It Was Nevada

About the Book

It Was Nevada is a hard hitting book following the adventures of Terry Hope from his earliest days, to his ultimate goal of working on a Nevada cattle ranch. Yet, fate has strange ways and Hope soon finds himself at the University of Nevada pursuing a master’s degree in agriculture and just as suddenly he finds himself on the staff as an assistant professor. Hope soon realizes that Nevada agriculture is in jeopardy. Dirty politics, federal intervention and a host of other questionable factors are at work. He and his close Basque friend, Peio “Pete” Echegoyen gradually grow into strong positions at the University. Together, they set out to do their utmost to protect Nevada agriculture. Hope convinces the dean of agriculture that the university must seek out and obtain a working cattle ranch. It’s now or never! The Nevada’s livestock industry is under siege. The goal is obtained, but ultimately at a terrible cost to not only Hope, but Nevada agriculture as well. It Was Nevada sets the stage for what was historically the state’s number one industry; it follows the industry’s struggle to survive as Nevada changes from the most rural state in the union to the most urban. The reader also has a chance to peek at some of Nevada’s more sinful sides. It’s a wild ride through the pages of Nevada history, some true, some fictional – it’s up to you to decide.

About the Author

Dr. Lesperance holds the title of professor emeritus of Animal and Range Science, University of Nevada, Reno. During his twenty-five-year career at the university, he taught numerous undergraduate and graduate courses, published approximately 160 scientific publications, and served on countless committees, not only at Nevada but nationally as well. He directed over thirty successful graduate students. He developed and became superintendent of the Gund Research and Demonstration Ranch located in central Nevada. Lesperance has also served as adjunct professor, University of California, Davis, and visiting professor, Oregon State University, Corvallis. Since leaving the university, Lesperance and his wife have owned and operated a successful business in Elko, Nevada, dealing in agriculture and mining. He has served as a county commissioner for Elko County, Nevada, and served for three years as director, Nevada Department of Agriculture. Lesperance and his wife currently own and operate a small ranch in Paradise Valley, Nevada. Both he and his wife, Nancy, will be celebrating their eightieth birthday in 2015.