Advertise on podcast: Tuned in to the Land

For many ranching families, the land is more than a place to work—it’s part of their identity, history, and family story. When that relationship with the land changes, the impact can last for generations. In this episode, host and CEO of the Rangeland Trust Michael Delbar sits down with Nita Vail, a fourth-generation rancher who grew up on Santa Rosa Island, where her family ranched for nearly a century. Her journey from island ranching to state government, environmental policy, and helping lead the California Rangeland Trust has given her a unique perspective on the relationship between ranching and conservation. Nita shares what it was like growing up on the island, what her family experienced when they left, and how that shaped more than two decades of work helping ranchers conserve and keep their land. We talk about working lands, conservation, succession, and the importance of finding common ground, even when people don’t always see eye to eye. Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

Succession is one of the greatest challenges facing the ranching industry today. With an estimated 70% of U.S. farms and ranches expected to change hands over the next 20 years, thoughtful planning will be essential to ensuring these operations survive and remain productive for generations to come. Successful succession involves far more than transferring land from one generation to the next. It requires early planning and honest conversations about family roles, business structure, finances, ownership, and the changes that come with transitioning leadership. In this episode, host and CEO of the Rangeland Trust, Michael Delbar, sits down with Rangeland Trust ranching partners Mark and Dina Moore of Lone Star Ranch. They share their experience keeping the ranch intact across generations and the steps they have taken to prepare the next generation to lead while preserving the legacy of the land. The discussion also examines the broader challenges facing ranchers today, including rising costs, regulatory complexity, development pressure, and the difficulty of keeping younger generations engaged in agriculture. Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

Agriculture has never been more visible. As social media gives consumers unprecedented access to life on the farm and ranch, producers have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to share their stories with authenticity and transparency. In this episode, we sit down with Tucker Brown, a rancher from Throckmorton, Texas, who has built a following of more than 211,000 people on Instagram by documenting the day-to-day realities of his family's multi-generational ranch. His passion for educating consumers has led to opportunities to speak at NCBA CattleCon and attend events at the White House, all while continuing to steward his family's ranching legacy. Tucker shares how he balances tradition with innovation through sound business decisions, social media, and advocacy for the beef industry. We also discuss the challenges facing ranchers today, from changing markets, labor shortages, and new technology to the ongoing loss of working lands, and why it's more important than ever for producers to tell agriculture's story, combat misinformation, and build consumer trust in the people and practices behind the food they produce. Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

In this episode, host and CEO Michael Delbar sits down with River Klass, first-generation rancher, restaurateur, and host of the Outdoor Channel’s Ranch America. Together, they explore the realities of ranch life and the critical role ranchers play in producing food, stewarding natural resources, and preserving the open spaces that define much of the American landscape. With nearly 90% of U.S. beef producers operating as small, family-run businesses, ranching remains deeply rooted in local communities—yet many consumers have little connection to the people raising their food. Through his work on Ranch America, River shines a light on the hardworking families who care for their livestock, their land, and their communities, often around the clock. Michael and River discuss the challenges facing today’s ranchers, the importance of sustainable land stewardship, and why bridging the gap between producers and consumers has never been more important. This episode is sponsored by American Jerky Company. Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

California has a long and deeply rooted agricultural history, yet today the state is often defined by technology, urban growth, and innovation hubs like Silicon Valley. As communities become increasingly urbanized, the connection between people and the land that feeds them continues to fade—even as conversations around sustainability, food systems, and local economies grow more important than ever. In this episode, host and CEO of the Rangeland Trust, Michael Delbar, sits down with Julie Morris, co-founder of Morris Grassfed Beef and a passionate advocate for agricultural awareness in the Bay Area. Julie shares her journey from city life to ranching and explains how small farms and ranches play a critical role in land stewardship, biodiversity, and community resilience in the Santa Clara Valley. Together, they explore conservation partnerships, sustainable ranching practices, and ways to bridge the urban-rural divide through education, storytelling, and policy initiatives like the agricultural awareness campaign for the Santa Clara Valley. Julie also discusses the importance of supporting the next generation of farmers and ranchers, protecting local food systems, and preserving working lands that sustain wildlife habitat, food security, and California’s agricultural heritage. This episode offers an insightful look at how collaboration, stewardship, and community engagement can help shape a more resilient future for both people and the land. Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

