Episode 4.6: The Cowboy Side of California

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.

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