Tag: ranching

California family secures 140-year ranching legacy by conserving their ranch in Gabilan Range 

The California Rangeland Trust is pleased to announce the conservation of the 9,400-acre Silacci Ranch in San Benito and Monterey Counties, Calif. Five generations of the Silacci family have been raised on the land, and just like other ranchers, they have faced many challenges that have made it increasingly difficult to continue ranching. With struggles like squeezed profit margins, increased fuel and labor costs, drought and water restrictions, stringent policies, and more, ranchers are often pressured to find alternative forms of income to supplement their business operations. By partnering with the Rangeland Trust to conserve the property, the family is safeguarding their ranch from future uncertainties and ensuring that their land and operations will remain viable for generations to come.

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Calaveras County family secures their family’s long ranching legacy

The California Rangeland Trust is proud to announce the conservation of the Nakagawa Ranch in Valley Springs, Calif. The United States is losing farm and ranch land at an alarming rate—2,000 acres a day are lost to development and conversion, according to a recent study by the American Farmland Trust. These losses threaten our nation’s food security and natural resources. Seeing development encroach firsthand led to the Nakagawas decision to conserve.

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Season 2 Episode 11: Voices Matter

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.

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Season 2 Episode 10: Navigating the Threats to California Agriculture

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.

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Season 2 Episode 9: Sharing California’s Ranching History

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.

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Season 2 Episode 8: The Sardella Ranch

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.

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25 Years of Fighting for the Future by Keeping Ranchers Ranching

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.

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Season 2 Episode 6: Gate-Getting vs. Gatekeeping

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.

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