There is something to be said about California’s rangelands and the captivating stories of multi-generational stewardship held deep within the soil. The ranching industry is rooted in heritage. In fact, according to the California Cattlemen’s Association website, most of the ranches throughout the state have been in the same family for four or more generations. The Oakvale Ranch in Mariposa County, California is no exception.
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.
“It is a common story,” explained Steve Sinton, founding chairman of the Rangeland Trust and current emeritus council member. “Someone wants out, but that is part of the reason we decided to form the Rangeland Trust, to keep these California family ranches together.”
A trip to Elko, Nevada forever changed the lives of Bert and Carol Braun.
Bert and Carol first moved to Loomis, California in 1975. They purchased 5 acres and a feed store which Bert ran for 30 years. They were always active in the community, starting with their involvement in the Chamber of Commerce, volunteer fire department, and local schools. After making a trip to Elko to see the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, they were inspired to introduce Loomis to this fantastic art form. The Cowpoke Fall Gathering was born in that car ride home.
On this month’s episode of Tuned In to the Land, 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 United State’s team in the World Butchers’ Challenge.
Ranching in California is synonymous with history. The stories of family pioneers, their labor, their passion, and stewardship of the land is both fascinating and inspiring. For your reading list recommendations, we want to highlight a few recent publications from our California Rangeland Trust community.
“Burn, baby! Burn!” Michael Sardella, owner of the Sardella Ranch and California Rangeland Trust ranching partner, exclaimed as he watched the first bit of smoke rise off his property. Ordinarily, a scene like this would send a rancher running to call upon emergency services for help. Afterall, that was the case when a wildfire ravaged through Sardella’s Tuolumne County ranch back in 2013. This time, however, the smoke signaled the opposite— it was a sign of progress to help mitigate future wildfires.
On this month’s episode of Tuned In to the Land, Rangeland Trust CEO Michael Delbar visits Bruce Rominger, co-owner of Rominger Brothers Farms in Yolo County, CA. Seated under an old oak tree on the Rominger Ranch, Michael and Bruce discuss the Romingers’ commitment to environmental sustainability, which is demonstrated through their farmland and rangeland management practices.
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).
In honor of Wildfire Awareness Month, Michael Delbar sits down with targeted grazing expert Dan Macon.
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