Carson City Rotarians to discuss Nevada's Dairy Farming and Agricultural Operations Tuesday
Agriculture plays an important role in Nevada’s economy and dairy farms are an important segment of that industry.
Members of the Rotary Club of Carson City will learn about dairy farming in the Silver State at its next meeting on Tuesday, November 2nd at noon in the Brewery Arts Center’s Grand Ballroom.
The meeting begins at noon with an optional lunch.
Dairy farmer Chad Turner, who owns Desert Hills Dairy in Yerington, will talk to members about the growth of his own business as well as the industry in general. Turner started his farm in 1999 with 300 cows, he now owns or operates several businesses within the dairy realm, including a milk production business, trucking business, beef business and farming enterprises.
Turner says it hasn’t been easy “Since I started in the dairy business almost 25 years ago, I have seen many dairies go out of business and we are the last Dairy remaining in Mason Valley. That just shows how difficult it is to remain competitive and survive all of the challenges we face today.”
He will also talk about the importance of the environmental sustainability of the dairy business in Nevada.
“We are the most arid state in the nation which poses issues with drought and extreme conditions that can limit water for growing feed,” adding “We have increased our land base and access to water as well as partnerships with other farmers to ensure long-term feed availability for our dairy farm.”
Gary’s daughter, Grace, will join him at the presentation. She will talk about what it’s like growing up in a dairy family, what she sees as the future of the business, and her academic project involving animal genetics.
Anyone interested in attending the meeting should contact the club at carsoncitynvrotary.org. To learn more about the Rotary Club of Carson City visit www.carsonrotary.org.