Tuned in to the Land (California Rangeland Trust)

Since its founding in 1917, the California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has been dedicated to representing California’s ranchers and beef producers in legislative and regulatory affairs. For over a century, CCA has worked tirelessly to advocate for the interests of California ranchers at the state capital, providing them with the education and resources necessary to sustain ranching in the Golden State.

We are proud to be a partner of CCA as they continue to champion the causes of California’s ranchers. In this episode, host and CEO, Michael Delbar, is joined by CCA President Steve Arnold, First Vice President Rick Roberti, and Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur to discuss the pressing issues facing the ranching industry as the legislative session draws to a close.

To learn more about the work that we do, visit https://rangelandtrust.org/

In our first Bonus episode, we are joined by Chad Ellis, CEO of the Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT).

Michael and Chad sat down during the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts' (PORT) annual meeting in Denver, CO.

Together, the duo talk ecosystem services research and opportunities for subsequent ecosystem services markets.

Today is National Ag Day where we get to celebrate the land, its bounty, and those who steward it. And on top of that, it’s also Women’s History Month. How befitting is it that National Ag Day converges with this month-long celebration of women’s achievement, especially given the multitude of hats, leadership roles, and essential responsibilities women have held for generations in family farming and ranching operations?

In this episode of Tuned in to the Land, Michael sits down with Katie Isaacson Hames, of the conserved El Chorro Ranch, and Elizabeth Poett Campbell, of Rancho San Julian and star of Ranch to Table on the Magnolia Network. After growing up as neighbors on multi-generational family ranching operations along the Central Coast of California, Katie and Elizabeth each moved away before being called back "home". Now, these remarkable women are making their own lives and raising families on the same land in which they were raised. Tune in to learn more about their own unique journeys and how they've been able to innovate and diversify to keep their operations viable and thriving in the 21st century.

The Califronia Rangeland Trust is excited to bring you our monthly podcast! Tune in each month to learn more about what we do at the Rangeland Trust to protect and conserve California's rangeland for generations to come. 

Yolo Land and Cattle Co. is a multi-generational ranch, owned and operated by the Stone family. Nestled in the hills of Yolo County, their ranch is a familiar sight for travelers along I-505 and I-5. For five generations, the Stones have worked tirelessly to sustain this landscape, ensuring its health as a working ranch and vibrant business.

California Rangeland Trust's CEO, Michael Delbar, joined two of the individuals at the helm of this operation, Scott and Karen Stone. Scott and Karen, alongside their family, have continually adapted their practices, embracing innovation to keep their operations viable and resilient. In 2005, they conserved their 7,500-acre property with the California Rangeland Trust, becoming champions for conservation. 

In this episode, we dig into the Stones' operations at Yolo Land and Cattle Co., their decision to conserve, and their vision for future generations who will care for the land.

Sacramento, California, home to the State Capitol, also holds the title of "Farm-to-Fork Capital of the World". Surrounded by fertile farm and ranch land, the city has become a hub for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable food practices. This movement celebrates Sacramento’s agricultural roots and its commitment to bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.

In this episode, host and CEO Michael Delbar is joined by Patrick and Bobbin Mulvaney, the dynamic duo behind Mulvaney’s B&L in Downtown Sacramento. Their restaurant is a symbol of the city’s food revolution, offering farm-to-table dishes that showcase the region’s bounty. Passionate about food education and local food systems, the Mulvaneys are dedicated to fostering stronger connections between those who grow our food and those who enjoy it.

Together, Michael, Patrick, and Bobbin discuss the origins of the Farm-to-Fork movement in Sacramento, its impact on the community, and the importance of knowing where our food comes from to build sustainability, resilience, and deeper connections between consumers and the land.

Whether you are from a ranching background or spent your entire life in the city, rangeland plays a vital role in each of our lives. On this episode, host and CEO, Michael Delbar, is joined by longtime Rangeland Trust supporter and current Board Member, Bruce Hart.

