Tuned in to the Land
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.
Episodes
54 episodes
Episode 5.3: Women on the Range - Karen Sweet’s Story
March is always a meaningful time. It is a chance to celebrate International Women’s Day and National Ag Day, all while recognizing the people who shape our agricultural landscapes. This year carries even greater significance as it also marks t...
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Season 5
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Episode 3
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44:55
Episode 5.2: Grazing on Public Lands
Grazing has long played a vital role in sustaining the landscapes of the American West. Thoughtfully managed, livestock grazing supports healthy rangelands by reducing invasive species, managing fuel loads that can contribute to catastrophic wi...
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Season 5
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Episode 2
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57:25
Episode 5.1: Ranching, Leadership, & Legacy
In this first episode of Season Five of Tuned in to the Land, host Michael Delbar sits down with rancher Katie Delbar, a former USDA Farm Service Agency County Executive Director and current member of the California State Board of Forestry and ...
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Season 5
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Episode 1
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58:24
Episode 4.11: Milestones & Momentum - A Conversation with Our New Board Chair
In the final episode of Season 4 of Tuned in to the Land, CEO and host, Michael Delbar, sits down with newly elected Rangeland Trust Chair, Clayton Koopmann. A sixth-generation rancher from Sunol, California, Clayton brings deep family...
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Season 4
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Episode 11
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42:36
Episode 4.10: Where the Land Heals - Veterans, Faith, and the Mighty Oaks Mission
Out here on California’s rangelands, we talk a lot about stewardship—the responsibility to care for the land so it can continue to sustain generations to come. But sometimes, the land gives something back to us in return: peace, perspective, an...
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Season 4
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Episode 10
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1:02:45
Episode 4.9: Rooted in Change - Strengthening Ranching Through Partnership
At the Rangeland Trust, we’re rooted in conserving California’s working lands through voluntary conservation easements—but just as vital is our commitment to supporting the ranchers who care for these lands every day. Yet today’s producers face...
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Season 4
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Episode 9
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51:53
Episode 4.8: Preserving the Stories of California's Ranching Families
At the Rangeland Trust, conserving California’s working landscapes means more than protecting open space—it also means preserving the stories of the people who steward them. Ranching families carry generations of knowledge, resilience, and trad...
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Season 4
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Episode 8
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1:04:39
Episode 4.7: Reflecting on the Realities of Ranching in Modern-Day California
At the Rangeland Trust, we are honored to work alongside people whose livelihoods are deeply tied to the health of the land. Ranchers know that caring for the land is more than a responsibility—it’s a way of life built on stewardship, grit, and...
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Season 4
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Episode 7
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55:58
Episode 4.6: The Cowboy Side of California
In celebration of the National Day of the Cowboy, we’re taking you to the “cowboy side of California” — the small town of Parkfield — where the Varian family has spent generations stewarding the land, building community, and sharing the ...
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Season 4
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Episode 6
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58:22
Episode 4.5: Ag Advocacy in the Digital Age
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 c...
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Season 4
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Episode 5
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43:52
Episode 4.4: Getting Prepared for Wildfire Season
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-...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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1:01:43
Episode 4.3: The Greenhouse Gas Guru
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 Ea...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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58:13
Episode 4.2: Celebrating California Agriculture
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 R...
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Season 4
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Episode 2
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47:09
Episode 4.1: Crafting Western Tradition
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...
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Season 4
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Episode 1
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29:09
Episode 3.12: 2024 Conservationist of the Year
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 B...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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36:50
BONUS: Healthy Soils - Foundation for Resilience
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, a...
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27:18
Episode 3.11: Champions for Conservation
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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41:11
Episode 3.10: The Farm-to-Fork Movement
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 pra...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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50:25
BONUS: Celebrating 20 Years of PORT
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 ...
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56:09
Episode 3.9: Educating the Next Generation of Ranchers
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 critic...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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39:28
Episode 3.8: California Cattlemen's Association
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 advocat...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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1:00:24
Episode 3.7: Educate & Expose
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 g...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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36:11
Episode 3.6: Stronger Together
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 str...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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44:06
Episode 3.5: Covering the Burning Topics with Anthony Stornetta
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 destru...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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44:30
Episode 3.4: For the Love of the Land
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. Thr...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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37:41
