Tuned in to the Land

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.