Year of the Woman Farmer
Meet three woman ranchers raising beef in California while helping build a more resilient future for our state.
Building a more resilient California
Why ranching families are key to healthy public lands
Meet a ranching family in Northeastern California in out newest video
We all have a reason to love California.
From our coastlines and forests to our valleys and open spaces, California’s landscapes are part of what makes this state home. Ranchers share that connection—and for generations, they have worked to care for these places while raising food for families across the state. Through managed cattle grazing, ranchers are helping create healthier landscapes, support wildlife, and build a more resilient California.
Reducing wildfire risk
Managed cattle grazing has the power to help mitigate wildfire spread and intensity. By reducing vegetation that can become fuel for catastrophic wildfire, grazing helps ranchers manage landscapes and support wildfire preparedness.
Wildlife Conservation
California’s working ranches provide important habitat for wildlife and help maintain open spaces across the state. Ranchers care for more than 38 million acres of California’s forests and rangelands, creating landscapes where people, livestock, and wildlife can coexist.
Food Sustainability
Managed cattle grazing connects healthy landscapes with the food we eat. By converting California’s grasses into nutritious beef, ranching supports a natural cycle that benefits both people and the environment.
Celebrating International Year of the Woman Farmer
Meet women ranchers raising beef in California and helping build a more resilient future. Get to know their stories, grab their family recipes, and bring a taste of California ranch life to your table.
Getting to Know California’s Ranching Families
California’s cattle ranching families help make California resilient.
California Feedlots Myths vs. Facts
California’s cattle feedlots are critical to the state’s food system, supporting a safe, affordable beef supply while advancing California’s policy priorities on organic waste diversion, methane reduction, and environmental stewardship.
Grazing is California's superpower
See why on a Bay Area ranch
When managed responsibly, grazing cattle help reduce wildfire risk, support healthy landscapes, provide wildlife habitat, and produce food for families across the state. Ranchers are using this powerful tool every day to help build a more resilient California. We believe in the power of grazing, and we believe in California.
See how wide open spaces make California resilient.
Hear from the experts
Californians making a resilient California.
Stories of Californians working to make the Golden State's more resilient
Resilient Rancher: Markie
Markie Hagemean Jones is a wife, an animal lover, an appraiser and a mom. Like most moms, she juggles a lot. She is also a first generation cattle rancher.
Resilient Rancher: Jennifer
Jennifer owns and operates the Likely General Store. She is also part of the fifth generation of family running Likely Land and Livestock.