Bruce grew up in San Francisco but has always had a passion and affinity for open spaces. Listen as Bruce shares his road to connecting with the Rangeland Trust, his philosophy on the power of rangelands to bridge urban and rural interests, and his “why” for helping conserve the Golden State’s rangelands.

Want to get involved with the Rangeland Trust? Visit our website to learn more. 

In 2020, the Bear Fire ravaged part of the Plumas National Forest, which the Daley family has grazed cattle on since the late 1800s. Sadly, most of the Daley’s cattle herd was lost in the fire. The event and horrific days that followed prompted Dr. Dave Daley, past California Cattlemen's Association President, to keep a journal detailing his heart-wrenching experience. Shortly after, he shared his account on social media. His story went viral and helped change hearts and minds across the country and around the world.

Over the past two years since the Bear Fire, Dave has been an active advocate for public policy change in pre- and post-fire management.

Listen as Dave sits down with Michael to discuss recent policy wins, opportunities for greater change as it relates to livestock grazing as a tool to help mitigate catastrophic wildfires, and ways that people can support these efforts.

Learn more about the California Rangeland Trust here.

Farmers and ranchers are the unsung heroes of our society. Day in and day out, they work tirelessly to ensure that we have food on our tables and clothes on our backs. Despite their crucial role, they often face significant challenges, from stringent regulations to unwarranted criticism, making it increasingly difficult to sustain farming and ranching in California.

Over a century ago, these challenges spurred farmers and ranchers to unite. Realizing that collaboration was key to addressing and tackling these concerns the Farm Bureau was created as a grassroots organization dedicated to advocating for the agricultural community and educating the public on its importance.

Today, the Farm Bureau operates nationwide, with each state boasting its own branch and county offices to support farmers and ranchers at the local level. This network plays a crucial role in ensuring that our agriculturalists can continue their essential work.

In our latest episode, CEO and host, Michael Delbar sits down with Shannon Douglass, the new President of the California Farm Bureau. From regulatory hurdles to economic pressures, the duo discusses how these challenges impact the industry and what can be done to support the agricultural community. Shannon also shares her insights on the Farm Bureau’s efforts and the importance of collective action in building a stronger future for agriculture.

Conservation easements are what we do at the Rangeland Trust, but what exactly is a conservation easement?

In this episode, Michael Delbar is joined by Rangeland Trust Conservation Director, Jackie Flatt, as they explore what conservation easements are, what they are not, and some of the most common reasons why ranchers may be inspired to permanently protect their working lands.

If you are interested in pursuing an easement, visit our website: https://rangelandtrust.org/. 

In honor of Wildfire Awareness Month, Michael Delbar sits down with targeted grazing expert Dan Macon. Dan serves as the University of California Cooperative Extension Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor for Placer, Nevada, Sutter, and Yuba Counties. He also owns and operates the Flying Mule Sheep Company out of Auburn, CA.

California has been plagued by catastrophic wildfires in recent years, and it’s more important than ever that we look for ways to prevent these types of disasters that wreak havoc on our communities. In this episode, the duo talks about how our four-legged friends — sheep, goats, and cattle — can help reduce fire fuel loads and prevent wildfires. It is important that we talk about prevention now to prepare for the upcoming fire season.

Listen along with us and plan for, prepare for, and prevent wildfires this season!

What does "sustainability" mean, and why does it matter for the future of the beef industry?

In this episode of Tuned in to the Land, Michael sits down with Dr. Samantha Werth, Executive Director for the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and Senior Director of Sustainability for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, to discuss what sustainability means, how the beef industry is achieving environmental, economic, and social sustainability, and the U.S. Roundtable's work to advance sustainability throughout the the beef value chain.

Two decades ago, agriculture faced mounting challenges as industrialization and urbanization threatened the nation's vast and unique private farmlands, rangelands, and grasslands. In response, six land trusts with ties to their state livestock trade associations formed the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts (PORT) in 2004 to safeguard working lands. Today, PORT has expanded to include nine member organizations working in 12 states. Collectively, these member organizations have helped more than 2,000 families voluntarily conserve more than three million acres of vibrant working lands.

