Nevada ranchers juggling markets, costs, drought, and animal health will have several chances in January to hear what is changing and what may be coming next.
The University of Nevada, Reno is hosting its annual Cattlemen’s Update, a mix of virtual and in-person sessions focused on herd health, production strategies, and market conditions.
The event begins with an online session on January 12 and continues with stops around the state from January 13 to 16.
The update is led by the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, along with its Extension and Experiment Station units. Support is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Nevada Gold Mines, and other local sponsors.
University researchers, local veterinarians, and specialists from the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are set to lead discussions on issues affecting the state’s cattle industry.
Organizers are offering both virtual and in-person options to give producers flexibility based on their schedules and operations.
The free virtual session runs January 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Topics include wildfire preparedness, emerging animal diseases, updates to Nevada’s Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, and changes tied to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture reorganization. A full agenda and registration are available online.
Four in-person sessions follow, covering topics such as the possible return of the New World screwworm, grazing management tied to soil and ecosystem health, biosecurity planning, genetic tools for herd improvement, and an outlook on Nevada’s cattle market, including heifer retention decisions.
On-site registration will be available. A requested donation of $20 per ranch per location will be given to the University of Nevada, Reno Foundation. Lunch or dinner will be provided.
Paul Meiman, an Extension rangeland and wildlife state specialist and associate professor, will serve as master of ceremonies. Other speakers include animal scientist Luis Schütz, Extension livestock specialist Tracy Shane, state veterinarian Peter Rolfe, and Washington State University livestock economist Shannon Neibergs. Local veterinarians will also address cattle health concerns specific to Nevada.
This year’s keynote speaker is Tipton D. Hudson of Washington State University Extension. His presentation is titled, “Place-based intelligence trumps artificial intelligence in ecologically driven grazing enterprises.”
New elements are being introduced ahead of the main sessions. The 2026 update adds two special in-person programs focused on wildfire readiness and youth education.
One session, organized through Extension’s Living With Fire Program with state fire personnel and agency partners, will cover wildfire preparedness, response, and recovery, along with the Rancher Liaison Program. A 30-minute networking session will follow.
Another new offering is a free 60-minute Youth for the Quality Care of Animals training for children ages eight to 21. The session includes hands-on activities centered on animal care, stewardship, and food safety.
The schedule begins with the virtual session on January 12. In-person sessions are set for Fallon on January 13, Ely on January 14, Elko on January 15, and Winnemucca on January 16, with special sessions and main updates held throughout each day.