Last week, we celebrated Earth Day—but for ranchers, that responsibility doesn’t only come once a year. Stewardship is part of the job, every day. Caring for working lands means tending soil, water, and wildlife habitat while sustaining the agricultural legacy that keeps California’s landscapes thriving. In this episode, host and CEO of the Rangeland Trust, Michael Delbar, sits down with Stan Van Vleck of Van Vleck Ranch, a multi-generational family operation with more than 170 years of agricultural history. Stan shares his journey from growing up on the ranch, to building a career in law, and ultimately returning home to take over the family business during a time of significant change in the agricultural landscape. Together, they explore how Van Vleck Ranch has adapted over time—evolving its cattle operation, diversifying its portfolio, and embracing conservation through easements, habitat stewardship, and strategic partnerships that keep the land intact and working for wildlife, people, and the planet. At the heart of the conversation is a reality many ranchers face: caring for the land has always been part of the work—but staying economically sustainable has become increasingly difficult. We often talk about “sustainable agriculture” in terms of the environment, but true sustainability also has to include the economics. If it doesn’t pencil out, it doesn’t last. And today, growing pressures have made that balance harder than it was for previous generations, with many family ranches only able to support one family at a time. The Van Vlecks’ story is one example of how ranchers are navigating that reality—finding new ways to make it work through grit, perseverance, resilience, and innovation. Because if the economics don’t hold, neither does the stewardship. Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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 the International Year of the Woman Farmer and the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. It’s a moment to reflect on the contributions, leadership, and resilience of those working the land, and to highlight the stories that often go untold. At the Rangeland Trust, we’re fortunate to partner with remarkable landowners across California, many of whom are women leading the way in agriculture and conservation. In this episode, we spotlight one of those leaders: our 2025 Conservationist of the Year, Karen Sweet, honored at A Western Affair alongside her late husband, Darrel. A founding board member and Emeritus Council member, Darrel helped shape the Rangeland Trust’s legacy, and together, the Sweet family has built a powerful story rooted in stewardship, partnership, and dedication to the land. In this episode, Rangeland Trust CEO and host Michael Delbar sits down with Karen to discuss how ranching in Alameda County has evolved, the vital role women continue to play in the industry, and the decision her family made to permanently conserve their ranch. Together, they also explore her leadership within the broader conservation community—including her work with the California Rangeland Conservation Coalition—and her perspective on what lies ahead for the next generation of land stewards. Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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 wildfire, and helping maintain open, working landscapes that support wildlife habitat and rural communities. This work doesn’t happen only on private lands. Millions of acres of public lands across the West are grazed under federal permits, forming a critical link in the stewardship of vast, connected ecosystems—and the ranchers who steward them play an important role in keeping them resilient and productive. In this episode, host and CEO of the Rangeland Trust, Michael Delbar, is joined by Kaitlynn Glover, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council, to explore the realities of grazing on public lands. Together, they discuss the role of the Council, the challenges ranchers face, opportunities within federal grazing permits, and how producers are working to care for the land while supporting rural communities. Kaitlynn also addresses common misconceptions about grazing and explains why producer voices remain essential in shaping the future of public lands stewardship. Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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 Fire Protection. Katie is also Michael’s wife and partner in ranching, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation. Together, they explore how life on the ranch informs leadership at every level, from federal agencies to statewide policy tables. Katie shares insights from her career working alongside ranchers across Northern California, her firsthand experience navigating wildfire on working lands, and her role representing livestock and rangelands in California’s forestry and fire conversations. Together, Michael and Katie unpack how managed grazing, stewardship, and long-term land planning play critical roles in resilience, wildfire mitigation, and the future of working landscapes. The episode also takes a look at what it means to be a woman in agriculture—balancing family, leadership, and service while helping shape the next generation of agriculturalists. Grounded, practical, and hopeful, this conversation highlights the people and partnerships needed to keep California’s working lands healthy, productive, and thriving. Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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 roots, hands-on experience, and a powerful commitment to the future of the Golden State’s working lands Together, Michael and Clayton reflect on a milestone year for the Rangeland Trust—surpassing the conservation of 100 ranches encompassing more than 421,000 acres. Clayton shares the story of his family’s longstanding connection to the Rangeland Trust, his journey from board member to Chair, and the values and goals he brings to this new leadership role. The conversation also looks ahead to upcoming opportunities, continued partnerships with ranching families, and the vision guiding the next chapter of rangeland conservation.  