The California Rangeland Trust is a proud member of PORT, and in honor of PORT's 20th anniversary celebration, we’re excited to bring you a special BONUS episode of Tuned In to the Land. In this episode, CEO & host, Michael Delbar, is joined by Erik Glenn, PORT President and executive director of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust; Jessica Crowder, executive director of the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust; and Chad Ellis, executive director of the Texas Agricultural Land Trust. Together, we’ll reflect on PORT’s impact and share insights on the ongoing efforts to keep working lands in working hands.

To learn more about the work that PORT does, visit its website.

The California Rangeland Trust commissioned scientists from UC Berkeley to explore the value of ecosystem services provided by 56 conserved ranches and to calculate the return on our environmental investment.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Lynn Huntsinger to discuss the findings from the Ecosystem Services Research. Dr. Huntsinger is the Russell Rustici Chair, a Professor of Rangeland Ecology and Management at Berkeley’s College of Natural Resources, and one of the lead scientists of the Ecosystem Services Research. She is a champion of rangeland conservation and was recently featured in the Rangeland Trust's new short film, "From the Ground Up: Healing Our Planet, Healing Ourselves."

Learn more at: https://rangelandtrust.org/

2022 has been a big year for the Rangeland Trust, but 2023 promises to be even bigger! In this episode, Michael Delbar, CEO of the Rangeland Trust, recaps the exciting things we have been up to over the last 12 months and previews what’s to come in 2023, as we celebrate the Rangeland Trust’s 25th anniversary!

As we conclude this first season of Tuned into the Land, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our listeners, friends, and supporters. We look forward to bringing you Season 2 beginning on January 17th!

Between costly regulatory compliance, burdensome taxes, fluctuating markets, weather extremes, negative public perception, and squeezed profit margins, ranchers face challenges that often make it tough to stay in business. In the last episode of "Tuned into the Land", we sat down with Senator Melissa Hurtado, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, to discuss issues facing California Agriculture. This time around, we thought it would be fitting to share the perspective of one of our ranching partners.

In this episode, Michael Delbar, Rangeland Trust CEO and host sits down with Kevin Kester, former President of the California Cattlemen's Association, former President of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and a valued Rangeland Trust landowner partner. After receiving a hefty bill from the IRS following the death of a family member that threatened the future of their operation, the Kester family was able to pay off their debt and avoid selling off their ranch through the sale of a conservation easement on their Monterey County ranch. Since then, Kevin has served as an effective spokesperson for the ranching industry by sharing his story with policymakers at both the state and federal levels.

In this episode, Kevin shares with us his experiences as a fifth-generation rancher and advocate of the beef industry. Kevin knows the power that ranchers' voices can have, and today we want to share his.

On this month's episode of Tuned In to the Land, Rangeland Trust CEO Michael Delbar sits down with Erik Glenn, Executive Director of the Colorado Cattleman's Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) and President of the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts (PORT).

The Rangeland Trust is a member of PORT—an alliance of 9 agricultural-focused, statewide land trusts dedicated to conserving America’s working landscapes. Together, PORT’s members effectively advocate for agricultural conservation programs and policies on the national level.

Tune in as Michael and Erik review success stories from PORT’s policy advocacy work on the 2018 Farm Bill, as well as discuss key priorities as PORT begins its advocacy work on the 2023 Farm Bill.

To learn more about both PORT and the Rangeland Trust visit here: 

https://rangelandtrusts.org/

https://rangelandtrust.org/

The new year brings new leadership. On this episode, we are thrilled to introduce our newly elected Rangeland Trust Board Chair, Carolyn Carey.

Carolyn ranches in the small town of Alturas in Northern California’s Modoc County. She has been on the Rangeland Trust board for nearly 10 years, bringing insight and ideas that have helped propel the organization into what it is today.

Together, Michael and Carolyn discuss her experiences in the ranching industry, her multi-faceted involvement in other organizations, and her goals for the Rangeland Trust over her two-year term.

