Agriculture and Technology in Nevada

Agriculture and Technology in Nevada

Nevada’s economy includes both time-tested agricultural traditions and cutting-edge technology industries. While agriculture is limited by arid conditions, it remains vital in rural areas. Meanwhile, the state has embraced innovation and tech manufacturing, especially in northern Nevada, where logistics, batteries, and data infrastructure are booming.

This page outlines both sectors—how they differ, where they overlap, and how they shape Nevada’s economy and workforce.

Agriculture in Nevada

Despite being the driest state in the U.S., Nevada has a long-standing agricultural tradition, especially in valleys with reliable irrigation.

Key Products

• **Cattle and calves** – Nevada’s largest agricultural sector by value. Ranching is widespread in Elko, Humboldt, and Nye counties.
• **Hay and alfalfa** – Grown for livestock feed in Nevada and exported to neighboring states.
• **Dairy and sheep** – Smaller-scale operations, especially in Fallon and Yerington.
• **Specialty crops** – Includes onions, garlic, potatoes, and wine grapes in areas with irrigation or drip systems.

Agricultural Facts

• Over **85% of Nevada’s land** is public, so many ranchers operate on federal grazing permits.
• Irrigated agriculture is concentrated along the **Humboldt River**, **Walker River**, and **Carson River** basins.
• The **University of Nevada, Reno Extension** provides research and outreach on dryland farming, water conservation, and rangeland health.

Challenges in Agriculture

• **Drought and water scarcity**
• **Soil salinity and desertification risks**
• **Rural labor shortages**
• **Market volatility and transportation costs**

Agriculture Innovation

Nevada’s farming and ranching communities are adopting technologies like:

• Drip irrigation and precision ag sensors
• Remote livestock monitoring
• Sustainable grazing practices
• Solar-powered water pumps

Pilot projects have also explored **hydroponic greenhouses**, **vertical farming**, and **indoor agriculture**, particularly near urban centers.

---

Technology in Nevada

Nevada is rapidly emerging as a hub for logistics, clean energy manufacturing, and data infrastructure—especially in the north and along major interstates.

Key Tech Sectors

• **Advanced Manufacturing** – Includes battery production (Tesla/Panasonic Gigafactory), robotics, and aerospace components.
• **Data Centers** – Tech companies like Google and Switch have invested in massive data campuses near Reno and Las Vegas.
• **Logistics and E-commerce** – Companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Zulily have distribution hubs in Fernley and North Las Vegas.
• **Renewable Tech** – Manufacturing of solar and geothermal components is growing alongside energy demand.

Research and Innovation

• **University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)** and **Desert Research Institute (DRI)** are key players in climate tech, hydrology, and energy modeling.
• **Nevada Center for Applied Research** and **NCET (Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology)** foster innovation and public-private partnerships.

Workforce and Infrastructure

• Nevada offers **tax incentives** and **Opportunity Zones** to attract high-tech companies.
• The **Tesla Gigafactory** near Sparks helped anchor a tech corridor along I-80.
• Technical training, apprenticeships, and coding bootcamps are supported by OWINN and community colleges.

---

Intersection of Ag and Tech

• Nevada’s innovation economy is beginning to touch agriculture through:

 * **Agri-tech startups** focused on arid-land farming
 * **Data platforms** for rangeland monitoring and cattle tracking
 * **Climate modeling** to support drought planning

• UNR and private firms are exploring **ag-tech accelerators** and smart farming pilots, especially around Fallon and Washoe Valley.