Program Impacts

4-H Youth Development

4-H programming helps youth thrive through hands-on, inquiry-driven learning that emphasizes career development, community service, leadership, and record keeping. This year, 231 Churchill County Youth worked to identify their spark, build belonging, form meaningful relationships, and engage in their community. Through this learning, many youths experience improved academic or vocational success, civic engagement, and overall improved happiness and well-being.

Amazing Volunteers

Our 40 volunteers continue to be the foundation of the Churchill County 4-H program. They volunteer numerous hours to better the lives of Churchill County youth. They do this by sharing their knowledge and passion for the various clubs with the youth that they lead. These amazing volunteers instruct 231 Churchill County 4-H members through 29 clubs and support our youth at the 4-H Camp in Lake Tahoe.

4-H Camp

Churchill County 4-H was excited to be at the State 4-H camp at Lake Tahoe during the third week of July 2024. Churchill County was represented by 32 campers, 8 teen camp counselors and 7 adult chaperones. The 4-H campers learned about living with fire, animal health, constructing rockets, teambuilding, where your food comes from, animal byproducts, and archery. Swimming each day in Lake Tahoe is always a favorite activity among all campers. 

Nevada State Expo

In September 2024, Churchill County hosted the Nevada State 4-H Expo. This event was open to all 4-H members in the state of Nevada. We had exhibitors from every county in Nevada attend. Most of the Expo was held at the Rafter 3C Complex. We also partnered with the Fallon Trap Club to use their facilities as well as the Stillwater Firearms Range. We are grateful for their help and support. 

Churchill County Jr. Livestock Show

In April 2025 the Churchill County Junior Livestock Show and Sale (CCJLS) was held in the Rafter 3C Arena. 4-H had a strong showing with 73 exhibitors and several who were dual-enrolled with FFA. Our youth showed skills in raising, fitting, and showing their projects. Thanks to the dedicated leaders that put in the time to help all. The exhibitors’ hard work paid off with many Grand and Reserve Champions in both the market and breeding shows. 

As always, our amazing community members and businesses attended the sale and participated in the purchase of these projects. We are truly grateful for all the support our community shows 4-H. 

Community Engagement Events

Cantaloupe Festival: Once again, Churchill County 4-H had a strong presence at the annual Cantaloupe Festival and Country Fair held at the Rafter 3C Complex in August 2024. 4-H members submitted an estimated 20 entries in the fair to be judged. The outside exhibit for 4-H showcased many different species of livestock. As always, the animals were a huge hit with the estimated 18,000 festival goers over the three-day event. The public had the opportunity to ask questions about the various 4-H projects and 4-H members were able to share their knowledge. This is a great opportunity for our youth to gain confidence speaking and sharing the knowledge they have obtained through 4-H.

In addition, Churchill County’s new State Livestock Specialist, Dr. Tracy Shane, showcased her cutting-edge virtual fencing work, educating the public about advances in livestock technology. 

Back to School: In August 2024 Churchill County 4-H took part in three Churchill County Back to School events: the Churchill County Back to School event, the Churchill County High School Back to School event, and the Numa Elementary School Back to School Event. Across all three events, we handed out over 400 notebooks to Churchill County students to help get them prepared for the upcoming school year. 

Christmas Caroling to the Elderly: In December 2024, Churchill County 4-H joined with the Churchill County High School and Oasis Academy FFA clubs to gather an estimated 55 youths who were eager to brighten the holidays for others. They traveled through town, singing carols. Stops on their route included visiting the Homestead Senior Living Facility, the Hyland Manor Nursing Home, the Christmas tree on Fallon Main Street, and more! Their music brought smiles wherever they went, and residents at the senior living facilities said the visit was the highlight of their day.

Community Youth Swim Day: In June 2025, Churchill County 4-H staff partnered with the Churchill County High School and Oasis Academy FFA clubs, and the local municipal pool facility to host a special open swim day for youth across the community. The event provided a fun and welcoming space for an estimated 35 youths to connect, get active, and practice their swimming under the watch of qualified, trained, and certified lifeguards. Thanks to the shared efforts of staff, volunteers, and facility partners, the pool was filled with laughter, teamwork, and fun in the sun.

