agriculture

This is a close-up image of a chili pepper fossil on a light brown stone that was identified in the CU Boulder Museum of Natural History.

Chili peppers’ evolutionary origins have Colorado flavor, new study shows

Kaleb Roedel

Chili peppers are an important ingredient for many foods. Now, a new study shows that they have been around for much longer than we thought, with origins in parts of the Mountain West.

A farmer standing in front of a herd of cows at a feedlot operation that she manages. In the background are snow-capped mountains and a partly cloudy blue sky.

Business and Economy

‘It’s going to cost us a pile’: Livestock producers in Mountain West in grip of winter’s weather

Kaleb Roedel

Livestock producers in the Mountain West have been hit hard by this winter’s weather. That’s why Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah have asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture for relief.

This is an of cows meandering across a snow-covered rangeland. Mountain ranges can be seen in the background and the sky is cloudy.

Business and Economy

Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah ask USDA to help livestock industry hit hard by winter weather

Kaleb Roedel

Agriculture departments from several states in the Mountain West are asking the federal government to consider relief programs for livestock producers hit hard by the weather this winter.

Kathryn Lukas stands against a blue backdrop and looks off-camera towards an audience while speaking at a Ted Talk in 2018.

Local Stories

KUNR Today: Fire weather watch for much of Northern California, TedxReno event returns Saturday

Kevin McCray

Read or listen to the news headlines for Thursday, May 19, 2022.

Federal court strikes down EPA permits for Idaho factory farms

Madelyn Beck

The judges found EPA permits in Idaho factory farms didn’t require enough monitoring of waste, and could lead to manure in waterways.

A close up of a man getting a shot in his right arm by a woman in blue scrubs. The image is taken on the other side of plexiglass, so there is a slight reflection.

KUNR Today: Large, Indoor Events Can Require COVID-19 Vaccine, Laxalt Files For U.S. Senate Run

Lucia Starbuck

Here are the local morning news headlines for Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021.COVID-19 Cases Ticking Down, But Metrics Still High In NevadaBy Lucia…

An image of Laughing Planet Cafe in Reno

KUNR Today: State Approves Washoe County Reopening Plan, Carson High To Host In-Person Graduation

Stephanie Serrano

Here are your local news headlines for the morning of Tuesday, May 4, 2021.Nevada Approves Washoe County’s Revised COVID-19 Reopening PlanBy Lucia…

Sheep walk over hill covered in weeds, dirt and rocks. In the center is a lamb with a twig hanging out of its mouth.

Local Stories

Sheep Hit The Hills In Carson City To Eat Cheatgrass Ahead Of Fire Season

Lucia Starbuck

The weather is getting warmer and fire season is right around the corner. To help cut down on potential wildfire risks, Carson City is looking for a…

A field of sugar beets ready for harvesting

Business and Economy

Pandemic Puts Sugar Beet Farmers In A Pinch

Beau Baker

The sugar beet harvest is underway across the Mountain West.It’s a big industry that depends on accurate weather forecasts and a reliable workforce – both…

A U.S. map with drought monitor readings from October 6, 2020. The map displays extreme and exceptional drought throughout the west, with the most notable readings in Utah, Nevada and New Mexico.

Energy and Environment

Much Of Mountain West In Drought, Conditions Will Persist, U.S. Monitor Reports

Beau Baker

A few weeks ago, rancher Noah Brooks said what was troubling him most was the weather.“The fact that it didn’t rain, June, July, August but maybe three…