At the Rangeland Trust, conserving California’s working landscapes means more than protecting open space—it also means preserving the stories of the people who steward them. Ranching families carry generations of knowledge, resilience, and tradition, and if those stories aren’t shared, they risk being lost. In this episode, we highlight Roots and Resilience: California Ranchers in Their Own Words, a book that brings together the voices of ranching families from across the state through storie...
At the Rangeland Trust, we are honored to work alongside people whose livelihoods are deeply tied to the health of the land. Ranchers know that caring for the land is more than a responsibility—it’s a way of life built on stewardship, grit, and adaptability. Yet, the challenges they face are many: from water shortages and unpredictable weather to shifting regulations and rising costs, today’s ranchers are navigating pressures from every direction. In this episode, CEO and host, Michael Delbar...
In celebration of the National Day of the Cowboy, we’re taking you to the “cowboy side of California” — the small town of Parkfield — where the Varian family has spent generations stewarding the land, building community, and sharing the values of ranch life. Located in the Cholame Valley, the V6 Ranch is more than a working cattle operation. It’s a living legacy of conservation, hospitality, and heritage. In this episode, host and CEO, Michael Delbar, sits down with Jack, John, and Lauren Var...
In this episode of Tuned in to the Land, host and CEO, Michael Delbar, sits down with Natalie Kovarik — a fourth-generation cattle rancher, ag advocate, and co-host of the Discover Ag podcast. Together, they explore the critical role communications plays in sustaining the agricultural industry and fostering understanding between those who produce our food and those who consume it. From her rural Nebraska ranch to reaching millions through social media, Natalie has built a platform grounded in...
Year after year, wildfires in California grow more intense, more unpredictable, and more devastating. We’ve watched fire seasons stretch longer, push first responders beyond capacity, and leave entire communities reeling. Water has run out mid-response. Crews have been forced to focus on active flames, while at-risk properties are left vulnerable. Too often, property owners are left standing alone—garden hose in hand—without a plan or resources to protect what they’ve spent a lifetime buildin...
Every day is Earth Day on ranches. Through grazing, stewardship, and conservation, the work happening on these landscapes quietly supports healthier ecosystems, thriving wildlife, and even a more stable climate. That’s why, in honor of Earth Day, we’re excited to welcome a guest who shares that same passion for the planet—and for truth in science. Dr. Frank Mitloehner, commonly known as the "Greenhouse Gas Guru," is a professor and air quality specialist at UC Davis and leads the CLEAR Center...
In celebration of California Agriculture Day, this Wednesday, March 19th, we sat down with California Secretary of Agriculture, Karen Ross for this special episode of Tuned In to the Land. Throughout the conversation, Secretary Ross shares her journey from rural Nebraska to leading the nation’s largest agricultural economy. She also discusses the myriad of challenges and opportunities facing California agriculture from sustainability and land conservation to the policies shaping the future of...
Throughout history, the American West has been shaped not only by the ranchers and cowboys who work the land but also by the skilled artisans who create the tools and treasures that define the lifestyle. In this episode, host & CEO, Michael Delbar, sits down with Chet Vogt, whose family founded Vogt Silversmiths, a name synonymous with timeless craftsmanship and Western tradition. Chet takes us on a journey through the rich history of his family’s legacy, the meticulous artistry that goes...
Each year, the Rangeland Trust honors a landowner partner as the Conservationist of the Year, recognizing their commitment to voluntary conservation and dedication to preserving California's working landscapes. This year’s recipient is Ernest Bufford of Bufford Ranch, a former Los Angeles CHP officer turned first-generation rancher. Ernest’s conservation journey began in the early 2000s when he acquired over 500 acres in Kern County's Walker Basin. In 2013, he partnered with the Rangeland Tru...
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 a...
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 Mulvan...
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, Califo...
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 Cal...
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...
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 a...
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 ...
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 flouris...
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 respo...
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 a...
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 ot...