Join us for a special episode as we gear up to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd! While this annual event highlights the importance of environmental protection, for ranchers across the Golden State and beyond, every single day is Earth Day. Through their unwavering commitment and stewardship of the land, our ranching partners play a pivotal role in sequestering carbon, purifying our air, supplying fresh water, offering a sustainable food source, and preserving habitats for wildlife to flourish. Their dedication ensures a thriving legacy for generations to come.

In this episode, our CEO and host, Michael Delbar, sits down with one of our ranching partners, Daniel Sinton. Daniel is a fifth-generation rancher overseeing the operations of both the Canyon Ranch and the conserved Avenales Ranch in San Luis Obispo County. Together, they speak about how Daniel's generational knowledge, paired with his innovative approach, empowers him and his family to implement cutting-edge management practices. These practices not only enhance the land but also set a benchmark for future land managers and Californian residents alike, leaving a lasting positive impact on our environment and communities.

Without our funding partners, the Rangeland Trust would not be able to conserve working landscapes across California and keep ranchers on the land. While we rely on private donations and foundation grants to make conservation possible, we also seek grants from state and federal agencies as a major source of funding for conservation easements.

One of our valued government agency partners is the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In fact throughout our organization's 25-year history, 17 ranches have been conserved by the Rangeland Trust with funding from NRCS.

Today host and CEO, Michael Delbar, is joined by Carlos Suarez, the California State Conservationist at NRCS. Tune in as Carlos sheds light on the the importance of agricultural land conservation, the various NRCS programs offered to help farmers and ranchers protect the land and natural resources, and the funding demand for NRCS programs in California.

To learn more about the NRCS and its programs, visit their website.

For this episode, Michael traveled to the Sardella Ranch in Sonora, CA to chat with Michael and Julie Sardella. While there, he was able to witness and learn more about the annual prescribed burn program that takes place on the ranch in partnership with CAL FIRE (listen to Episode 2.5 where we talk with CAL FIRE about a few of their programs).

During their conversation, Michael and Julie Sardella discuss their journey on the ranch, their commitment to conservation, their longstanding partnership with CAL FIRE, and the significance of preserving working lands in California. The Sardellas have always been passionate about conservation and have dedicated their lives toward ensuring that the ranch remains sustainable for generations to come.

Cowboy poetry began during the long cattle drives of the 19th century when cowboys herded cattle for months, traveling hundreds of miles on the job, and swapping stories.

Today, cowboy poetry is still going strong thanks to many talented individuals who share their experiences ranching and keep this unique version of storytelling alive for all of us to enjoy.

In this episode, Michael is joined by one of these talented individuals, Andy Hedges. Andy is a songster, reciter, storyteller, guitarist, and collector of cowboy songs and poems, and is one of the headliners for the Cowpoke Fall Gathering. Andy shares with us his road to being a cowboy poet and how sharing these songs and poems relates to the work we do at the California Rangeland Trust.

To get tickets to the Cowpoke Fall Gathering visit: http://cowpokefallgathering.com/index.php/tickets/buy-tickets/

With the World Butcher's Challenge coming to Sacramento on September 2nd and 3rd, this episode of Tuned In to the Land features a very special guest. Rangeland Trust CEO Michael Delbar is joined by Danny Johnson, owner of Taylor's Market in Sacramento and team captain of Butchers of America, the team representing the United States in the World Butchers' Challenge.

Listen to Michael and Danny cut it up as they talk about everything from the upcoming World Butcher's Challenge to selecting a quality steak to why rangeland conservation matters for the future of the meat industry.

Learn more about the Rangeland Trust here: https://rangelandtrust.org/.

Happy National Agriculture Day! Today, we celebrate the indispensable role of agriculture in our lives, with a special appreciation for the dedication of ranching and farming families who steward our working lands.

Well managed grazing plays a vital role that benefits both livestock and wildlife alike. Through collaborative efforts involving scientists, ranchers, and other conservation and agricultural organizations like ours, we're actively working to highlight the positive impacts of responsible grazing practices on the environment.

