Governor signs AB 333 returning State Fairgrounds to the Nevada Department of Agriculture

June to be established as Agriculture Month in Nevada with first Nevada State Fair since 2010

On Wednesday, Aug. 6, Gov. Joe Lombardo signed AB 333 of the 83^rd Legislative Session transferring the Nevada State Fairgrounds back to the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA).

“This was the work of partnership in support of Nevada agriculture,” said NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea. “From county and state lawmakers to local organizations, their support ensures that there is a place for agriculture in Nevada.”

The Nevada State Fairgrounds, also known as the Reno Sparks Livestock Events Center, was originally established and endowed to the NDA in 1867. In 1951, the property was leased to Washoe County. AB 333 requires the NDA Director to reestablish the Nevada State Fairgrounds and restores authority of the property to the NDA. This bill also requires that the facility be used in part for the promotion of Nevada agriculture and establishes a funding account for operations and improvements of the grounds.

“Long term goals include making necessary renovations to improve the safety of the facility and its ability to host a variety of events, including those for agriculture,” said Goicoechea. “This is one of the top-booked venues in northern Nevada, and we plan to keep it that way. We will continue to work with Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority to manage this property and bring in additional agriculture events, in addition to the hundreds of other incredible events already being hosted on the property.”

Goicoechea went on to say, “June will be recognized as Agriculture month in the Nevada, with the Nevada State Fairgrounds filling the month in support of Nevada agriculture and our western heritage.”

The NDA will be hosting the first Nevada State Fair since 2010 in June of 2026, leading up to the 250^th anniversary of the U.S. The Nevada State Fair will be full of educational opportunities and fun for the entire family and will conclude with the Nevada Junior Livestock Show and Sale which will be held June 10-14. This change in date and alignment with the Nevada State Fair will help increase support of Nevada’s youth in agriculture and bring more awareness to the work our students do to promote agriculture.  Agriculture Month in Nevada will continue in June with the Reno Rodeo.