Lyon County Office | Extension | University of Nevada, Reno

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504 S. Main Street, Yerington, Nevada 89447
Phone: 775-463-6541
Fax: 775-463-6545

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Featured Programs

Master Gardeners of Nevada

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

Grow Your Own, Nevada!

Learn the secrets of high desert gardening

Nevada Economic Assessment Project (NEAP) - Lyon County

NEAP aims to provide county, state and federal agencies, with quantitative and qualitative baseline data for Lyon County

To see a complete list of programs being conducted by Lyon County

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Looking for a quality and fun youth development experience? Join Nevada 4-H!

Our 4-H Program, for youth ages 5 to 19, is community-centered, research-based and designed to promote life-skills development. It offers youth opportunities in communications, leadership, career development, citizenship, healthy living, science, technology, engineering, math and more. Our office can help you to find or start a local 4-H club or program that's right for you. We look forward to working with and serving you!

Learn more about 4-H

Excerpts from our latest newsletter

Wolf Pack Meats’ new line of jerky and local lamb now available for holidays

College’s Experiment Station ramping up local offerings

Claudene Wharton

The College’s Wolf Pack Meats has fresh, locally produced rack of lamb in stock, just in time for the holidays.

Just in time for the holidays, Wolf Pack Meats has a new line of locally produced beef jerky and fresh cuts of lamb. The products are part of Wolf Pack Meats’ efforts to enhance its local food offerings for the community, which support the growth of its production capacity, along with its teaching and research missions.

Local lamb

The lamb cuts are from the internationally prized Rafter 7 sheep developed and raised by the College in Eureka and Reno. Local celebrity Master Chef and restauranteur Mark Estee has jumped on board to snatch up some of the meat for his restaurants.

Local jerky

The beef for the jerky was raised here in Reno, at the Experiment Station’s Main Station Field Lab, home of Wolf Pack Meats. Wolf Pack Meats partnered with a local business to make the jerky, which comes in five flavors.

Wolf Pack Meats Operations Manager Tom Kulas said, “It makes a great stocking stuffer or gift for foodies.”

Local beef

Kulas said Wolf Pack Meats is also fully stocked with a variety of beef cuts produced from cattle raised by the College, including filet mignon, New York steak, ground beef, short ribs, beef liver, beef tongue and other items.

Partnering for a robust food community

“Wolf Pack Meats is a key piece to a robust and successful food community here in the region, and we are happy to be partnering with them to buy these local lambs.” – Master Chef Mark Estee

Learn about the new line

Explore the Experiment Station

Meet Tom

New assistant professor to help expand the College’s Pre-Veterinary Program

Hannah Rodriguez joins the College’s Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences

Brook Maloy

Assistant Professor Hannah Rodriguez joins the College’s Veterinary Science Program as a new assistant professor.

The College recently welcomed Dr. Hannah Rodriguez as assistant professor to its Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences. Rodriguez, a graduate of the College, was selected because of her vast experience, which the College hopes to leverage to help grow its Veterinary Science Program.

Rodriguez grew up raising pigs, sheep and dairy cattle in Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program, which is offered by the College, as well as with her local Future Farmers of America chapter. She has been a licensed veterinarian of her own practice for over five years and practices on both large and small animals.

The College’s Veterinary Science Program prepares students for careers in veterinary medicine. Nevada has a strong demand for veterinarians, especially to care for large domestic animals in rural areas.

Stimulating an essential workforce

“The veterinary profession is really hurting right now, and we are short on veterinarians across the U.S. So, I hope to stimulate a passion for the profession.” – Dr. Hannah Rodriguez

Meet Hannah

Study veterinary science

Shedding light on domestic violence: A crucial conversation

It’s personal, real and closer than you think

Pamela Payne, Clair Thomas, Elizabeth Ornelas and Farrah Stockett

The University’s Hope Team (left to right) Pamela Payne, Clair Thomas, Elizabeth Ornelas and Farrah Stockett, is a collaboration between Extension and the University’s College of Education & Human Development, working to break the cycle of violence in Nevada communities.

Over 10 million people experience domestic violence each year. One in three women and one in four men experience domestic violence, and those numbers are likely much higher.

Domestic violence transcends socioeconomic statuses, cultures and age groups. Often, societal norms, family practices and cultural beliefs mask the severity of domestic violence, pushing it into the shadows.

Debunking myths, understanding the signs and being prepared to take action are paramount. That's why initiatives like the University Hope Team’s 40-Hour Hope Advocacy Training are pivotal. The training, part of a collaboration between Extension and the College of Education & Human Development, helps advocates harness the power of information.