On this episode, host and CEO, Michael Delbar sits down with Matt Allhouse, Senior Manager for Conservation Ranching at California's Audubon Society to talk about the organization's Conservation Ranching Program. This innovative program acknowledges and certifies ranches that demonstrate a commitment to both livestock health and the preservation of healthy rangelands and grasslands to support diverse bird populations. Together, Matt and Michael explore how responsible grazing practices positively contribute to health of the land, wildlife habitat, and the broader ranching communities.

The roots of the California Rangeland Trust run deep. In this inaugural episode, Michael welcomes Rangeland Trust Board Chair, Andy Mills, who also served as one of the Trust's very first employees back in 1998. Listen as Michael and Andy dive deep into the history of the Trust and talk about their vision for the future of the organization.

To learn more about you can get involved in the Rangeland Trust's mission, visit our website: https://rangelandtrust.org/

On this month's episode of Tuned In to the Land, Rangeland Trust CEO Michael Delbar visits Bruce Rominger, co-owner of Rominger Brothers Farms in Yolo County, CA. Seated under an old oak tree on the Rominger Ranch, Michael and Bruce discuss the Romingers' commitment to environmental sustainability, which is demonstrated through their farmland and rangeland management practices. In 2018 and 2019, Bruce and his brother, Rick, partnered with the Rangeland Trust to conserve over 2,300 acres of rangeland. Read more about the Romingers by visiting our blog.

"Gate-getting" is like a right of passage in the ranching industry. Whether you were sitting in the passenger seat because you were the youngest in the vehicle or you drew the short straw for the day, we've all been there at one point or another. But, gate-getting doesn't stop after the gate is latched.

Beyond the literal meaning of opening the gate to get you where you need to go, it can also mean opening up opportunities for others. In this episode of Tuned in to the Land, Michael Delbar explores the concept of gate-getting with Markie Hageman-Jones, beef advocate and creator behind the Girls Eat Beef Too social media pages. Together, Michael and Markie discuss Markie's coined idea of "Gate-Getting vs. Gatekeeping," and how important it is in the agricultural industry to create opportunities for newcomers. Markie also goes over her experience working in content creation for the last six years and shares her insights on how to be a successful agricultural advocate.

The   California Rangeland Trust is 25 years old, and to celebrate this momentous occasion, we brought back our good friend Andy Mills. Not only is Andy   Chairman of the Rangeland Trust Board of Directors, he was also the Trust's very first staff member.

In this premiere episode of Season 2 of Tuned in to the Land, host and CEO, Michael Delbar, sits down with Andy as he reflects on his 25-year journey with the organization and the two of them discuss the exciting events and projects coming down the pike this year and beyond. Tune in to learn more about the Rangeland Trust's history and to find out how you can join in the   25-year celebration.

Our landowner partners represent the heart and soul of the Rangeland Trust. Because of their admirable decisions to conserve their ranches, California will always have places available for local food to be grown, air to be cleansed, freshwater to flow, wildlife to roam, and spectacular viewsheds to be admired.

In this episode, Michael is joined by landowner partner, Alisha Taff. Alisha is the owner of the Rock Front Ranch in the Cuyama Valley in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Conserved in 2020, the 300-acre Rock Front Ranch marked the first time in Rangeland Trust history that conservation was funded entirely by contributions from the community.

Tune in to hear Alisha talk about current happenings on the ranch, her work in regenerative agriculture, and what it means to her to see her beloved ranch forever protected thanks to the more than 200 donors that rallied behind her to achieve conservation.

At the Rangeland Trust, we are committed to safeguarding the future of the ranching industry and those who work on the land every day. Our friends at the Moulton Museum are committed to preserving the ranching heritage of the pastby sharing stories and artifacts of days gone by. 

In this episode, Michael is joined by Jared Mathis, President of the Moulton Museum located in Orange County, a valued organization that shares our passion for honoring California's rich ranching history. Now approaching its one-year anniversary, Jared and the team at the Moulton Museum have worked tirelessly to bring the spirit of the West back to life in Orange County by by actively archiving, restoring, and preserving the regions historical artifacts—everything from farm implements and buggies to documents, artwork, and images.   

