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Steve Foster

Associate Professor, County Educator

Office: (775) 273-2923
Fax: (775) 273-7647
Email: ssfoster@unr.edu
Address: 810 Sixth Street, Lovelock, Nevada 89419-0239
Representing: Pershing County
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Summary

Steve Foster works in the fields of agriculture, natural resources, sustainable agriculture and youth development. In addition, Steve is a certified crop advisor with hands-on experience in livestock production. As an Extension Educator in Pershing County, he addresses critical needs/issues with educational programs and training.

Education

Houston High School, 1976
B.S. Ohio State University, 1980
M.S. Ohio State University, 1998

Programs
Publications

Programs

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.

Coffee Shop email helps ranchers make money

Extension’s coffee shop is a national subscription email designed to provide a two-way communication network for livestock producers. The question-and-answer service provides answers to livestock production and marketing questions.

Resource Stewardship improves rangeland management cb

Collaborative Resource Stewardship improves rangeland management

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.

Improving Farmer/Rancher Profitability and Efficiency (On Farm Research)

Helping Pershing County agricultural producers improve the profitability and efficiency of their agricultural operations.

ladybug larva eating aphids on a pepper plant

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.

Nevada Economic Assessment Project (NEAP) - Pershing County

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

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.

Pershing County 4-H Youth Development

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.

Soybean Production in Nevada

Extension research shows that soybeans may have potential as a low-water-use alternative crop in alfalfa in Nevada. Alfalfa is one of the most grown crops in Nevada. Since Nevada is the driest state in the country, it is critical to identify profitable low-water-use crops, like the soybean.

Sustainable Agricultural Practices Program

Extension conducts several sustainable agriculture programs including researching alternative crops, introducing sustainable biodiversity/multiple use of rangelands, and increasing the number of pest control materials labeled in and increasing the knowledge and implementation rate of Integrated Pest Management practices in Nevada.

Teff Crop Production

The purpose of this program is to introduce Nevada farmers to and help train them in the cultivation of teff, a small-seeded grain and forage crop that requires less water than alfalfa and can be more profitable.

Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE)

SARE is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that functions through competitive grants conducted cooperatively by farmers, ranchers, researchers and ag professionals to advance farm and ranch systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities.

