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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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/

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

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.

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