Working to eradicate domestic violence

“To every survivor, we say: You are not alone. Your voice matters. We see you. You matter. To the larger community, we say: We all have a role. We all know someone. Let’s educate ourselves and actively support platforms and programs aimed at eradicating domestic violence. It is a fight we all need to be a part of.” – The Hope Team

Meet the Hope Team

Donate to their work

Learn about domestic violence

Q&A: Ecologist Tamzen Stringham discusses Nevada’s rangeland

A Great Basin expert weighs in on legacy grazing, cheatgrass, and the surprising number of pinyon and juniper trees in Nevada

Amy Alonzo, The Nevada Indepentent

Tamzen Stringham poses for a portrait in her office. Photo by Tim Lenard, The Nevada Independent.

Let’s take a moment to learn a little more about something we all have in common — Nevada, the state we call home — from one of the Great Basin’s leading rangeland biologists.

Tamzen Stringham is a professor in the College’s Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences who has studied Nevada’s rangelands — vast open spaces grazed by wildlife and domestic animals alike — for more than 15 years and the Great Basin for three decades.

Stringham developed her interest in agriculture while growing up on a ranch in California’s Grass Valley and, decades later, her passion for rangeland science and the Great Basin still burns strong.

See the Q&A

What is your role as a rangeland scientist?

What’s something people might not know about Nevada’s rangelands?

What sort of challenges do pinyon juniper woodlands create?

What changes have you seen in the sagebrush ecosystem?

What impact has livestock grazing had on Nevada?

What impact do wild horses have on our rangelands?

What needs to happen to get Nevada’s rangelands back in balance?

What needs more attention on Nevada’s landscape?

Serving as a voice for Nevada’s rangelands

“I would like to see more attention on the ecological disaster rangeland fires create. We don’t hear about fires out on rangelands because, either the people who live out there are few and far between, or there are no people out there. And the critters that live on rangelands have no voice.” – Professor Tamzen Stringham

Meet Tamzen

Donate to her arid land research

Donate to her restoration work

Newly appointed professors to drive advancements in research

Three new faculty members bring new expertise to College’s Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Emma Lande

Three new faculty members have joined the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology – (left to right) Felicia Jefferson, Mitchell Omar and Meet Zandawala.

The College has added three new faculty members to its Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology this fall. Felicia Jefferson, Mitchell Omar and Meet Zandawala bring unique research expertise and projects that will play a pivotal role in advancing research initiatives in the College and its Experiment Station.

See The Nevada Today Story

Associate Professor Felicia Jefferson

Jefferson’s research in neuroscience has earned her recognition by the National Science Foundation. She has been awarded more than $1.5 million in competitive research funding for her ongoing research in sleep science and neural engineering.

Assistant Professor Mitchell Omar

Omar’s research primarily focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying stress hormone production and the formation of tumors and chronically elevated stress hormone levels in patients with Cushing's syndrome.

Assistant Professor Meet Zandawala

Zandawala is a leading invertebrate neuroendocrinologist who uses fruit flies as a model to understand how the small signaling molecules in the brain known as neuropeptides influence animal behavior and physiology.

Advancing teaching and research

"We are thrilled to welcome these three professors to our department. Their expertise and dedication will undoubtedly enrich our academic community and contribute to the advancement of our department's teaching and research mission." – Department Chair Robert Ryan

Meet Felicia

Meet Mitchell

Meet Meet

Lyon County Related News Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...