During their conversation, Michael and Jared delve into the Moulton family's impressive ranching legacy, the museum's objectives, and the importance of conserving the land and its history for future generations.

In this episode, Michael Delbar is joined by the California Rangeland Trust Development Director, Shannon Foucault, and Pam Doiron, owner of the Spanish Ranch.

Listen as Pam tells us about her beautiful ranch in the Cuyama Valley, part of California’s iconic Central Coast. Pam and her family are hoping to conserve the 5,600-acre ranch through the Rangeland Trust to protect it for generations to come. The Spanish Ranch provides breathtaking views for folks driving along Highway 166, preserves several important periods in California’s history, supports the local community in a variety of ways, and serves as vital habitat for many endangered and other wildlife species.

You can play a part in conserving this beautiful property in the Cuyama Valley by visiting our website.

Agriculture is a crucial contributor to California's economy, generating over $132 billion annually through the production of more than 400 commodities, some of which are only commercially produced here. It plays a major role in ensuring food security, promoting economic well-being, and maintaining environmental quality.

However, the number of farms and ranches is dwindling. Weather extremes, natural disasters, stringent regulations, and unjust criticism make it tough for farmers and ranchers to stay in business. When we lose our agricultural stewards, we lose our working lands too.

2,000 acres are lost to development and conversion every day, according to a study by the American Farmland Trust. On top of that, concerns are surfacing over foreign-ownership of agricultural land posing as a threat to national security.

All of this raises the question: Why are ranchers and farmers selling their land in the first place?

In this episode, Michael Delbar, Rangeland Trust CEO and host sits down with Senator Melissa Hurtado, Chair of the California Senate Agriculture Committee, to address and provide insight into these issues that are threatening California agriculture. Together, they discuss ways to address these growing problems, as well as other potential solutions.

Today is National Day of the Cowboy! To celebrate we sat down with Luke Branquinho on our podcast. The practices of roping, riding, and branding found their roots in America during the 1500s when Spanish conquistadors and Mexican vaqueros introduced cattle and horses to the region. The term "rodeo" actually comes from the Spanish word "rodear," meaning round-up, and reflects the early gatherings of livestock in the vast open landscapes.

During, the expansion of the American West following the Civil War, an abundance of wild cattle prompted the emergence of the term "cowboy." As the culture evolved, these cowboys organized competitive contests that eventually transformed into the modern sport of rodeo we know today.

The open range served as the birthplace of rodeo, so without the continuance of working lands, one could argue that this cherished form of Western entertainment and tradition may not have persevered to this day.

In this new episode of Tuned in to the Land, we are joined by five-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Champion Steer Wrestler and recent ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee, Luke Branquinho. 

Luke is a native Californian who has rodeoed across the country and across the world. Raised on a ranch in Santa Barbara County, he took the skills he learned on the family ranch and refined them into a career in professional rodeo. In this episode, Michael and Luke dive into Luke's upbringing, his family's ranching traditions, and the values instilled in him that shaped his path to becoming a world-class rodeo athlete.

From the bustling streets of San Francisco to the productive lands of California, Fiona Ma's journey in public service has been a testament to her determination and adaptability. Beginning her career as a CPA in San Francisco, she transitioned into politics, serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. After her initial term, Ma was elected to the California State Assembly. It was during this time that she ventured into unfamiliar territory, choosing to immerse herself in the realm of agriculture by joining the Agricultural Committee. Now, while serving as the State Treasurer, she stands as an advocate and formidable voice for California's agricultural industry.

Join Michael Delbar as he sits down with Treasurer Ma, exploring her journey in public office, her advocacy endeavors, and her goals for the state.

May marks Wildfire Awareness and Preparedness Month—a time to reflect on the profound impact wildfires have had on California. Since 2020, over 7 million acres of our state’s lands have been scorched by relentless blazes, causing immense destruction to communities and ecosystems. For ranchers and farmers, the toll is deeply personal. From the loss of grazing grounds, crops, and precious livestock to even more dire circumstances, these fires leave indelible marks on our food systems and local communities.

