In this first episode of Season Five of Tuned in to the Land, host Michael Delbar sits down with rancher Katie Delbar, a former USDA Farm Service Agency County Executive Director and current member of the California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. Katie is also Michael’s wife and partner in ranching, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation. Together, they explore how life on the ranch informs leadership at every level, from federal agencies to statewide policy tables.

Katie shares insights from her career working alongside ranchers across Northern California, her firsthand experience navigating wildfire on working lands, and her role representing livestock and rangelands in California’s forestry and fire conversations. Together, Michael and Katie unpack how managed grazing, stewardship, and long-term land planning play critical roles in resilience, wildfire mitigation, and the future of working landscapes.

The episode also takes a look at what it means to be a woman in agriculture—balancing family, leadership, and service while helping shape the next generation of agriculturalists. Grounded, practical, and hopeful, this conversation highlights the people and partnerships needed to keep California’s working lands healthy, productive, and thriving.

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 the final episode of Season 4 of Tuned in to the Land, CEO and host, Michael Delbar, sits down with newly elected Rangeland Trust Chair, Clayton Koopmann. A sixth-generation rancher from Sunol, California, Clayton brings deep family roots, hands-on experience, and a powerful commitment to the future of the Golden State’s working lands

Together, Michael and Clayton reflect on a milestone year for the Rangeland Trust—surpassing the conservation of 100 ranches encompassing more than 421,000 acres. Clayton shares the story of his family’s longstanding connection to the Rangeland Trust, his journey from board member to Chair, and the values and goals he brings to this new leadership role. The conversation also looks ahead to upcoming opportunities, continued partnerships with ranching families, and the vision guiding the next chapter of rangeland conservation.

Join us as we celebrate a year of meaningful progress, honor the families stewarding California’s open spaces, and look forward to the future of protecting the landscapes that sustain us all.

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!

Out here on California’s rangelands, we talk a lot about stewardship—the responsibility to care for the land so it can continue to sustain generations to come. But sometimes, the land gives something back to us in return: peace, perspective, and a place to heal.

This month, as we pause to honor the men and women who have served our nation on Veterans Day, we’re reminded that coming home can often be one of the toughest battles they will ever face. That’s where the Mighty Oaks Foundation steps in. Founded by Chad Robichaux, a former Force Recon Marine and veteran advocate, the organization helps warriors find hope and restoration through faith, brotherhood, and connection—all grounded in the healing power of the land.

In this episode of Tuned in to the Land, CEO and host Michael Delbar sits down with Chad for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about service, healing, and the restorative role that open spaces and working lands can play.

Throughout the episode, Chad shares his personal journey, including the challenges he faced after military service, living with PTSD, and the role that faith played as he worked to rebuild his life. That process eventually led him to form Mighty Oaks, drawing on what he learned and what he wished had existed for others walking a similar road. His story is raw and real, and while parts of the conversation are heavy (a heads up to our listeners), it underscores the profound impact that support, community, faith, and time spent on the land can have in helping people find their way back to hope.

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!