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.

If you want to learn more about how you can get involved in the work that we do, visit rangelandtrust.org

Want to learn more? Chat with us!

Support the show

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

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.

Want to learn more? Chat with us!

Support the show

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

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.

__________

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.

__________

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.

Want to learn more? Chat with us!

Support the show

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