In this episode we welcome Tracy Sellers, senior content writer and media strategist for the UC Davis CLEAR Center, to Sorting Pen for the first time as she gives California ranching families and producers an inside look at the work being done to bridge science, media, and agriculture. Get to know her journey in agriculture, and now working at the CLEAR Center with Dr. Frank Mitloehner. Tracy also shares what a typical day looks like at the Center, highlights some of the priority projects she and her team are focused on, and reflects on some favorite pieces she’s published.

We also dive into the important role farmers and ranchers play in the stories the CLEAR Center tells, explore the goals behind events like Salute to Ag Day, and hear Tracy’s perspective on college students in 2025. Stay to the end of the episode to learn a few slang terms college students are using today. 

Episode resources: 

• To read the "Grass-Roots Insight: Study Uncovers Patterns in Cattle Grazing Behavior" click here or check it out on the CLEAR Center's news webpage at clear.ucdavis.edu/news.
• Watch the CLEAR Center video: "Hawaiian Pig Farming Done Right!" by clicking here or visiting youtube.com/@CLEARCenteratUCDavis.
• Listen to the new CLEAR Conversations podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube.  
• For more information and to read all of the updates from the CLEAR Center visit clear.ucdavis.edu.

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To learn more about the conversations had during CCA's recent "fly-in" to Washington, D.C., on this episode we first talk with CCA Feeder Chair Mike Sulpizio of Superior Cattle Feeders, as the New World screwworm situation and the border closure was a top priority he took to on that trip.

After we hear from Mike, stay tuned for updates from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's CEO Colin Woodall about the latest announcement from USDA on Sept. 22 that New World screwworm flies were found less than 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. Colin shares about NCBA’s outlook on the situation, USDA’s handling of it, and more. 

Episode Resources: 

• Click here to visit NCBA's New World Screwworm Resources webpage.
• Visit calcattlemen.org/convention2025 for all details on CCA's Annual Convention happening Dec. 3-5 in Reno.

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It has been fire years to the week since that fire ripped through the Plumas National Forest and destroyed communities, legacies, the Daley family’s cow herd, and tragically ended lives. 

Dave Daley, Butte County Rancher and past CCA president, talks with Katie about where we are at on wildfire solutions in California. We also talk about the recovery progress (and lack of) on the land from that burn five years later.

Episode Resources: 

• Read Dave's most recent piece on fire "I Still Cry for the Mountains" on our website at https://calcattlemen.org/category/i-cry-for-the-mountains.
• See photos and read Dave's first piece at https://calcattlemen.org/2020/09/23/legacy.

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Some increases in biodiversity on working landscapes are easier to handle than others. We asked Meghan Hertel, California Natural Resources Agency Deputy Secretary for Biodiversity and Habitat, to be our guest on this episode to talk about a positive, voluntary initiative that is trying to drive funding, support and increased awareness into the important role that ranchers and rangelands can play in conserving and achieving the 30x30 initiative – an effort to conserve 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030.

Episode Resources: 

• See if your lands might be eligible: at californianature.ca.gov.
• Reach out to the CCA office to learn more at (916) 444-0845.

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WSR Insurance Farm and Ranch Specialist Josh Morris joins Sorting Pen host Katie Roberti to break down the latest insurance updates impacting California agriculture. From the state’s evolving Sustainable Insurance Strategy to upcoming workers’ compensation rate increases, Josh shares what producers need to know now. Plus, hear what’s new at WSR Insurance and why it’s the perfect time to schedule your Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) meetings.

Episode resources:

• Check out the new WSR app on the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
• Subscribe to WSR’s free Weather Update email at wsrins.com/weather.
• WSR Insurance is the exclusive insurance broker of CCA. Learn more at calcattlemen.org/wsr.
• Contact Josh at (530) 867-7340 or joshm@wsrins.com.

