Joe Lombardo, Governor of Nevada, announced the return of the Nevada State Fairgrounds to the Department of Agriculture, emphasizing its potential to support agriculture, youth programs, and tradition. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
“I signed AB 333, sponsored by Angie Taylor and Ken Gray, returning the Nevada State Fairgrounds to the Nevada Department of Agriculture under the leadership of Director J.J. Goicoechea,” said Lombardo. “Home to the iconic Reno Rodeo, the site is back where it belongs, supporting ag, youth, and tradition.”
Nevada Assembly Bill 333, signed into law on May 30, 2025, facilitates this transfer by placing management of the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center—historically known as the Nevada State Fairgrounds—under the Department of Agriculture. The bill also mandates the return of the Nevada State Fair in June 2026. According to Carson Now, it establishes a fund dedicated to operations and agricultural promotion.
The Reno Rodeo is a significant event for the region, attracting approximately 140,000 attendees each year and contributing an estimated $40–50 million to the local economy. KOLO TV reports that this event significantly boosts lodging, dining, and retail sales in the area.
The Clark County 4-H program in Nevada engaged 11,867 youth during the 2021–22 period through various initiatives such as leadership development, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and livestock programs. As reported by the University of Nevada Extension, these initiatives are instrumental in fostering skill development and community involvement among young participants.
Lombardo has been serving as Nevada’s governor since 2023. According to AP News and Wikipedia, he is a Republican who previously served as Clark County Sheriff. His administration focuses on priorities such as crime reduction, education funding enhancement, and school choice expansion.
