In the face of war, internment, and personal tragedy, the Nakagawa family has persevered. Their ranch, remaining as one of the last Japanese American-owned agricultural enterprises in the United States, stands as a symbol of their unwavering resilience. And though Yokichi, the family patriarch, has passed on, his indomitable spirit will continue to live on through the land and his family’s hearts forever.
Today we are joined by Carlos Suarez, the California State Conservationist at NRCS. Together Michael and Carlos discuss the projects that the Rangeland Trust has completed with funding from the NRCS, how the NRCS is funded, the different programs that they offer for funding, as well as how they can work together to help meet our conservations and funding needs.
In this episode, Kevin Kester, Rangeland Trust ranching partner, 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.
Calaveras County, as known as “Frogtown, USA”, was made famous by jumping frogs, so it only seems fitting that frogs are helping a local ranching couple take the leap to conserve their beloved ranch.
Agriculture is a crucial contributor to California’s economy, generating over $132 billion annually by producing 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, farmers and ranchers face various challenges, including unjust criticism and stringent regulations, which exacerbate their hardships. With the dwindling number of these essential stewards, California, as well as the nation and the world, faces the potential of food insecurity.
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.
For this episode, Michael traveled to the Sardella Ranch in Sonora, CA to chat with Michael and Julie Sardella. 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.
In this new episode of Tuned in to the Land, we are joined by a five-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) steer wrestling champion and recent Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Luke Branquinho.
25 years ago, the California Rangeland Trust was born out of need— a need to keep ranchers on the land and a need to keep working lands productive in California.
The year was 1997— land prices were rising, taxes were becoming more burdensome, and the threat of development loomed over California’s rangelands. Feeling the pressures, some ranchers got out of the business altogether, while others moved across state lines to continue their operations. It seemed like the sustainability of California’s ranching industry was in jeopardy.
Gate-getting is like a right of passage in the ranching industry. Whether you were sitting in the passenger seat, you were the youngest in the vehicle, or you drew the short straw for the day, we have all been there. But, gate-getting doesn’t stop after the gate is latched. Though there’s the literal meaning of opening the gate to get you where you need to go, it can also mean opening up opportunities for others.
California Rangeland Trust is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 31-1631453) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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