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California Cattle Council Executive Director Justin Oldfield joins the podcast to discuss what the Council has focused on so far in 2025 and what’s on the horizon for the last half of this year. On this episode, learn about the commercials, billboards, and digital content the Council is advertising now and the strategic plan behind it all. Plus, hear more about some of the research the Council has funded. 

Episode Resources: 

• Search "California Cattle Council" on YouTube to watch the ads or use the links below. 
  • Changed ad: https://youtu.be/R9IxF1xlCbk
  • Fire ad: https://youtu.be/lVU-4WYFOos
• Cattle Council Research: https://calcattlecouncil.org/recentworks/research/
• Learn more: https://calcattlecouncil.org/

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Summer is going fast! We slow down on this episode to talk about the first six months of Rick Roberti's presidency. Rick shares about his experiences and issues discussed at CCA's Feeder Meeting in May and NCBA’s Summer Business meeting a few weeks ago in San Diego. He also provides an update on the gray wolf conflict and the concerns of New World screwworm getting closer to the U.S. Finally, hear why you need to be part of our Midyear Meeting and Cattle-PAC fundraiser happening August 14-15 in Paso Robles. Register, purchase tickets and get all the details at https://calcattlemen.org/cattlepac25.

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We are releasing this episode early, to give you more information about the One Big Beautiful Bill that passed out of the Senate yesterday (as of publishing this episode on July 2). 

In this update, hear from California rancher and past CCA president Kevin Kester about the positive tax provisions in this bill for ranchers and farmers. Last week, Kevin was invited to the White House for an event highlighting the tax relief the “One Big Beautiful Bill” will provide for ranching and farming families across the country for future generations. Hear about Kevin's experience and the importance of the tax relief in this bill, which includes reducing the Death Tax, as he spoke NCBA’s Senior Director of Policy Communications Hunter Ihrman on the Beltway Beef podcast.

On the second half of this episode, Kaitlynn Glover, the Executive Director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA Natural Resources, joins Katie to discuss failed proposals in the bill to dispose of any public lands. Finally, hear what how the bill includes reimbursing cattle producers for loss due to depredation by federally protected predators, such as gray wolves.

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CCA's Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur shares are the current legislative session so far. Hear about CCA's two sponsored bills and other bills the government affairs team is watching.

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On this episode we hear about the California Beef Council’s Pasture to Plate Beef Tour, which is an in-depth experience that immerses participants in the beef lifecycle production process and engages foodservice, retail, and nutrition professionals. CBC Director of Retail and Foodservice Marketing Christie Van Egmond and CBC Manager, of Producer Education and Engagement Makenzie Coveau explain the history of the tour and its success over the years. Grimmius Cattle Company’s Chief Operating Officer Austin Flores also shares why their ranch has participated as a stop in this tour for many years and the details the value he sees in this program. 

Episode Resources:

Connect with Christie about participating in future Pasture to Plate tours by clicking here.

Request to join the California Beef Farmers and Ranchers Facebook page to stay up to date with the California Beef Council.

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Early on Thursday morning, the One, Big Beautiful Bill progressed out of the House. Just hours later, Sorting Pen host Katie Roberti got to sit down with Ethan Lane, head of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's office in Washington, D.C, to discuss what's in the bill, NCBA's success on it, and what's ahead for this legislation. 

On this episode, Katie and Ethan also discuss New World Screwworm and the border, tariffs, and NCBA’s years of work to get beef into the United Kingdom.

Episode Resources:

• NCBA Priorities Approved in House Reconciliation Bill

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It is our 100th episode of Sorting Pen! To celebrate, we are launching our first episode in a new series on this podcast focused on “Sorting Through Stories with California Ranching Legends.” Starting with this interview, a couple of times a year, Sorting Pen host Katie Roberti will sit down with some of the great cattlemen and women in the West to hear their ranching stories, lessons, and more.

Our first legend is Mr. Ellington Peek. 