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Fact Sheets
*Industrial Fiber Hemp: An Early Initiative to Capture Varietal Response in Nevada* J. Solomon, A. Ogunleye, A. Opoku, F. Barrios-Masias, S. Huber, S. Foster 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-22-11
*Community Assets for Pershing 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. M. Rebori, J. Lednicky, B. Borden, S. Foster 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-73
*Demographic Characteristics of Pershing 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, S. Foster 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Economic Characteristics for Pershing 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, S. Foster 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Land Use and Fiscal Characteristics for Pershing 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, S. Foster 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*NAICS Top Performers for Pershing 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, S. Foster 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Social Characteristics for Pershing 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, S. Foster 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Soil Properties, Part 3 of 3: Chemical Characteristics* Soil chemistry is the interaction of various chemical constituents that takes place among soil particles and in the soil solution, or the water retained by soil. The chemical interactions that occur in soil are highly complex, but understanding certain basic concepts will better help you manage your soils. Foster, S., Urbanowitz, S., Gatzke, H., and Schultz, B. 2016, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet FS-16-02
*Enterprise Budget, Corn Production Pershing County, Nevada* An enterprise budget provides the best means to evaluate the potential profitability for a given enterprise or farm income source. Developing an enterprise budget allows an operator to identify typical costs, both variable and fixed, and probable returns associated with the production and marketing of a product. Foster, S. 2013, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Soil Properties, Part 1 of 3: Physical Characteristics* A brief overview of the physical, biological and chemical characteristics of soils. The information is provided for agronomic producers to help them understand soil properties and characteristics. Foster, S., Schultz, B., McCuin, G., Neibling, H., and Shewmaker, G. 2013, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Enterprise Budget, Conventional Alfalfa Hay Pershing County, Nevada* The enterprise budget estimates the typical costs of establishing alfalfa hay in Pershing County, Nev., (specifically in the Lovelock Valley area). It should be used as a guide to estimate costs and returns for conventional alfalfa hay (non Roundup-Ready) establishment and production. Foster, S. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Enterprise Budget, Hoop Barn Swine Wean-to-Finish Production, Nevada, 2012* The goal of our Beginning Farmer and Rancher program is to help beginning agricultural producers succeed by providing them the opportunity to utilize the latest financial management tools, develop entrepreneurial skills, receive on-the-ground training in production agriculture, and get assistance in marketing. Foster, S. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, FS-13-45
*Enterprise Budget, Roundup Ready Alfalfa Hay Pershing County, Nevada* Pershing County has approximately 36,900 acres of alfalfa production, with an approximate value of $37 million. (Foster, 2010) It should be used as a guide to estimate costs and returns for RR alfalfa hay establishment and production. Foster, S. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Nutritional Properties of Windrowed and Standing Basin Wildrye over Time* Many Nevada farmers and ranchers are in constant search of economical, high- producing winter forages for their beef cattle production system. An often overlooked forage but one that is common in Nevada and the Intermountain West is basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus). Foster, S. and Perryman, B. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Soil Properties, Part 2 of 3: Biological Characteristics* Since the introduction of synthetic fertilizers during the industrial revolution, most of the research has been focused on maintaining the nutrient balance in the soil. However, more researchers and agricultural producers are realizing that not only are the nutrients in the soil important, but also, biological health. Foster, S., McCuin, G., Schultz, B., Neibling, H., and Shewmaker, G. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Needs Assessment for Noxious Weeds in Pershing County: Part 1 of 5 – Problem Weeds and Approaches and Methods of Control* Located in northwestern Nevada, Pershing County has 135 farms and ranches covering more than 244,249 acres, excluding public lands in BLM-administered grazing allotments. The average farm size is 1,809 acres (2008 USDA Agricultural Census). Foster, S., Schultz, B., and Singletary, L. 2011, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Nevada Open Range Law* This fact sheet provides an overview of the Nevada Open Range Law and its evolution in the U.S. and Nevada. Also, this law is the subject of increasing conflict between open range public land grazers and non-agricultural residents in or adjacent to public lands. McCuin, G. and Foster, S. 2010, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Pershing County Agricultural Statistics (2008-2009)* This fact sheet is a summary of agricultural data from 2008-2009 for Pershing County, Nevada. The information and statistics in this fact sheet were gathered from the 2008-2009 Nevada Agricultural Statistics Service’s Annual Report and the 2007 USDA Census of Agriculture. Foster, S. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Alfalfa for Beef Cows* Optimizing a ranch’s feed resources often requires strategic supplementation of standing forage with a processed protein, energy or mineral product. However, protein and energy supplements do not necessarily have to come out of a sack. Foster, S. McCuin, G., Nelson, D., Schultz, B., and Torell, R. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Livestock Producer Interest in Local Processing* A mail survey of agricultural producers was conducted during autumn 2005 to assess producer interest in a potential livestock slaughter and/or processing facility in Northern Nevada. One hundred fifty-three surveys were returned, representing nearly 70 percent of total livestock producers in Northern Nevada. Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Lewis, S., Harris, T. 2008, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-08-10
Informational Publications
*Nevada Youth Range Camp (History)* Nevada Youth Range Camp focuses on relationships between people and rangeland. Campers learn that land managers need information about plants, wildlife, water and soil to make good decisions about rangeland management and use. The camp challenges youth to explore resource problems and create logical solutions. Foster, S., McCuin, G., and Schultz, B. 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP-09-05
Journals
*Viewpoint: An alternative Management Paradigm for Plant Communities Affected by Invasive Annual Grasses in the Intermountain West* Today’s landscapes are not those described in 1860. With over 400,000 km2 colonized by cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and other annual grasses, we believe it is time to declare: The pristine-management-paradigm has failed. Continued, wholesale application of this concept is misguided. Perryman, B. L., Schultz, B. W., Mcadoo, J. K., Alverts, B., Cervantes, J. C., Foster, S., McCuin, G., Swanson, S. R. 2018, Rangelands. 40:77-82
*Nevada (USA) range management school - Adapting an American grazing management curriculum to other continents.* Schultz, B., McAdoo, K., Perryman, B., Foster, S., and Davison, J. 2015, Journal for Arid Lands Studies. 25-3: 273-276.
*A summative evaluation of the Nevada Youth Range Camp educational program.* Foster, S.S., Schultz, B.W., McAdoo, J.K., and Swanson, S. 2014, Journal National Association of County Agricultural Agents. 7:1.
Special Publications
*Forage Sorghum Ensiled With Alfalfa as a Potential Alternative Feeding Strategy in Nevada* Solomon, J., Foster, S. 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-22-13
*Nevada’s Priority Agricultural Weeds: Perennial Pepperweed* Perennial pepperweed is a long-lived perennial weed native to Eurasia. This weed arrived in North America as an ornamental plant, but subsequently spread throughout the Western states, where it inhabits many different environmental settings. B. Schultz, S. Foster 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-21-01
*Nevada’s Priority Agricultural Weeds: Hoary Cress* Plants commonly referred to as hoary cress (Cardaria sp.), or short whitetop, are one of three different but closely related perennial forbs. The Cardaria species are widespread across all eleven Western states, including every county in Nevada. B. Schultz, S. Foster 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-21-03
*Nevada’s Priority Agricultural Weeds: Russian Knapweed* Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens) is a non-native perennial forb (wild flower) that arrived in the United States in the late 1890s. This weed is well adapted, growing in damp to poorly drained soils with high salinity and/or alkalinity. B. Schultz, S. Foster 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-21-02
*Nevada Youth Range Camp plant identification guide.* Foster, S., Schultz, B., and Swanson, S. 2018, UNCE Special Publication. SP-18-04.
*Russian Knapweed Control Trial 2013-2015, Pershing County* A document of effective ways to maintain and control Russian Knapweed crops. Foster, S., and Schultz, B. 2016, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, PS-16-04
*Reducing cheatgrass fuel loads using fall cattle grazing* Foster, S., Schmelzer, L., Wilker, J., Schultz, B., McAdoo, K., Swanson, S., and Perryman, B. 2015, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-15-03. P.11.
*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