Nevada’s agricultural landscape is fundamentally shaped by its arid climate, making it the driest state in the nation with an average annual rainfall of only seven inches. Farming operations are therefore highly specialized and almost entirely dependent on irrigation, concentrating production within specific, water-rich river valleys such as the Truckee, Carson, and Humboldt basins. This necessity has driven the state’s growers to focus on crops that are either extremely high-value or directly support the state’s dominant livestock industry. The nature of cultivation in Nevada is a specialized equation balancing water availability, soil health, and market demand.
High-Volume Forage Crops
The vast majority of Nevada’s cultivated acreage is dedicated to forage crops that sustain the state’s substantial livestock and ranching sector. Alfalfa hay is the single most important crop, serving as the leading cash commodity and accounting for the greatest share of agricultural water use. Approximately 285,000 acres of alfalfa were harvested in 2022, requiring vast amounts of water for consistent yields. This production is estimated to account for hundreds of billions of gallons of consumptive irrigation water annually.
This high-protein feed is critical for cattle and dairy operations. A significant portion is compressed into bales or cubes and exported overseas or sold to large dairy operations in neighboring states like California. Other grass hay varieties are also grown, including native grass hay and timothy, which typically require less water per acre than alfalfa. These hay crops are essential for providing the winter feed supply necessary to support the extensive cow-calf operations.
Commercial Food Staples
Beyond forage crops, a selection of high-value row crops are grown commercially for human consumption and sold into larger markets. Onions are a particularly important commodity, with Nevada growers primarily producing white varieties for the fresh market, though yellow and red onions are also cultivated. These crops are often stored in controlled facilities, allowing growers to ship high-quality produce through the winter months and capture favorable market prices.
Potatoes, particularly the Russett Burbank variety, have historically been a significant crop, concentrated in productive areas like Humboldt County. These tubers are often grown in a rotation cycle with small grains like wheat and barley to maintain soil health and manage disease pressure. Garlic is another specialized staple, focusing on growing disease-free seed stock supplied to larger commercial producers in California. These food staples represent a component of the state’s commercial agricultural receipts.
Specialty and Niche Agriculture
Nevada’s agricultural sector shows growing diversity through smaller-scale, high-value, and emerging crops. Industrial hemp, for example, uses significantly less water than alfalfa when utilizing drip irrigation systems. This crop is cultivated for its grain, fiber, and cannabidiol (CBD) oil, though the market has seen volatility since federal legalization.
Local Specialty Produce
Smaller farms focus on specialty produce near urban centers like Las Vegas, often using advanced techniques like high tunnels and vertical farming. These operations grow items for farmers’ markets and local food delivery services, including:
- Leafy greens
- Herbs
- Tomatoes
- Cantaloupes
- Squash
Small-scale, high-value endeavors like vineyards and orchards, including experimental plantings of almonds and pistachios, indicate a continuing push toward agricultural diversification.