SPARKS, Nev. -
July 02, 2025The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) announced the retirement of State Entomologist Jeff Knight, effective July 4, 2025, following an extraordinary 40-year career dedicated to safeguarding Nevada's agricultural and natural ecosystems.
"Insects have fascinated me since I was a kid, so this career has truly fulfilled a dream," said Knight. "This career has taken me to remote areas of Nevada to study and discover insects I may not have gotten to see otherwise. The last 40 years have been rewarding, but it's not the end. If you see a guy pulled over on the side of a dirt road with a bug net, it may very well be me."
Knight's lifelong passion for entomology began in childhood, fostered through his involvement in 4-H programs. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Pest Management from the University of Nevada, Reno, and furthered his expertise with a Master of Science in Entomology from Utah State University. He began his tenure with the NDA as an entomology seasonal in 1976.
In 1993, Knight was promoted to State Entomologist, a role in which he became a tireless advocate for environmental stewardship and a pivotal figure in protecting Nevada's agricultural interests. His extensive work included safeguarding the state's economy and food security from invasive species and agricultural pests. He played a crucial role in the development and curation of the State of Nevada Entomology Collection, cataloging new species discovered within the state and significantly expanding formal state records for various species. Jeff Knight's contributions extended to identifying countless samples from the public and the agriculture community, offering invaluable insights and management recommendations that have bolstered the state's sustainable practices and protected its valuable ecosystems.
"Jeff has been a truly invaluable member of the NDA for four decades," said NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea. "His dedication to protecting Nevada's agriculture and educating the public on sustainable practices is unparalleled. We thank him for the immense amount of work he has dedicated to Nevada over the last 40 years. No one knows more about the pests, people and politics of Nevada than Jeff."
"Jeff has been a vital member of the NDA team," said Meghan Brown, Administrator for the Division of Plant Health and Compliance. "His depth of knowledge and unwavering commitment to the state have shaped countless initiatives and inspired everyone around him. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to guide our efforts for years to come."
"Working alongside Jeff has been an absolute privilege," added Ray Saliga, Deputy Administrator of the NDA Division of Plant Health and Compliance. "We wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement."
The NDA extends its deepest gratitude to Jeff Knight for his exceptional service and profound impact on the state. He leaves behind a legacy of commitment, expertise and a healthier Nevada ecosystem.
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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