At 4,380 feet above sea level the area is typical of basin and range topography lush farmland surrounded by high desert terrain.
Main crops are alfalfa, onion, garlic, grains and potatoes.
Livestock production includes beef, sheep, dairy operations, and llama breeding. Temperatures are moderate and the county averages more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Temperature averages in January are 46 degrees with July averages at 92 degrees. Lyon County population is about 35,000. The incorporated city of Yerington has been the county seat since 1911.