Join us as we celebrate a year of meaningful progress, honor the families stewarding California’s open spaces, and look forward to the future of protecting the landscapes that sustain us all. Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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, and a place to heal. This month, as we pause to honor the men and women who have served our nation on Veterans Day, we’re reminded that coming home can often be one of the toughest battles they will ever face. That’s where the Mighty Oaks Foundation steps in. Founded by Chad Robichaux, a former Force Recon Marine and veteran advocate, the organization helps warriors find hope and restoration through faith, brotherhood, and connection—all grounded in the healing power of the land. In this episode of Tuned in to the Land, CEO and host Michael Delbar sits down with Chad for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about service, healing, and the restorative role that open spaces and working lands can play. Throughout the episode, Chad shares his personal journey, including the challenges he faced after military service, living with PTSD, and the role that faith played as he worked to rebuild his life. That process eventually led him to form Mighty Oaks, drawing on what he learned and what he wished had existed for others walking a similar road. His story is raw and real, and while parts of the conversation are heavy (a heads up to our listeners), it underscores the profound impact that support, community, faith, and time spent on the land can have in helping people find their way back to hope. Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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 increasing challenges—from shrinking markets and limited processing options to regulatory pressures and the spread of misinformation—that threaten the future of ranching as we know it. But as public interest in strengthening local food systems grows, so does the movement to stand behind our ranchers. Across the state, organizations are stepping up to build connections, strengthen local food systems, and create lasting solutions through collaboration. In this episode, Rangeland Trust CEO and host, Michael Delbar, sits down with Michael Dimock, Executive Director of Roots of Change, to discuss how these partnerships are helping bridge divides, address challenges facing producers, and empower the next generation of ranchers. Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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 tradition, and if those stories aren’t shared, they risk being lost. In this episode, we highlight Roots and Resilience: California Ranchers in Their Own Words, a book that brings together the voices of ranching families from across the state through stories, poems, and essays. Host and CEO of the Rangeland Trust, Michael Delbar, is joined by Dr. Susan Marshall, Emeritus Professor at Cal Poly Humboldt and the editor who brought this project to life, to discuss her inspiration, the editing journey, and what she hopes people will gain from reading the book. As a bonus, we also hear from contributor and Rangeland Trust Legacy Council Chair, Jessica Schley. Jessica reflects on her family’s ranching history and how the loss of their family’s property inspires her work today and fuels her support of the Rangeland Trust. As a special treat, she reads an excerpt from her piece in the book—bringing her words and perspective to life in a way only she can. When you purchase a copy of Roots and Resilience, a portion of the proceeds directly supports the California Rangeland Trust and our mission to protect the state’s working landscapes for generations to come. Purchase yours here: https://a.co/d/jhICAL9 Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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 adaptability. Yet, the challenges they face are many: from water shortages and unpredictable weather to shifting regulations and rising costs, today’s ranchers are navigating pressures from every direction. In this episode, CEO and host, Michael Delbar, revisits with the Elgorriaga family—whose story you may recognize from our documentary You Just Can’t See Them From the Road. For generations, they have ranched in California’s Central Valley, meeting each new challenge with persistence, passion, and creativity. Michael sits down with four members of the third generation of the Elgorriaga family—Stephen, Peter, Paul, and Christina—to reflect on their upbringing, the values that have sustained them, and their vision for the future of the ranch as the next generation grows on the land. More than just a family history, this conversation offers an intimate look at the everyday realities of ranching in modern California—and a powerful reminder of what’s at stake when we talk about protecting working lands and the people who steward them. Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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 values of ranch life. Located in the Cholame Valley, the V6 Ranch is more than a working cattle operation. It’s a living legacy of conservation, hospitality, and heritage. In this episode, host and CEO, Michael Delbar, sits down with Jack, John, and Lauren Varian to share the story of their ranch. They discuss what it means to protect the land through a conservation easement with the California Rangeland Trust, and how they open their gates to the public through cattle drives, trail rides, and cowboy academies. Together, they talk about what it means to live with the land, to honor the past while preparing for the future, and to keep the spirit of the West alive. If you want to learn more about how you can get involved in the work that we do, visit rangelandtrust.org Want to learn more? Chat with us! Support the show Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!