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 building. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

In honor of Wildfire Awareness Month, this episode focuses on proactive solutions—strategies that give landowners the tools and confidence to act before the flames arrive. Joining host and CEO, Michael Delbar, are two experts on the frontlines of wildfire prevention: Shawn Sahbari, founder and CEO of Komodo Fire Systems, and Stuart Mitchell, a Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist with Wildfire Mitigation Advisors. Together, they share real-world advice, innovative products, and field-tested tactics to help property owners protect their land, homes, and legacies from the growing threat of wildfire.

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If you found today’s conversation helpful and want to dive deeper into wildfire preparedness, join the California Rangeland Trust and Komodo Fire Systems for an upcoming webinar titled “Mitigating Fire Risks on YOUR Ranch.”

You’ll hear more from Stuart Mitchell on smart, real-world mitigation strategies, gain insurance insights from a local agent, and explore the range of products Komodo offers to help you protect and prepare your property.

To learn more and reserve your spot, visit rangelandtrust.org/events.

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If you’re interested in having Stuart visit your property to assess and help reduce wildfire risk, head to wildfiremitigationadvisors.com to learn more and get in touch.

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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, where research meets real-world application.

In this episode, our host and CEO, Michael Delbar, sits down with Dr. Mitloehner to explore his groundbreaking research and how it's helping ranchers, policymakers, and the public rethink the role of livestock in the climate conversation. With the right management, livestock don’t just feed the world—they can help heal the land.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture and the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences invite you to participate in a two-day conference: State of the Science Summit: Reducing Methane from Animal Agriculture. The Summit will be held May 19-21, 2025 at the ARC Ballroom at UC Davis. Register for the Summit here: https://caes.ucdavis.edu/news/events/FeedSummit 

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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 the industry.

Join host and CEO of the California Rangeland Trust, Michael Delbar, as he and Secretary Ross explore the vital role of working lands in feeding our nation. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the past, present, and future of California agriculture!

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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 into each handcrafted piece, and the deep connection between their ranching background and their designs. We’ll also explore how the decline of traditional trades threatens the future of Western craftsmanship—and what Vogt Silversmiths is doing to preserve this time-honored craft for generations to come.

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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 Trust to protect his 575-acre ranch through a conservation easement, laying the foundation for a remarkable legacy of stewardship and preservation.

Since then, Ernest has expanded his efforts, using funds from the easement to conserve an adjacent stretch of land in 2016 and, with support from private donors, adding a 65-acre parcel in 2023. Today, he has safeguarded a total of 910 acres, protecting six diverse ecosystems and numerous plant and animal species. Ernest’s contributions extend beyond land preservation—through partnerships with a local tribe and California State University, Bakersfield, he has unearthed and preserved artifacts dating back over 3,200 years. His respect for the land’s history and the people who came before him drives his mission to honor and protect the land for future generations.

In this episode, Rangeland Trust CEO and host Michael Delbar sits down with Ernest to discuss his journey into ranching, his conservation efforts, and what it means to be named Conservationist of the Year. Together, they reflect on the importance of preserving rangelands, honoring the past, and ensuring the land’s vitality for years to come.

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In this episode, host & CEO, Michael Delbar, digs deeper—quite literally—into how the Stones have put soil health at the forefront of their management practices. Together, they explore a variety of innovative programs they’re involved in, all aimed at improving soil quality and building resilience. From rotational grazing and cover cropping to composting and carbon sequestration projects, the Stones have seen firsthand the benefits of prioritizing the health of their soil. Their efforts have not only improved the productivity of their land but also strengthened the ecological balance that supports wildlife and plant diversity.

We are excited to share the second half of the conversation with Scott and Karen Stone as they walk us through the importance of soil care and the practices that are making a difference on their ranch.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!