The return of the official State Fair of Nevada marked a major milestone during Nevada Agricultural Heritage Month in June, bringing together communities from across the state for educational exhibits, youth competitions, live entertainment and traditions celebrating the importance of agriculture.
Director of the Nevada Department of Agriculture, J.J. Goicoechea, thanked the exhibitors, participants, partners and visitors who helped make this year’s fair a success.
One of the fair’s highlights was a competition celebrating Nevada’s official state drink, the Picon Punch.
The cocktail, rooted in Nevada’s Basque heritage, was designated the official state drink in 2025. The State Fair invited Picon Punch makers from across Nevada to put their recipes to the test before a panel of judges and more than 100 tasters.
Judges included Goicoechea; Deputy Director Doug Farris; “Piconland” writer and director Mark Maynard; Reno fashion and travel blogger Gabbi Hall, known online as @HereGoesGabbi; and Reno food blogger Sydnye Helu of @EatingReno.
Scotty Ygoa of The Star Hotel in Elko earned the title of Best Picon Punch in Nevada. Heyday Inn received the People’s Choice Award, while Ferino Distillery received the White Ribbon for its newly released canned Picon Punch.
The return of the official State Fair of Nevada marked a memorable milestone during Nevada Agricultural Heritage Month, bringing together communities from across the state to enjoy educational exhibits, youth competitions, live entertainment and traditions that highlight the importance of agriculture in Nevada.
“We are grateful to the exhibitors, participants, partners and visitors who helped make this year’s fair such a success,” Goicoechea said.
Seed program accepting proposals
The Nevada Department of Agriculture is also accepting proposals for its Contracted Seed Grow-out Program through Aug. 1.
The program is designed to expand native seed production in Nevada by providing participating growers with seed and technical support.
Producers with at least 1 acre of land and access to irrigation are encouraged to apply. The seed produced through the program may be used for habitat restoration, conservation and land management projects throughout the state.
For information or application details, call 775-399-0284 or email [email protected].
Residents asked to report Mormon crickets
Nevada residents are being encouraged to report Mormon cricket sightings to help state officials track populations and support management efforts.
Early reporting helps officials identify population trends and respond to outbreaks that could threaten agricultural operations and surrounding communities.
Sightings may be reported online at agri.nv.gov/Entomology.
Comment
Comments