In response to this crisis, agricultural advocates and legislators have united to enact crucial measures aimed at mitigating future wildfire devastation. Significant strides have been made calling for an increase in prescribed burning, along with the creation of the Livestock Pass Program and the Prescribed Fire Liability Pilot Program. Helping to lead the charge is the California Cattlemen's Association's Fire Sub-Committee—a coalition of ranchers, firefighters, researchers, and concerned citizens dedicated to safeguarding our state from future destruction.

In this episode, Michael Delbar, podcast host and CEO of the Rangeland Trust, is joined by the Chair of the Fire Sub-Committee, Anthony Stornetta. Together, they discuss the committee's priorities, along with Anthony's personal experiences as both a firefighter and rancher along the Central Coast of California.

If you are interested in learning more about the Livestock Pass Program or burn boss trainings, please feel free to reach out to Anthony directly at 805-423-6406.

May is Wildfire Awareness Month.

As Californians, we are all too aware of wildfires and the destruction they inflict upon on our local communities, people, and the land. Each year, it seems like wildfire season extends longer and longer, burning millions of acres. In 2021 and 2022 alone, over 3 million acres of land burned in California displacing people, wildlife, and livestock, alike. That's why it's important that we look at prevention through tools like grazing and prescribed fire.

In this month's episode, Rangeland Trust CEO, Michael Delbar, is joined by Chief Gary Whitson and Public Information Officer, Emily Kilgore, of the Tuolumne-Calaveras CAL FIRE Unit. Together, the group discusses ways to prepare for fire season, as well as what to do if a fire does occur. They also go over various programs offered through CAL FIRE that support private landowners in fire prevention and mitigation, such as the Vegetation Management Program that the conserved Sardella Ranch participates in.

We thank all of our first responders for their continued hard work to keep all of us as Californians safe in the event of a wildfire. Remember to stay vigilant this fire season and prepare your land by responsibly grazing and/or clearing your property!

The agricultural industry is facing mounting challenges, and one of the areas of great concern is our workforce. With fewer young people prepared to take the reins from current ranch and farm owners, the future of food production is at a critical juncture. The average age of U.S. farmers and ranchers is now 58, signaling a heightened need to train and equip the next generation to carry on this essential work.

In this episode, we highlight a program at Feather River College in Quincy, California that is making great strides with its innovative Bachelor of Science in Equine and Ranch Management degree program—the first of its kind in the state! Professor Russell Reid, the Agriculture Department Chair and one of the pioneers behind the program, joins Rangeland Trust CEO and podcast host, Michael Delbar. Together, they discuss how this initiative is providing workforce development opportunities, helping to address the labor shortage, and preparing the next generation to carry on the future of the ranching industry.

To learn more about Feather River College's Bachelor's of Science in Equine and Ranch Management, visit their website.

If you want to learn more about the work that the Rangeland Trust is doing and how you can get involved, visit our website.

In recent years, we have seen a resurgence in interest and appreciation for the western industry through TV shows, music, fashion, and more. With more and more people dawning cowboy hats and boots, as an industry, it is our chance to open the gates and provide educational opportunities and resources for those looking to break into agriculture. With National Day of the Cowboy right around the corner on Saturday, July 27th, we thought it would be fitting to have on a special guest—a cowgirl who is committed to providing agricultural education in various forms to diverse communities both locally in California, as well as throughout the world.

For this episode, Michael, CEO and host, wasjoined by Rizpah Bellard. As a recent Cowgirl Magazine’s 30 Under 30, Rizpah is using her new-found platform and experiences as a young black rancher to connect with under-served communities to show them that they too can be a cowboy or cowgirl and form their own connections to the land and to livestock.  

In this episode, Rizpah shares more about her work, her goals for her businesses, and how she is helping to bring more folks into the agricultural fold.

If you would like to connect more with the work that Rizpah is doing, you can find her on Instagram @nova.farming or you can visit her website.