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Tuned in to the Land

Tuned in to the Land

By California Rangeland Trust

The California Rangeland Trust is dedicated to conserving and protecting California's rangeland for generations to come. In this podcast, we will dig into a variety of topics with the partners, conservationists, and ranchers who, in their words and actions, demonstrate every day the importance of conserving California’s working lands.

Enjoy this monthly podcast to learn more about how you can get involved in preserving the future of the Golden State for generations to come. Visit our website to learn more, rangelandtrust.org.
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Episode 2: Understanding Conservation Easements

Tuned in to the Land Feb 28, 2022

00:00
32:58
Episode 3.3: A Bird's Eye View on Conservation Ranching
Mar 19, 202443:30
Episode 3.2: Sitting Down with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma

Episode 3.2: Sitting Down with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma

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.

Feb 20, 202439:02
Episode 3.1: Getting to Know Rangeland Trust Board Chair, Carolyn Carey

Episode 3.1: Getting to Know Rangeland Trust Board Chair, Carolyn Carey

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.

Jan 16, 202432:20
Episode 2.12: Helping People Help the Land
Dec 19, 202335:19
Episode 2.11: Voices Matter

Episode 2.11: Voices Matter

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.

Nov 21, 202337:59
Episode 2.10: Navigating the Threats to California Agriculture with Senator Melissa Hurtado

Episode 2.10: Navigating the Threats to California Agriculture with Senator Melissa Hurtado

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.

Oct 24, 202338:15
Episode 2.9: Sharing California's Ranching History

Episode 2.9: Sharing California's Ranching History

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.

Sep 19, 202331:59
Episode 2.8: The Sardella Ranch

Episode 2.8: The Sardella Ranch

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.

Aug 15, 202332:53
Episode 2.7: Honoring Western Heritage, featuring Luke Branquinho

Episode 2.7: Honoring Western Heritage, featuring Luke Branquinho

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 Civil War, an abundance of wild cattle prompted the emergence of the term "cowboy." As the culture evolved, these cowboys organized competitive contests that eventually transformed into the modern sport of rodeo we know today.

The open range served as the birthplace of rodeo, so without the continuance of working lands, one could argue that this cherished form of Western entertainment and tradition may not have persevered to this day.

In this new episode of Tuned in to the Land, we are joined by five-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Champion Steer Wrestler and recent ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee, Luke Branquinho. 

Luke is a native Californian who has rodeoed across the country and across the world. Raised on a ranch in Santa Barbara County, he took the skills he learned on the family ranch and refined them into a career in professional rodeo. In this episode, Michael and Luke dive into Luke's upbringing, his family's ranching traditions, and the values instilled in him that shaped his path to becoming a world-class rodeo athlete.

Jul 22, 202323:21
Episode 2.6: Gate-Getting vs. Gatekeeping

Episode 2.6: Gate-Getting vs. Gatekeeping

"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 explores the concept of gate-getting with Markie Hageman-Jones, beef advocate and creator behind the Girls Eat Beef Too social media pages. Together, Michael and Markie discuss Markie's coined idea of "Gate-Getting vs. Gatekeeping," and how important it is in the agricultural industry to create opportunities for newcomers. Markie also goes over her experience working in content creation for the last six years and shares her insights on how to be a successful agricultural advocate.

Jun 20, 202338:07
Episode 2.5: Wildfire Awareness and Preparedness
May 16, 202337:54
Episode 2.4: Rock Front Ranch

Episode 2.4: Rock Front Ranch

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. Conserved in 2020, the 300-acre Rock Front Ranch marked the first time in Rangeland Trust history that conservation was funded entirely by contributions from the community.

Tune in to hear Alisha talk about current happenings on the ranch, her work in regenerative agriculture, and what it means to her to see her beloved ranch forever protected thanks to the more than 200 donors that rallied behind her to achieve conservation.

Apr 18, 202320:24
Episode 2.3: Women in Ranching

Episode 2.3: Women in Ranching

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 Isaacson Hames, of the conserved El Chorro Ranch, and Elizabeth Poett Campbell, of Rancho San Julian and star of Ranch to Table on the Magnolia Network. After growing up as neighbors on multi-generational family ranching operations along the Central Coast of California, Katie and Elizabeth each moved away before being called back "home". Now, these remarkable women are making their own lives and raising families on the same land in which they were raised. Tune in to learn more about their own unique journeys and how they've been able to innovate and diversify to keep their operations viable and thriving in the 21st century.

Mar 21, 202339:21
Episode 2.2: Sustainability in the Beef Industry

Episode 2.2: Sustainability in the Beef Industry

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 sustainability throughout the the beef value chain.

Feb 21, 202325:00
BONUS: Cheers to Ecosystem Services

BONUS: Cheers to Ecosystem Services

In our first Bonus episode, we are joined by Chad Ellis, CEO of the Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT).

Michael and Chad sat down during the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts' (PORT) annual meeting in Denver, CO.

Together, the duo talk ecosystem services research and opportunities for subsequent ecosystem services markets.

Jan 26, 202335:03
Episode 2.1: A Kick-off to our 25th Anniversary

Episode 2.1: A Kick-off to our 25th Anniversary

The   California Rangeland Trust is 25 years old, and to celebrate this momentous occasion, we brought back our good friend Andy Mills. Not only is Andy   Chairman of the Rangeland Trust Board of Directors, he was also the Trust's very first staff member.