Agricultural Impacts

Pesticide Application

Churchill County farmers/ranchers identified a significant need for more knowledge about how to safely and economically manage pests. This year, the Extension office offered 8 hours of CEU training at the Churchill County Extension office through interactive video learning.

High Tunnel Workshop 

After conducting a rapid needs assessment, Dr. Andrew Waaswa, Churchill County’s resident Statewide Agricultural Educator, and County Coordinator Kristen Burr applied for and received a Western Extension Risk Management Education (WERME) grant (Project 16227) to host an all-day High Tunnel Workshop in September 2025. 

Addressing Agricultural Issues

Dr. Wasswa, resident Statewide Agricultural Educator, is an invaluable resource to Churchill County producers and residents. Combined, Dr. Waaswa took 38 phone calls, meetings, and home or farm visits with local Churchill County residents and producers. He addressed many local needs from questions about hay production to how to deal with pocket gophers. These meetings with the community led to the development of his blog post series where he talks about the issues that are commonly affecting Nevada producers. 

A collection of his articles can be found at Blogs | Agricultural Solutions | University Of Nevada, Reno and at Frequently Asked Questions | Agricultural Solutions | University Of Nevada, Reno. Both the blog and FAQ pages were developed in direct response to growers’ most common questions. His timely blog posts, such as “A Producer’s Guide to Forage Testing | Extension | University of Nevada, Reno” and “Aphid Trouble in Alfalfa? Here’s How to Stay Ahead This Season | Extension | University of Nevada, Reno” provide practical solutions tailored to Nevada conditions, while the FAQ section offers concise, science-grounded answers and invites producers to submit new questions for continued engagement.

Horticulture, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment Needs Assessment 

Dr. Andrew Waaswa is leading Extension’s Horticulture, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment (HANRE) needs assessment team, where more than 48 stakeholders, including producers, county commissioners, and other county leaders, have participated in interviews and focus group discussions across Nevada. The final phase, a statewide survey is scheduled for launch in November 2025. The project will identify priority issues and guide future Extension programming within the HANRE program area in every county across the state, including Churchill County.

Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Trade Show and Extension Cattlemen’s Update

In November 2024 Dr. Tracy Shane, Churchill County’s recently hired State Livestock Specialist, attended and presented a booth at the Nevada Association Trade show where she showcased her cutting-edge virtual fencing work, educating the public about advances in livestock technology.

Additionally, in January of 2025, Dr. Tracy Shane presented at the Extension Cattleman’s Update discussing new research and practices with the ranchers of today. This event is an annual educational program designed to provide cattle producers’ current information about important management practices and issues that may affect the efficiency, productivity, profitability, and sustainability of their businesses.  They held Day 2 of the event in Fallon, Nevada at the 3C Event Complex, where approximately 40 participants learned about these important topics. 

Natural Resources

Water Test Kits 

Safe drinking water is an important topic in our world. Extension partners with the Nevada State Public Health Lab to offer water test kits to the public. Staff help interpret water test results and provide factsheets about arsenic, manganese, iron and reverse osmosis systems when residents have questions.136 water test kits were provided in FY25.

Wood Cutting and Christmas Tree Permits  

The Churchill County Extension office partners with the Bureau of Land Management to provide wood cutting permits and Christmas Tree tags to the public. This collaboration gives local residents an alternative to driving to the Carson City Bureau of Land Management office to obtain permits. Permits for 147 Christmas trees and 43 cords of firewood were sold in FY25.

Horticulture and Walk-In Questions

Residents come to the Extension office in Churchill County seeking information on their gardens, pastures and fields. We provide research-based answers to a variety of questions, or when needed, refer them to an Extension specialist. During FY25, staff helped to identify:

• 24+ Weeds and common control methods
• 37+ Common plant distresses and diseases, and soil testing
• 17 + Pests or the damage they have caused

Fiscal overview