*An Integration of GIS and Simulation Models for Irrigation Development* Ghimire, Monika; Stoecker, Arthur; Boyer, Tracy; Bhavsar, Hiren; Vitale, Jeffrey; Choi, Jongsan 2016, Sustainable Agriculture Research
*Assessing the Influence of Energy Cost and other Factors on Profitability of Greenhouse Businesses in Tennessee* Bhavsar, Hiren; Tegegne, Fisseha and Ingram, Krisden 2015, Journal of Applied Horticulture
*Awareness and Attitudes of Tennessee Consumers towards Agricultural Biotechnology: Survey Results* Bhavsar Hiren; Tegegne Fisseha; Ekanem and Singh, Surendra P. 2014, Journal of Food Research
*Awareness and Attitudes of Tennessee State University Students towards Biotechnology* Tegegne, Fisseha; Aziz, Ahmed N.; Bhavsar, Hiren A. and Wilmers, Roger 2013, Journal of Biotechnology Research, 2013 (5): 16-23.
*Chloride Control and Irrigation Management: A GIS Integrated approach to Economic Feasibility in Cotton* Bhavsar et.al 2013, Report submitted to USACE, Tulsa division, March 2013.
*Demographic Characteristics for Lyon County, Nevada* The project 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 counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts. B. Borden, J. Lednicky, A. Ahmed 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) Education and Implementation Results in Nevada* Traditionally, new weed invasions are not detected or addressed until they are so dense and widespread that eradication is not feasible. Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) is an approach to weed control that emphasizes controlling new, invading weeds while the populations are localized and small. Newton, J., Davison, J., Schultz, B., Blecker, L., and Creech, E. 2013, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Economic Characteristics for Lyon County, Nevada* The project 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 counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts. B. Borden, J. Lednicky, A. Ahmed 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Impacts of economy and needs of skilled labor in Nursery Industry in Tennessee* Bhavsar, Hiren 2013, Proceedings of Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Aug 2-4, 2013 at Atlana, GA.
*Impacts of economy and needs of skilled labor in Nursery Industry in Tennessee* Bhavsar, Hiren 2013, Presented at the proceedings of Research Symposium, Tennessee State University, April 5, 2013.
*Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Intake with Reservation and Off-reservation Kindergarten Students in Nevada.* Emm, S., Harris, J., Halterman, J., Chvilicek, S., & Bishop, C. 2019, Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 9(B), 1-10.
*Integrated Weed Management in and around Established Alfalfa Fields* Many weeds are less palatable or nutritious for livestock than alfalfa, or are toxic. Weeds establish in alfalfa when the alfalfa is both growing and dormant. This fact sheet is intended to facilitate management decisions that reduce economic losses in established alfalfa due to weed pests. Blecker, L., Davison, J., Schultz, B., and Newton, J. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Kids Know Nevada Insects: Monarch Butterfly* I am the monarch butterfly! I am found all throughout the United States and even southern Canada. I am most well-known for the yearly trip back and forth (called a migration) that I make every fall and spring. Monarchs in Nevada and other western states head to the coast of California, but those in the east head all th Burls, K., Newton, J. 2015, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP
*Know Nevada Insects: Monarch Butterfly* The monarch butterfly is perhaps one of the most iconic butterfly species in North America, and it can be found throughout Nevada in the summertime. Learn about Monarch lifecycle, catepillar host plants and damage, threats and conservation and resources. Burls, K., Newton, J. 2017, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-17-13
*Know Nevada Insects: Orange Sulphur Butterfly* I am the orange sulphur butterfly! I can be found in all of the United States, except Alaska and Hawaii. I fly most of the summer, from May to October, in Nevada. Learn about my life cycle, why I'm important and what I eat. Burls, K., Newton, J. 2015, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP
*Know Nevada Insects: Orange sulphur butterfly - Colias eurytheme (Boisduval)* The collective research on the description and life cycle of orange sulphur butterfly. Including the damages done by caterpillars and integrated pest management as a result of it. Burls, K. and Newton, J. 2017, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet 17-15
*Land Use and Fiscal Characteristics for Lyon County, Nevada* The project 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 counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts. B. Borden, J. Lednicky, A. Ahmed 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*NAICS Top Performers for Lyon County, Nevada* The project 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 counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts. B. Borden, J. Lednicky, A. Ahmed 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Non-Chemical Weed Control for Small Acreage Farmers in Nevada* Many small acreage farming operations are organic-based or strongly prefer weed management recommendations that preclude the use of conventional herbicides. The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide basic information and resources on non-chemical weed control options for these small acreage farmers. Davison, J. and Newton, J. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Social Characteristics for Lyon County, Nevada* The project 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 counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts. B. Borden, J. Lednicky, A. Ahmed 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Varroa Mite Integrated Pest Management for Small-Scale Beekeepers in Nevada* Interesting facts about Varroa Mite and there Life Cycle, ways to start an IPM treatment program for them, control methods, and pesticides available for use in Nevada. Newton, J. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Willingness to Pay More for Organic Foods by Tennessee Consumers* Bhavsar, Hiren, Baryeh, Kofi, & Tegegne, Fisseha. 2016, Journal of Agricultural Science
*Willingness to Pay More for Organic Foods by Tennessee Consumers* Bhavsar, Hiren, Baryeh, Kofi, & Tegegne, Fisseha 2016, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, Annual Meeting, February 6-9, 2016, San Antonio, Texas (No. 230010).

County Reports


*Lyon County Annual Report \| Fiscal Year 2022-2023* Lyon County Extension Office annual report for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 highlighting major program accomplishments for 4H, Health and Nutrition, and Radon Mitigation. Gatzke, H. & Schlegel, J. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, County Reports
*Lyon County Annual Report \| Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022* Lyon County Extension Office annual report for fiscal year 2021-2022 highlighting major program accomplishments for 4H, Health and Nutrition, Radon Mitigation, NEAP Schlegel, J. & Bhavsar, H. 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, County Reports
*Lyon County Annual Report \| Fiscal Year 2020 - 2021* Lyon County Extension Annual Report \| July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021 Gatzke, H. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, County Report
*Lyon County Annual Report \| Fiscal Year 2019 - 2020* Annual Report for Lyon County highlighting major programs and accomplishments. Major programs include 4H, Health and Nutrition, Horticulture, Radon Mitigation Ahmed, A. 2020, Extension - University of Nevada, Reno, County Reports FYI 2020
*Lyon County Annual Report \| Fiscal Year 2018 - 2019* Lyon County Extension Annual Report \| July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019 Gatzke, H. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
*Lyon County Annual Report \| Fiscal Year 2017 - 2018* Lyon County Annual Report \| July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018 Moffitt, M. 2017, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno

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