NDA Director Goicoechea honored as UNR Distinguished Alumnus

Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director J.J. Goicoechea, DVM, was honored as a 2023 College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources (CABNR) Distinguished Alumnus by the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), during their 150-year anniversary homecoming game, in recognition of his significant contributions and dedication to Nevada’s agriculture industries and communities.

“It’s a great honor to receive this recognition from my alma mater,” said Director Goicoechea. “As a fourth-generation rancher, this recognition is even more special as UNR celebrates 150 years serving and educating Nevadans.”

Director Goicoechea did his undergraduate studies at UNR and received a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. He was appointed to lead the NDA in January 2023, following roles served as NDA State Veterinarian and Eureka County Commissioner. With deep roots in agriculture and veterinary practice, he and his wife now manage a fifth-generation family cattle ranch in eastern Nevada.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to grow up in this community and the success and support of our agriculture industries is incredibly important to me,” Director Goicoechea said.

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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