In this episode of Tuned in to the Land, host and CEO, Michael Delbar, sits down with Natalie Kovarik — a fourth-generation cattle rancher, ag advocate, and co-host of the Discover Ag podcast. Together, they explore the critical role communications plays in sustaining the agricultural industry and fostering understanding between those who produce our food and those who consume it. From her rural Nebraska ranch to reaching millions through social media, Natalie has built a platform grounded in tr...
Jun 17, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 5
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. ...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 4
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 , ...
Apr 22, 2025•58 min•Season 4Ep. 3
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 th...
Mar 18, 2025•47 min•Season 4Ep. 2
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 in...
Feb 18, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 1
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 ...
Dec 17, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 8
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...
Dec 05, 2024•27 min
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, along...
Nov 19, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 8
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 ...
Oct 22, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 10
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 2,00...
Oct 15, 2024•56 min
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 ...
Sep 24, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 9
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 ...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 8
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...
Jul 16, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 7
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 ...
Jun 25, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 6
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 com...
May 21, 2024•45 min•Season 3Ep. 5
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. ...
Apr 16, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 6
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 responsib...
Mar 19, 2024•43 min•Season 3Ep. 3
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 agri...
Feb 20, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 2
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 othe...
Jan 16, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 1
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 his...
Dec 19, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 12
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...
Nov 21, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 11
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...
Oct 24, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 10
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...
Sep 19, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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 partnershi...
Aug 15, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Today is National Day of the Cowboy! To celebrate we sat down with Luke Branquinho on our podcast. The practices of roping, riding, and branding found their roots in America during the 1500s when Spanish conquistadors and Mexican vaqueros introduced cattle and horses to the region. The term "rodeo" actually comes from the Spanish word "rodear," meaning round-up, and reflects the early gatherings of livestock in the vast open landscapes. During, the expansion of the American West following the Ci...
Jul 22, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 7
"Gate-getting" is like a right of passage in the ranching industry. Whether you were sitting in the passenger seat because you were the youngest in the vehicle or you drew the short straw for the day, we've all been there at one point or another. But, gate-getting doesn't stop after the gate is latched. Beyond the literal meaning of opening the gate to get you where you need to go, it can also mean opening up opportunities for others. In this episode of Tuned in to the Land, Michael Delbar explo...
Jun 20, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 6
May is Wildfire Awareness Month. As Californians, we are all too aware of wildfires and the destruction they inflict upon on our local communities, people, and the land. Each year, it seems like wildfire season extends longer and longer, burning millions of acres. In 2021 and 2022 alone, over 3 million acres of land burned in California displacing people, wildlife, and livestock, alike. That's why it's important that we look at prevention through tools like grazing and prescribed fire. In this m...
May 16, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Our landowner partners represent the heart and soul of the Rangeland Trust. Because of their admirable decisions to conserve their ranches, California will always have places available for local food to be grown, air to be cleansed, freshwater to flow, wildlife to roam, and spectacular viewsheds to be admired. In this episode, Michael is joined by landowner partner, Alisha Taff. Alisha is the owner of the Rock Front Ranch in the Cuyama Valley in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Conser...
Apr 18, 2023•20 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Today is National Ag Day where we get to celebrate the land, its bounty, and those who steward it. And on top of that, it’s also Women’s History Month. How befitting is it that National Ag Day converges with this month-long celebration of women’s achievement, especially given the multitude of hats, leadership roles, and essential responsibilities women have held for generations in family farming and ranching operations? In this episode of Tuned in to the Land, Michael sits down with Katie Isaacs...
Mar 21, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 3
What does "sustainability" mean, and why does it matter for the future of the beef industry? In this episode of Tuned in to the Land , Michael sits down with Dr. Samantha Werth, Executive Director for the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and Senior Director of Sustainability for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, to discuss what sustainability means, how the beef industry is achieving environmental, economic, and social sustainability, and the U.S. Roundtable's work to advance sustai...
Feb 21, 2023•25 min•Season 2Ep. 2
