Summary 2022 — Nevada

State Contact

Innovative Programming

The Nevada Farm Bureau organization has focused on agricultural education and advocacy through its innovative programming, setting a high standard for supporting the farming community. One of their remarkable initiatives is the deployment of the ag wagon that regularly attends ag days at schools and county events. This mobile agricultural exhibit not only captivates young minds but also fosters a deeper understanding of farming practices and the significance of agriculture in their lives. Additionally, the organization has harnessed cutting-edge technology by utilizing VR videos on headsets to showcase the diversity of specialty crops grown in Nevada. These immersive experiences bring virtual farm tours to life, leaving viewers in awe of the state's agricultural bounty. Furthermore, the Nevada Farm Bureau has increased its efforts to strengthen rural communities by bringing together local resources in every county. Their collaborative approach promotes sustainable farming practices, facilitates knowledge exchange, and cultivates a sense of unity among the farming population. Through these multiple outlets, the Nevada Farm Bureau has advanced agricultural awareness and progress in the state.

Major Program Impacts or Outcomes

Some of the highlights of the recent efforts in agricultural education and advocacy for the Nevada Farm Bureau include:

• The ag wagon has attended events in all 17 Nevada counties.
• Specialty crops education through VR headsets has reached over 10,000 people.
• Collaboration with FFA, 4-H, FCCLA, UNR extension office, Desert Research Institute, Green Our Planet, Grange, Urban Roots, Just One Project, Bees of Nevada, public and privative schools, Nevada Cattle Women associations, and state legislators to bring Ag Day to elementary through high school in Nevada.
• Distribution of ag materials to community members including Ag Magazines, Ag Badging Field Guide, and newly updated Sheep and Wool of Nevada book.
• First Nevada Small Ag Conference held August 2023.

Program Leader Biosketch

Woody Worthington was raised on a small ranch in southern Oregon. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in San Diego, Ca; Okinawa, Japan; Bridgeport, Ca, and was deployed abroad to several countries. While in the Marine Corps, Woody attended Cira Cosa College for Business Management Leadership. He moved to the Carson Valley in 1995 where he and his wife raise their family then Woody retired from the Marine Corps in 2004. Woody worked for a large farming and cattle operation until joining the Nevada Farm Bureau Foundation in 2022. Woody is the current NVFB's Director of Ag Education and Advocacy. Woody has always centered himself around agricultural education and advocacy.

Additionally, he has been the Past-President of the Douglas-Carson City Farm Bureau Federation working to promote, preserve and protect Nevada's agriculture. He serves as current Board President of the Nevada Department of Agriculture, where he contributes to policy development for the Nevada Department of Agriculture and reports on food and agriculture issues to the governor. As a proponent of youth agricultural literacy, Woody is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Chairman for Douglas County School District and board member of Carson High School CTE. Woody also supports the University of Nevada as a board member of the Nevada Teach Executive Advisory and Wolf Pack Meats Board. He is a part of the Fire Adaptive Nevada Partnership as an ag representative. He is also a part of the Nevada Western Heritage Alliance, which supports the revitalization of the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center and pays tribute to Nevada's western heritage.