How do you turn an idea like legalizing livestock composting into law in California? In part one of this two-part series, we go behind the scenes with researchers Laura Snell and Dr. Kasey DeAtley to hear how research, planning, and persistence made it all possible.

Stay tuned for part two episode (dropping Dec. 8), where we’ll cover the bill itself, how it moved through the Legislature, and what it means for ranchers going forward. 

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As California's fall bull sale run winds down, Western Livestock Journal Western Region Representative Jared Patterson joins us to recap how this year's sales went the past few months. 

We chat about this year’s outstanding sale averages, what makes California seedstock producers shine, EPDs, and more. Jared also shares some favorite moments from the road and the best advice for anyone getting ready to buy their next bull.

Episode Resources: 

• Read Jared's latest WLJ column "Relationships drive the market more than we admit" and all his pieces at wlj.net/author/jaredwlj-net.

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In this episode we welcome Tracy Sellers, senior content writer and media strategist for the UC Davis CLEAR Center, to Sorting Pen for the first time as she gives California ranching families and producers an inside look at the work being done to bridge science, media, and agriculture. Get to know her journey in agriculture, and now working at the CLEAR Center with Dr. Frank Mitloehner. Tracy also shares what a typical day looks like at the Center, highlights some of the priority projects she and her team are focused on, and reflects on some favorite pieces she’s published.

We also dive into the important role farmers and ranchers play in the stories the CLEAR Center tells, explore the goals behind events like Salute to Ag Day, and hear Tracy’s perspective on college students in 2025. Stay to the end of the episode to learn a few slang terms college students are using today. 

Episode resources: 

• To read the "Grass-Roots Insight: Study Uncovers Patterns in Cattle Grazing Behavior" click here or check it out on the CLEAR Center's news webpage at clear.ucdavis.edu/news.
• Watch the CLEAR Center video: "Hawaiian Pig Farming Done Right!" by clicking here or visiting youtube.com/@CLEARCenteratUCDavis.
• Listen to the new CLEAR Conversations podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube.  
• For more information and to read all of the updates from the CLEAR Center visit clear.ucdavis.edu.

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To learn more about the conversations had during CCA's recent "fly-in" to Washington, D.C., on this episode we first talk with CCA Feeder Chair Mike Sulpizio of Superior Cattle Feeders, as the New World screwworm situation and the border closure was a top priority he took to on that trip.

After we hear from Mike, stay tuned for updates from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's CEO Colin Woodall about the latest announcement from USDA on Sept. 22 that New World screwworm flies were found less than 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. Colin shares about NCBA’s outlook on the situation, USDA’s handling of it, and more. 

Episode Resources: 

• Click here to visit NCBA's New World Screwworm Resources webpage.
• Visit calcattlemen.org/convention2025 for all details on CCA's Annual Convention happening Dec. 3-5 in Reno.

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It has been fire years to the week since that fire ripped through the Plumas National Forest and destroyed communities, legacies, the Daley family’s cow herd, and tragically ended lives. 

Dave Daley, Butte County Rancher and past CCA president, talks with Katie about where we are at on wildfire solutions in California. We also talk about the recovery progress (and lack of) on the land from that burn five years later.

Episode Resources: 

• Read Dave's most recent piece on fire "I Still Cry for the Mountains" on our website at https://calcattlemen.org/category/i-cry-for-the-mountains.
• See photos and read Dave's first piece at https://calcattlemen.org/2020/09/23/legacy.

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Some increases in biodiversity on working landscapes are easier to handle than others. We asked Meghan Hertel, California Natural Resources Agency Deputy Secretary for Biodiversity and Habitat, to be our guest on this episode to talk about a positive, voluntary initiative that is trying to drive funding, support and increased awareness into the important role that ranchers and rangelands can play in conserving and achieving the 30x30 initiative – an effort to conserve 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030.

Episode Resources: 

• See if your lands might be eligible: at californianature.ca.gov.
• Reach out to the CCA office to learn more at (916) 444-0845.

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WSR Insurance Farm and Ranch Specialist Josh Morris joins Sorting Pen host Katie Roberti to break down the latest insurance updates impacting California agriculture. From the state’s evolving Sustainable Insurance Strategy to upcoming workers’ compensation rate increases, Josh shares what producers need to know now. Plus, hear what’s new at WSR Insurance and why it’s the perfect time to schedule your Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) meetings.

Episode resources:

• Check out the new WSR app on the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
• Subscribe to WSR’s free Weather Update email at wsrins.com/weather.
• WSR Insurance is the exclusive insurance broker of CCA. Learn more at calcattlemen.org/wsr.
• Contact Josh at (530) 867-7340 or [email protected].

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California Cattle Council Executive Director Justin Oldfield joins the podcast to discuss what the Council has focused on so far in 2025 and what’s on the horizon for the last half of this year. On this episode, learn about the commercials, billboards, and digital content the Council is advertising now and the strategic plan behind it all. Plus, hear more about some of the research the Council has funded. 

Episode Resources: 

• Search "California Cattle Council" on YouTube to watch the ads or use the links below. 
  • Changed ad: https://youtu.be/R9IxF1xlCbk
  • Fire ad: https://youtu.be/lVU-4WYFOos
• Cattle Council Research: https://calcattlecouncil.org/recentworks/research/
• Learn more: https://calcattlecouncil.org/

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Summer is going fast! We slow down on this episode to talk about the first six months of Rick Roberti's presidency. Rick shares about his experiences and issues discussed at CCA's Feeder Meeting in May and NCBA’s Summer Business meeting a few weeks ago in San Diego. He also provides an update on the gray wolf conflict and the concerns of New World screwworm getting closer to the U.S. Finally, hear why you need to be part of our Midyear Meeting and Cattle-PAC fundraiser happening August 14-15 in Paso Robles. Register, purchase tickets and get all the details at https://calcattlemen.org/cattlepac25.

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We are releasing this episode early, to give you more information about the One Big Beautiful Bill that passed out of the Senate yesterday (as of publishing this episode on July 2). 

In this update, hear from California rancher and past CCA president Kevin Kester about the positive tax provisions in this bill for ranchers and farmers. Last week, Kevin was invited to the White House for an event highlighting the tax relief the “One Big Beautiful Bill” will provide for ranching and farming families across the country for future generations. Hear about Kevin's experience and the importance of the tax relief in this bill, which includes reducing the Death Tax, as he spoke NCBA’s Senior Director of Policy Communications Hunter Ihrman on the Beltway Beef podcast.

On the second half of this episode, Kaitlynn Glover, the Executive Director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA Natural Resources, joins Katie to discuss failed proposals in the bill to dispose of any public lands. Finally, hear what how the bill includes reimbursing cattle producers for loss due to depredation by federally protected predators, such as gray wolves.

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