Ellington sat in his favorite seat in the stands outside the auction ring at Shasta Livestock Auction as Katie recorded a conversation full of stories about the auction yard, the beginning of the Western Video Market, and Ellington's life. Hear what Ellington loves about buying and selling cattle and much more on this can't miss episode. 

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On May 15, the California Fish and Game Wildlife Resources Committee will meet in Sacramento and consider changing a rule to restrict the ability to take any number of coyotes at any time. CCA's Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur joins this episode to share how this conversation started back in January at a Fish and Game committee hearing, detail what has happened since that hearing, and outline why CCA needs you to be part of opposing any changes to how coyotes are managed in California at this meeting on May 15.

CCA will file detailed comments with the Committee prior to that hearing strongly opposing any change and will be on-hand at the meeting to defend ranchers’ ability to manage coyote populations. Additionally, CCA encourages members to appear virtually or in person on May 15 to convey to Commissioners the continued need for allowing coyotes to “be taken at any time of the year and in any number.”

Episode resources:

• To submit an opposition letter to the Fish and Game Commission, email it to fgc@fgc.ca.gov by Friday, May 2. Letters submitted by this deadline will be given to the Commissioners ahead of the committee meeting. If you miss this deadline, you can still send opposition letters up until May 12 to be given to Commissioners at the May 15th hearing.
  
  
• Look for more details in an upcoming edition of California Cattleman Weekly on how to attend or appear virtually at the May 15th meeting to voice your opposition. To call in to the meeting dial (877) 336-1831 and use the conference code number: 481000.

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Two board members from the Livestock Marketing Association join this Sorting Pen episode to share why they, LMA and their members are working hard to help create opportunities for their customers, ranchers and farmers, through their producer profitability initiative. 

Back on the show is LMA's Western Director Jake Parnell—who is also a California cattle producer and owner of Cattlemen’s Livestock Market in Galt.

Joe Goggins, vice president of LMA and owner of Public Auction Yards in Billings, Montana, is also a featured guest on this episode.

Learn more about this initiative for producer profitability and all LMA does at lmaweb.com/Policy/producer-profitability.

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In this episode, Steve Lambert, a rancher from Butte County, shares his journey and insights as one of CCA's Second Vice Presidents. Tune in to learn more about Steve’s dedication to serving agriculture at local, state, and national levels, and hear why he continues to stay involved in these organizations.

Katie and Steve also dive into the value of CCA, with a special focus on the important role seedstock producers play in the Association.

Listen until the end to discover how Steve went from resisting being on social media over a decade ago to Lambert Ranch Herefords now thriving on Instagram!

Episode Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/lambertranchherefords/

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Representing California’s 34 Assembly District, we visited Assemblymember Tom Lackey in his office. On this episode, he shares with us about issues that are top of mind right now for California legislators. We also talk about how Asm. Lackey has partnered with CCA throughout his time in office. Hear about the bill he is helping CCA run this year, and why he believes ranchers are important voices to have in Sacramento.
 

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There are two issues that came up at this year's CattleCon that we highlight on this episode of Sorting Pen: trade & taxes. In this conversation hear from past CCA President Tony Toso, who is now chair of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's (NCBA) International Trade Committee. 

Later in the episode we hear from NCBA’s Associate Director of Government Affairs Kelsea Kemp, who happens to hail from California. Listen as Kelsea shares about NCBA’s tax priorities and one specific act NCBA is lobbying on right now.  

This episode also provides IMPORTANT updates on The Corporate Transparency Act! On Feb. 18, the Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network announced that it will begin enforcing beneficial ownership information reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act on March 21. Listen to learn more and refer to the resources below as that deadline is quickly approaching. 

Episode Resources: 

• Beneficial ownership information can be reported to FinCEN here.
• A FAQ about reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act is available here.

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On this episode we have three experts joining us to talk about biosecurity. From UC Davis and University of California Ag and Natural Resources, we have Dr. Gaby Maier and Dr. Lais Costa sharing their expertise. We are also fortunate to have Dr. Julia Herman from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association share her national perspectives on the importance of biosecurity.

