Tuned in to the Land

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 other organizations, and her goals for the Rangeland Trust over her two-year term.

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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.

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

Between costly regulatory compliance, burdensome taxes, fluctuating markets, weather extremes, negative public perception, and squeezed profit margins, ranchers face challenges that often make it tough to stay in business. In the last episode of "Tuned into the Land", we sat down with Senator Melissa Hurtado, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, to discuss issues facing California Agriculture. This time around, we thought it would be fitting to share the perspective of one of our ranching partners.

In this episode, Michael Delbar, Rangeland Trust CEO and host sits down with Kevin Kester, former President of the California Cattlemen's Association, former President of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and a valued Rangeland Trust landowner partner. After receiving a hefty bill from the IRS following the death of a family member that threatened the future of their operation, the Kester family was able to pay off their debt and avoid selling off their ranch through the sale of a conservation easement on their Monterey County ranch. Since then, Kevin has served as an effective spokesperson for the ranching industry by sharing his story with policymakers at both the state and federal levels.

In this episode, Kevin shares with us his experiences as a fifth-generation rancher and advocate of the beef industry. Kevin knows the power that ranchers' voices can have, and today we want to share his.

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Agriculture is a crucial contributor to California's economy, generating over $132 billion annually through the production of more than 400 commodities, some of which are only commercially produced here. It plays a major role in ensuring food security, promoting economic well-being, and maintaining environmental quality.

However, the number of farms and ranches is dwindling. Weather extremes, natural disasters, stringent regulations, and unjust criticism make it tough for farmers and ranchers to stay in business. When we lose our agricultural stewards, we lose our working lands too.

2,000 acres are lost to development and conversion every day, according to a study by the American Farmland Trust. On top of that, concerns are surfacing over foreign-ownership of agricultural land posing as a threat to national security.

All of this raises the question: Why are ranchers and farmers selling their land in the first place?

In this episode, Michael Delbar, Rangeland Trust CEO and host sits down with Senator Melissa Hurtado, Chair of the California Senate Agriculture Committee, to address and provide insight into these issues that are threatening California agriculture. Together, they discuss ways to address these growing problems, as well as other potential solutions.

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

At the Rangeland Trust, we are committed to safeguarding the future of the ranching industry and those who work on the land every day. Our friends at the Moulton Museum are committed to preserving the ranching heritage of the pastby sharing stories and artifacts of days gone by. 

In this episode, Michael is joined by Jared Mathis, President of the Moulton Museum located in Orange County, a valued organization that shares our passion for honoring California's rich ranching history. Now approaching its one-year anniversary, Jared and the team at the Moulton Museum have worked tirelessly to bring the spirit of the West back to life in Orange County by by actively archiving, restoring, and preserving the regions historical artifacts—everything from farm implements and buggies to documents, artwork, and images.   

During their conversation, Michael and Jared delve into the Moulton family's impressive ranching legacy, the museum's objectives, and the importance of conserving the land and its history for future generations.

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

For this episode, Michael traveled to the Sardella Ranch in Sonora, CA to chat with Michael and Julie Sardella. While there, he was able to witness and learn more about the annual prescribed burn program that takes place on the ranch in partnership with CAL FIRE (listen to Episode 2.5 where we talk with CAL FIRE about a few of their programs).

During their conversation, Michael and Julie Sardella discuss their journey on the ranch, their commitment to conservation, their longstanding partnership with CAL FIRE, and the significance of preserving working lands in California. The Sardellas have always been passionate about conservation and have dedicated their lives toward ensuring that the ranch remains sustainable for generations to come.

Want to learn more? Chat with us!

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