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 communications plays in sustaining the agricultural industry and fostering understanding between those who produce our food and those who consume it.

From her rural Nebraska ranch to reaching millions through social media, Natalie has built a platform grounded in transparency, connection, and an unwavering passion for the industry. In this conversation, she shares how her journey into digital storytelling began, why it’s essential for producers to be proactive voices, and how authenticity can build trust with a public increasingly disconnected from where their food comes from.

You'll hear how Natalie tackles misinformation, elevates real stories from the land, and empowers other producers to join the conversation with clarity and confidence. Whether you're directly involved in agriculture or simply curious about the people and practices behind your food, this episode offers compelling insight into how communication can bridge the gap between producers and the public.

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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-response. Crews have been forced to focus on active flames, while at-risk properties are left vulnerable. Too often, property owners are left standing alone—garden hose in hand—without a plan or resources to protect what they’ve spent a lifetime building. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

In honor of Wildfire Awareness Month, this episode focuses on proactive solutions—strategies that give landowners the tools and confidence to act before the flames arrive. Joining host and CEO, Michael Delbar, are two experts on the frontlines of wildfire prevention: Shawn Sahbari, founder and CEO of Komodo Fire Systems, and Stuart Mitchell, a Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist with Wildfire Mitigation Advisors. Together, they share real-world advice, innovative products, and field-tested tactics to help property owners protect their land, homes, and legacies from the growing threat of wildfire.

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If you found today’s conversation helpful and want to dive deeper into wildfire preparedness, join the California Rangeland Trust and Komodo Fire Systems for an upcoming webinar titled “Mitigating Fire Risks on YOUR Ranch.”

You’ll hear more from Stuart Mitchell on smart, real-world mitigation strategies, gain insurance insights from a local agent, and explore the range of products Komodo offers to help you protect and prepare your property.

To learn more and reserve your spot, visit rangelandtrust.org/events.

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If you’re interested in having Stuart visit your property to assess and help reduce wildfire risk, head to wildfiremitigationadvisors.com to learn more and get in touch.

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Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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 Earth Day, we’re excited to welcome a guest who shares that same passion for the planet—and for truth in science. Dr. Frank Mitloehner, commonly known as the "Greenhouse Gas Guru," is a professor and air quality specialist at UC Davis and leads the CLEAR Center, where research meets real-world application.

In this episode, our host and CEO, Michael Delbar, sits down with Dr. Mitloehner to explore his groundbreaking research and how it's helping ranchers, policymakers, and the public rethink the role of livestock in the climate conversation. With the right management, livestock don’t just feed the world—they can help heal the land.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture and the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences invite you to participate in a two-day conference: State of the Science Summit: Reducing Methane from Animal Agriculture. The Summit will be held May 19-21, 2025 at the ARC Ballroom at UC Davis. Register for the Summit here: https://caes.ucdavis.edu/news/events/FeedSummit

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Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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 Ross shares her journey from rural Nebraska to leading the nation’s largest agricultural economy. She also discusses the myriad of challenges and opportunities facing California agriculture from sustainability and land conservation to the policies shaping the future of the industry.

Join host and CEO of the California Rangeland Trust, Michael Delbar, as he and Secretary Ross explore the vital role of working lands in feeding our nation. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the past, present, and future of California agriculture!

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Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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 Delbar, sits down with Chet Vogt, whose family founded Vogt Silversmiths, a name synonymous with timeless craftsmanship and Western tradition.

Chet takes us on a journey through the rich history of his family’s legacy, the meticulous artistry that goes into each handcrafted piece, and the deep connection between their ranching background and their designs. We’ll also explore how the decline of traditional trades threatens the future of Western craftsmanship—and what Vogt Silversmiths is doing to preserve this time-honored craft for generations to come.

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Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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 Bufford of Bufford Ranch, a former Los Angeles CHP officer turned first-generation rancher. Ernest’s conservation journey began in the early 2000s when he acquired over 500 acres in Kern County's Walker Basin. In 2013, he partnered with the Rangeland Trust to protect his 575-acre ranch through a conservation easement, laying the foundation for a remarkable legacy of stewardship and preservation.

Since then, Ernest has expanded his efforts, using funds from the easement to conserve an adjacent stretch of land in 2016 and, with support from private donors, adding a 65-acre parcel in 2023. Today, he has safeguarded a total of 910 acres, protecting six diverse ecosystems and numerous plant and animal species. Ernest’s contributions extend beyond land preservation—through partnerships with a local tribe and California State University, Bakersfield, he has unearthed and preserved artifacts dating back over 3,200 years. His respect for the land’s history and the people who came before him drives his mission to honor and protect the land for future generations.

In this episode, Rangeland Trust CEO and host Michael Delbar sits down with Ernest to discuss his journey into ranching, his conservation efforts, and what it means to be named Conservationist of the Year. Together, they reflect on the importance of preserving rangelands, honoring the past, and ensuring the land’s vitality for years to come.

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Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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, all aimed at improving soil quality and building resilience. From rotational grazing and cover cropping to composting and carbon sequestration projects, the Stones have seen firsthand the benefits of prioritizing the health of their soil. Their efforts have not only improved the productivity of their land but also strengthened the ecological balance that supports wildlife and plant diversity.

We are excited to share the second half of the conversation with Scott and Karen Stone as they walk us through the importance of soil care and the practices that are making a difference on their ranch.

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Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!

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 tirelessly to sustain this landscape, ensuring its health as a working ranch and vibrant business.

California Rangeland Trust's CEO, Michael Delbar, joined two of the individuals at the helm of this operation, Scott and Karen Stone. Scott and Karen, alongside their family, have continually adapted their practices, embracing innovation to keep their operations viable and resilient. In 2005, they conserved their 7,500-acre property with the California Rangeland Trust, becoming champions for conservation.

In this episode, we dig into the Stones' operations at Yolo Land and Cattle Co., their decision to conserve, and their vision for future generations who will care for the land.

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Learn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!