Episode Resources: 

• To watch the Beef Cattle Herd Health UCCE Webinars mentioned by Dr. Maier visit https://ucanr.edu/sites/Rangelands/CattleHealth.
• Find BQA Resources on biosecurity at: https://www.bqa.org/resources/biosecurity-resources.
• As Dr. Herman mentions, for more resources check out https://www.securebeef.org.
• Want to learn more about biosecurity? Attend the Cattle Biosecurity Workshop on Saturday, March 1 at the Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center. The workshop will cover an array of topics including, creating a line of separation, cleaning and disinfecting vehicles and equipment, proper use of personal protective equipment, writing standard operating procedures for personnel and visitors, and much more. To view the flyer with registration instructions click here or contact Dr. Maier. 

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What happened in Point Reyes? Why are 11 ranching families leaving early next year? There are many questions you may have about the news that came about a month ago. This story is complex. It can be difficult to track and understand the full picture. To answer some of our questions and share his knowledge of the conflict Kevin Lunny, a rancher who has been in the park his entire life, joins us on this episode. Kevin explains the background of the issue, details the ongoing challenges, and discusses the future opportunities to come for the 11 families who are leaving their Point Reyes ranches behind, as well as the difficulties that could remain in the national park.

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There are many questions following the tragic wildfires in Los Angeles. How did the wildfires in Los Angeles get to this point? Could more have been done prior to prevent this level of catastrophe? Where does CCA and the CCA Fire Subcommittee go from here in advocating for more action on prevention? 

Those questions and more are answered on this episode by Anthony Stornetta, a San Luis Obispo County cattle rancher, Deputy Fire Chief of Operations for Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the Chair of CCA’s Fire Subcommittee. Listen as Anthony gives his insights and knowledge on how the LA wildfires got to be what they did and where we go from here as a state with more wildfires in its future. 

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Longtime Sierra Valley cattle rancher Rick Roberti has the reins as CCA President for the next two years. On this first episode of 2025, hear about his background, how he joined the officer team, why he is honored to serve in this leadership position and more. 

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CCA just wrapped up our 108th Annual Convention full of great speakers. On this episode hear from one of them, as National Cattlemen's Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall is our guest on this final episode of Sorting Pen Season 4.

Listen as Colin shares about the status of the Farm Bill, how NCBA feels about some of the nominations that have been made by the incoming Administration, why taxes are a priority for NCBA and much more as we look ahead to a new Congress starting on Jan 3.
 
Episode Resources:

• Get all the details on CattleCon 2025 at https://convention.ncba.org/.
• Learn more about NCBA membership at https://www.ncba.org/membership.

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California Beef Council Director of Food & Nutrition Outreach Kori Dover and host, Katie Roberti share about CBC's engagement and efforts to promote beef at the California School Nutrition Conference in the middle of November. Learn what the conference entails, why it is important CBC invests in showing up at this conference annually, and how exhibiting at this event gives CBC the opportunity to share about beef with decision makers who are selecting what's served at schools throughout California.

Episode Resources:

To see the California Beef in Schools materials Kori shares about visit https://californiabeef.school.

Read more about the Grateful Grazing event here.

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Los Angeles County cattle rancher and CCA member Mike Williams is the current chair of the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, a national organization with a mission to advance, support and communicate continuous improvement of sustainability across the U.S. beef value chain. On this episode, Mike explains what the purpose of the Roundtable is, how he got involved, who makes up the leadership of the organization and more.

Episode resources:
Visit https://www.usrsb.org to learn more about the Roundtable and access the resources Mike shares about in this episode.

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Dr. Ken Tate, a UC Davis Professor of Extension in Rangeland Management and Dr. Tina Saitone, a UC Davis Professor of Extension in Livestock and Rangeland Economics, share about the wolf research in California they have been working on the last three years.

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