In this premiere episode of Season 2 of Tuned in to the Land, host and CEO, Michael Delbar, sits down with Andy as he reflects on his 25-year journey with the organization and the two of them discuss the exciting events and projects coming down the pike this year and beyond. Tune in to learn more about the Rangeland Trust's history and to find out how you can join in the   25-year celebration.

Jan 26, 202332:45
Episode 12: A Look Back at 2022

Episode 12: A Look Back at 2022

2022 has been a big year for the Rangeland Trust, but 2023 promises to be even bigger! In this episode, Michael Delbar, CEO of the Rangeland Trust, recaps the exciting things we have been up to over the last 12 months and previews what’s to come in 2023, as we celebrate the Rangeland Trust’s 25th anniversary!

As we conclude this first season of Tuned into the Land, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our listeners, friends, and supporters. We look forward to bringing you Season 2 beginning on January 17th!

Dec 26, 202212:22
Episode 11: An Urban Perspective on Protecting What Matters
Nov 21, 202226:23
Episode 10: Cowboy Poetry - An Oral Tradition
Oct 31, 202235:35
Episode 9: Reflecting on the Last Two Years with Dr. Dave Daley

Episode 9: Reflecting on the Last Two Years with Dr. Dave Daley

In 2020, the Bear Fire ravaged part of the Plumas National Forest, which the Daley family has grazed cattle on since the late 1800s. Sadly, most of the Daley’s cattle herd was lost in the fire. The event and horrific days that followed prompted Dr. Dave Daley, past California Cattlemen's Association President, to keep a journal detailing his heart-wrenching experience. Shortly after, he shared his account on social media. His story went viral and helped change hearts and minds across the country and around the world.

Over the past two years since the Bear Fire, Dave has been an active advocate for public policy change in pre- and post-fire management.

Listen as Dave sits down with Michael to discuss recent policy wins, opportunities for greater change as it relates to livestock grazing as a tool to help mitigate catastrophic wildfires, and ways that people can support these efforts.

Learn more about the California Rangeland Trust here.

Sep 26, 202228:20
Episode 8: Talking [Butcher] Shop with Danny Johnson

Episode 8: Talking [Butcher] Shop with Danny Johnson

With the World Butcher's Challenge coming to Sacramento on September 2nd and 3rd, this episode of Tuned In to the Land features a very special guest. Rangeland Trust CEO Michael Delbar is joined by Danny Johnson, owner of Taylor's Market in Sacramento and team captain of Butchers of America, the team representing the United States in the World Butchers' Challenge.

Listen to Michael and Danny cut it up as they talk about everything from the upcoming World Butcher's Challenge to selecting a quality steak to why rangeland conservation matters for the future of the meat industry.

Learn more about the Rangeland Trust here: https://rangelandtrust.org/.

Aug 29, 202225:05
Episode 7: Get to Know Rominger Brothers Farms
Jul 25, 202220:19
Episode 6: Policy Updates

Episode 6: Policy Updates

On this month's episode of Tuned In to the Land, Rangeland Trust CEO Michael Delbar sits down with Erik Glenn, Executive Director of the Colorado Cattleman's Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) and President of the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts (PORT).

The Rangeland Trust is a member of PORT—an alliance of 9 agricultural-focused, statewide land trusts dedicated to conserving America’s working landscapes. Together, PORT’s members effectively advocate for agricultural conservation programs and policies on the national level.

Tune in as Michael and Erik review success stories from PORT’s policy advocacy work on the 2018 Farm Bill, as well as discuss key priorities as PORT begins its advocacy work on the 2023 Farm Bill.

To learn more about both PORT and the Rangeland Trust visit here: 

https://rangelandtrusts.org/

https://rangelandtrust.org/

Jun 27, 202238:30
Episode 5: Wildfire Awareness Month

Episode 5: Wildfire Awareness Month

In honor of Wildfire Awareness Month, Michael Delbar sits down with targeted grazing expert Dan Macon. Dan serves as the University of California Cooperative Extension Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor for Placer, Nevada, Sutter, and Yuba Counties. He also owns and operates the Flying Mule Sheep Company out of Auburn, CA.

California has been plagued by catastrophic wildfires in recent years, and it’s more important than ever that we look for ways to prevent these types of disasters that wreak havoc on our communities. In this episode, the duo talks about how our four-legged friends — sheep, goats, and cattle — can help reduce fire fuel loads and prevent wildfires. It is important that we talk about prevention now to prepare for the upcoming fire season.

Listen along with us and plan for, prepare for, and prevent wildfires this season!

May 23, 202231:44
Episode 4: The Spanish Ranch
Apr 25, 202228:08
Episode 3: Understanding the Value of Rangelands
Mar 28, 202235:18
Episode 2: Understanding Conservation Easements
Feb 28, 202232:58
Episode 1: Introduction to the California Rangeland Trust
Jan 31, 202241:13
Tuned in to the Land TRAILER

Tuned in to the Land TRAILER

The Califronia Rangeland Trust is excited to bring you our monthly podcast! Tune in each month to learn more about what we do at the Rangeland Trust to protect and conserve California's rangeland for generations to come. 

Jan 25, 202200:39