Nevada ranchers face constant challenges, from unpredictable markets and rising costs to drought and emerging animal health concerns. To help producers navigate these challenges, the University of Nevada, Reno will host its annual Cattlemen’s Update, offering practical, research-based guidance on herd health, market trends and production strategies. The event will begin with a virtual session on Jan. 12 and then be held at four locations across the state Jan. 13-16.

Led by the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources and its Extension and Experiment Station units, the event is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Nevada Gold Mines and other local sponsors. University researchers, local veterinarians and experts from the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will lead discussions on key issues affecting Nevada’s cattle industry.

This year’s Cattlemen’s Update will be offered through a combination of one virtual session and several in-person sessions across the state, giving producers multiple opportunities to participate in the format that best fits their operation and schedule.

The free virtual session, held Jan. 12, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m., will feature topics not covered during the in-person sessions. The online forum will address wildfire preparedness, emerging animal diseases, updates to Nevada’s Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, and changes resulting from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent reorganization. Participants can view the full agenda and register online.

In-person sessions will be held at four locations, Jan. 13–16. Topics will include the potential reemergence of the New World screwworm, grazing management for soil and ecosystem health, biosecurity planning, genetic tools to improve herd performance, and an outlook on Nevada’s cattle market, including heifer retention decisions. On-site registration will be available at all locations. A requested $20 donation per ranch, per location, will be directed to the University of Nevada, Reno Foundation. Lunch or dinner will be provided at in-person sessions.

Paul Meiman, Extension rangeland and wildlife state specialist and associate professor in the College’s Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences, will serve as master of ceremonies. Speakers include Luis Schütz, animal scientist and assistant professor in the same department; Tracy Shane, Extension livestock specialist; Peter Rolfe, state veterinarian; and Shannon Neibergs, Washington State University livestock economist. Local veterinarians will also address key cattle health concerns in Nevada.

This year’s keynote speaker is Tipton D. Hudson, a professor with Washington State University Extension. Hudson is the creator of the Stocksmart app, a grazing aid that provides users with near-real-time data on vegetation conditions, and host of the “Art of the Range” podcast, which discusses rangeland management issues. His presentation is titled, “Place-based intelligence trumps artificial intelligence in ecologically driven grazing enterprises.”

New this year

The 2026 Cattlemen’s Update will introduce two special in-person sessions prior to the main events Jan. 13-16, designed to help producers prepare for wildfire and to give youth practical tools for success in animal care.

2026 Fire Outlook & Rancher Liaison Program

Ranchers will have the opportunity to learn strategies for wildfire preparedness, response and post-fire recovery to protect their operations. Organized and coordinated by Extension’s Living With Fire Program, along with state fire personnel and agency partners, this session will also cover the Rancher Liaison Program and other resources to strengthen wildfire resilience. A 30-minute networking session will follow.

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Program

This year’s event will also feature a free, 60-minute training for youth ages 8–21 who are members of the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Program, an educational program that promotes animal stewardship, character development and food safety. The training will include hands-on activities to teach animal husbandry practices and build confidence in caring for livestock.

2026 Cattlemen’s Update Schedule

Jan. 12 – 9:30 a.m. – Virtual session
Virtual session (Zoom). Free to attend. Agenda and registration available online.

In-person sessions: (On-site registration available)

Jan. 13 – Fallon: Fallon Convention Center, 100 Campus Way
3:30 p.m. Special sessions: Youth for the Quality Care of Animals and fire panel
5:30 p.m. Main Cattlemen’s Update session (dinner provided)

Jan. 14 – Ely: Bristle Cone Convention Center, 150 W. Sixth St.
3:30 p.m. Special sessions: Youth for the Quality Care of Animals and fire panel
5:30 p.m. Main Cattlemen’s Update session (dinner provided)

Jan. 15 – Elko: Great Basin College Theater, 1500 College Parkway
10:30 a.m. Special sessions: Youth for the Quality Care of Animals and fire panel (lunch provided)
12:30 p.m. Main Cattlemen’s Update session (dinner provided)

Jan. 16 – Winnemucca: Extension Humboldt County Office, 1085 Fairgrounds Road
9 a.m. Special sessions: Youth for the Quality Care of Animals and fire panel
11 a.m. Main Cattlemen’s Update session (lunch provided)

For more information about the Cattlemen’s Update, email Kaley Chapin or call her at 702-467-2668, or email Staci Emm or call her at 775-312-0424.

For details on the Fire Outlook & Rancher Liaison Program, email Megan Kay or call her at 775-336-0231.

For information on Youth for the Quality Care of Animals, email Lindsay Chichester or call her at 775-784-4779.

Persons in need of special accommodations should email Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, or call him at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the event.