Blue Lizard Farm named 2023 Nevada Agriculture, Food and Beverage Small Business of the Year

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), alongside Governor Lombardo and in partnership with Made in Nevada, presented the 2023 Nevada Agriculture, Food and Beverage Small Business of the Year Award to Blue Lizard Farm from Caliente, Nev.

“Blue Lizard exemplifies excellence in Nevada agriculture,” said NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea. “Their dedication to providing fruits and vegetables to the community, coupled with their impactful participation in the Home Feeds Nevada program truly makes them deserving of this award.”

The award recognizes the extraordinary work done by agriculture, food and beverage small businesses in Nevada, a $142 million industry. Blue Lizard Farm received multiple nominations, including one describing them as a “small business with a big heart,” and another highlighted their service to Lincoln County, offering fresh produce to the community.

Blue Lizard Farm was one of the first participants in the Home Feeds Nevada program, through which the NDA purchases food from Nevada producers to be distributed to food insecure populations through local food banks. In 2023, Blue Lizard Farm provided nearly 20,000 pounds of fresh, seasonal vegetables to fellow Nevadans in need through this program.

“If Home Feeds Nevada did not exist, we probably would be out of business,” said Rodney Mehring, owner of Blue Lizard Farm. “It provides a consistent market and bolsters our farm, allowing us to provide jobs in our community. The most important part, which is my favorite part, is that it allows me to provide fresh, healthy vegetables to people in need. I am very proud to be a part of that program, and I am grateful to have received this award today.”

The award was presented to Blue Lizard Farm by Governor Lombardo and NDA Deputy Director Farris, with additional certificates presented by Lieutenant Governor Anthony, Secretary of State Aguilar, Assemblyman Watts, and University of Nevada, Reno, Extension Educator Staci Emm.

Photos and videos from the award are available here.

About the Nevada Department of Agriculture

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and promote Nevada’s agriculture. The department has 225 dedicated employees providing services in its five divisions, Administrative Services, Animal Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Health and Compliance. The department’s $288 million budget facilitates regulatory and administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries, protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of Agriculture’s school and community nutrition programs.

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