In any state department there are a range of tasks and issues. Ashley Jeppson is taking a new role at the Nevada Department of Agriculture that may cover more topics than most.

Jeppson is the new administrator of the Plant Industry Division for NDA, and a visit to the website shows the scope of her new position.

Jeppson, who has been working in the division since 2010, worked in a lot of areas for the diverse group. Her work has included overseeing such projects as the Industrial Hemp Program and the Produce Safety Education and Enforcement Program. Both are hot topics in the state. Hemp, which is a crop getting plenty of attention in agriculture, brings a range of opportunities and challenges. Produce safety has been important in recent years, especially with passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act by Congress in 2011.

Prior to joining NDA, Jeppson worked for Washoe County Parks and Renown Regional Medical Center.

NEW BOSS: Ashley Jeppson has served in NDA’s Plant Industry division since 2010. She was recently named administrator of the division. (Photo: Nevada Department of Agriculture)

In announcing the new position, Jennifer Ott, NDA director, noted that “Ashley’s many years of experience in the agency are an invaluable asset. I am looking forward to working with her to lead the Plant Industry team.”

The division’s list of responsibilities range from the certified weed-free forage program to administering specialty crop block grants. In one area where Jeppson has worked— hemp research and industrialization — the program has moved quickly, as opportunities arose with passage of the most recent farm bill. The division’s hemp page offers producers a wide range of resources for taking on production of this newly approved crop.

Jeppson received a bachelor’s degree in rangeland management and animal science from the University of Nevada, Reno’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources.

She also has served on the planning committee for the Nevada Farms Conference since 2011. This conference, held early in the year, offers tours, in-depth workshop programs and a diverse speaker list. The event covers all aspects of Nevada agriculture.

Source: Nevada Department of Agriculture. The source is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.