today’s economy, Nevada’s agricultural producers face new challenges as well as developing opportunities. Markets for vegetable and fruit crops are changing as new international competition enters the market, and consumer tastes and preferences adapt to include new cultures and ideals. Curtis, K., Entsminger, J., Gatzke, H., and Morris, R. 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-46
Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Good Handling Practices (GHPs): A Framework for Minimizing On-Farm Food Safety Hazards Approximately 48 million people in the United States get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases each year (CDC, 2011). Produce has continued to be implicated in major foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years. Urbanowitz, S. 2013, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices: Water Use in Horticultural Systems Good agricultural practices (GAPs) and good handling practices (GHPs) encompass management practices producers, growers and packers of fresh produce should follow to minimize contamination of their product. This publication covers those practices related to water use. Urbanowitz, S. 2013, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Good Food Can Be Hard to Find Andrews, A. 2016, Reno Gazette-Journal
Growth performance and carcass traits of steers finished on three different systems including legume–grass pasture and grain diets Fruet, A.P.B; Stefanello, F.S.; Trombetta, F.; De Souza, A.N.M.; , Rosado Júnior, A.G.; Tonetto, C.J.; Flores, J.L.C.; Scheibler, R.B.; Bianchi, R.M.; Pacheco, P.S.; De Mello, A. S.; and Nörnberg, J.L. 2018, Animal
Native Plant Characteristics Appeal to Consumers in Nevada In 2004, a study was conducted to examine the market in Nevada for locally produced native plants and seeds. As part of the study a survey was mailed to homeowners in the Reno, Henderson, and Las Vegas areas to determine consumer preferences for and usage of native plants and seeds. Cowee, M. and Curtis, K. 2007, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-07-16
Nevada Processed Food Guide: Refrigerated, Cut Produce Food businesses can find support in the growing consumer interest in local foods. Knowing what is required to sell cut and packaged produce can be confusing. This document is a brief guide that outlines the resources and topics that should be considered to produce and sell refrigerated fruits and vegetables in Nevada. Gatzke, H., Allen, K., West, T., and Roemer, M. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Novel Endo-ß- N-Acetylglucosaminidases Derived from Human Fecal Samples Selectively Release N-Glycans from Model Glycoproteins Bolino, M., Gamage, N.H., Duman, H., Abiodun, O., de Mello, A.S., Karav, S., Frese, S.A. 2025, Foods 2025, 14, 1288
Pesticide Safety Training: Handling Pesticides Safely Video This video discusses handling pesticides safely, which includes four areas of safety: properly storing pesticides, safely transporting pesticides, disposing of unused pesticides, and disposing of pesticide containers. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H. and Harrison, D. 2020, University of Nevada, Extension, YouTube Channel
Pesticide Safety Training: Keeping Yourself Safe during Pesticide Applications Video This video discusses how pesticides enter the body, first aid for pesticide exposure, the differences between pesticide poisoning and heat-related illness, and preventing heat-related illnesses. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., and Harrison, D. 2020, University of Nevada, Extension, YouTube Channel
Pesticide Safety Training: Protecting Yourself While Applying Pesticides – Using Personal Protective Equipment Video Protecting yourself while applying pesticides is important. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended to prevent, destroy or repel any pest. Simply put, pesticides are substances intended to kill pests! Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., and Harrison, D. 2020, University of Nevada, Extension, YouTube Channel
Physicochemical composition, fatty acid profile, and sensory attributes of salted sun-dried meat from different bovine crossbreeds Macedo, V.P., de Mello, A.S., Bezerra, L.R., Barbosa, A.M., Silva, T.M., Oliveira, R.L. 2025, Tropical Animal Health and Production (2025) 57:156
Preparing, Cooking, & Storing Food Safely This fact sheet contains several examples and solutions to preparing, cooking, and storing food safely. Collins, C. and Petermeier, H. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-02
Preserving the Harvest Andrews, A. 2016, Reno Gazette-Journal
Reclaiming Water for Urban Foodsheds: Program Overview Reclaiming Water for Urban Foodsheds integrates basic scientific research with Extension outreach to examine the feasibility of using reclaimed water resources for irrigated agriculture in urban environments. Pagilla, K., Hanigan, D., Yang, Y., Verburg, P., Sterle, K., and Singletary, L. 2019, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, FS-19-08.
Selecting Vegetable Crops for Small-Scale Desert Production Many people consider vegetable production to be difficult in the desert. Production of vegetables is possible by selecting suitable crops and using effective growing techniques. Crop selection should use crops suited to the climate and season. Gatzke, H. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Summary Report Southern Nevada Food Council Visioning Session for the 2050 City of Las Vegas Master Plan This special publication provides a summary of the Visioning Session feedback, a compilation of initiatives and policies from other parts of the nation that may address member concerns, and a listing of recommendations to improve the local food system. Buffington, A. and Braxton, M. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
Team YHEP Presents: Hydroponics Harvest and Donations Team YHEP shows you how we harvest and package our hydroponic produce for donation to our food pantry partners throughout Las Vegas! O'Callaghan, A., Braxton-Perry, T., Hansen, N., and Ford-Terry, I., 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
The Amazing Nutritious Papaya This fact sheet contains extensive information on papaya facts and dishes anyone can try. Wilson, M. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-25
The Nevada Pesticide Safety Education Program This fact sheet features a variety of important information on Nevada's pesticide safety program which includes certification, licensing requirements, responsibilities, pesticide programs, and many more. Learn through detailed tables and extensive detail about each topic mentioned. Johnson, W. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-65
The Unbelievable Kiwi This fact sheet contains extensive information on kiwi facts and dishes anyone can try. Wilson, M. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-23
Vertebrate Pest Management Vertebrate pests include animals with a backbone, such as ground squirrels, mice and pigeons. Hefner, M. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno. IP
Weed Management As with all pest management, it is essential to identify the pest before taking action. Most effective weed management plans include several control strategies. Weed control can be divided into five separate categories. Hefner, M. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno. IP
Women in science: a Q&A with CABNR pet food mercury researchers Professor Mae Gustin and fellow researchers Lindsay Chichester, Sarrah Dunham-Cheatam, Adriel Luippold and Margarita (Maggie) Vargas-Estrada talk about their work and answer related questions Andrews, A. 2019, Nevada Today
Working With Gourmet Chefs: Strategies for Small Agricultural Producers This fact sheet details the study, which sought to determine which product and supply attributes are most important to gourmet chefs, what their local purchasing patterns are, where they would like to purchase local products, and what they view as obstacles to making local purchases. Cowee, M., Curtis, K., and Havercamp, M. 2006, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension