A SEAT AT THE TABLE: Bay Area Legislator Visits Ranching Family
In March, Assemblymember Timothy Grayson took his seat at the 43rd Steak & Eggs Breakfast. Joining him at the same table that morning were Sierra Valley ranchers Rick and Carolyn Roberti. The annual breakfast event put on by the California Cattlemen’s Association and California Cattlemen’s Foundation is an opportunity to do exactly this—bring legislators and regulators together to meet California cattle ranchers and learn about the value of ranching in the Golden State. There is no way of knowing where the introductions at each table may lead or what seeds are being planted for future visits during these breakfast conversations. This year, however, the discussions at a few tables pleasingly led to multiple legislators visiting cattle ranches in the weeks following the breakfast.
Assemblymember Grayson, a Democrat representing a district in the suburbs of the Bay Area, is one of those legislators. Less than two months after the breakfast and the invitation for a ranch tour, he traveled north beyond his district lines and outside of the halls of Sacramento to visit Roberti Ranch in Plumas County.
"I am very appreciative of Assemblymember Grayson for making the time for this visit, taking an interest in our part of the state, and having a desire to see what we do," Rick said. "It was special to learn about him, share about our ranching lifestyle and come to find out we have a lot more in common than one may expect.”
Upon arriving at the ranch via motorcycle, views of cattle grazing welcomed him as he drove through Sierra Valley. This time of year, more and more truckloads are returning cattle to the valley for summer.
Vastly different from Concord, Antioch and the other communities of the North Bay and East Bay that Grayson represents, this ranch tour, hosted by the California Cattlemen’s Foundation with support from the California Cattle Council, was an opportunity for the legislator to learn more about the importance of ranching in the state he’s serving. The member was also eager to hear about the challenges, opportunities, and needs of this region of California.
"In a state as diverse as California, we know not all legislators are aware of the important work ranchers are doing every day throughout the state," California Cattlemen's Foundation Director of Education Lisa Brendlen said. "This tour was an exciting way to give Assemblymember Grayson a first-hand look at many of the ways ranchers are stewards and for him to see the beauty of California ranches."
Assemblymember Grayson with Lisa Brendlen of the California Cattlemen’s Foundation and Carolyn and Rick Roberti at the Roberti Ranch.
After introductions with the family and hearing a little history of the 100-year ranch, the tour moved to the corral as Rick and Carolyn’s son Weston brought a cow into the chute. Here, the Assemblymember could see a cow close-up and how ranchers handle and care for their cattle. Weston demonstrated how shots are given, explained why cattle have brands and ear tags and showed some of the technological advancements California cattle ranchers are utilizing to maximize efficiency and handle their animals in the most humane ways. A few of the best practices the family uses from the Beef Quality Assurance guidelines were also highlighted here before heading out to see the pastures and farming side of the operation.
With Sierra Valley sitting in the path of the Pacific Flyway, the member saw hundreds of birds and waterfowl while driving around the ranch. Rick, who has a lifelong love for wildlife, has made it a priority to create multiple spaces on the ranch where species can thrive including ponds, bird boxes, and nesting habitats.
“I always had good, positive thoughts about the industry, especially ranching. But this has taken it over the top,” Assemblymember Grayson said during the tour. “What you have done with the land, your passion with wildlife and preserving areas of land for wildlife is just absolutely amazing. You have cared for your land and become a steward that has preserved this. I'm in absolute awe."
In addition to showing how ranchers care for more than just cattle on the millions of rangelands they manage throughout the state, driving around the ranch also led to conversations on water, predators, the numerous benefits of well-managed cattle grazing, and the current challenges rural communities face. With the surrounding mountains of the valley having burned in multiple wildfires in the last five years, including in the mega Dixie Fire, the impacts of recent catastrophic wildfires were also touched on including the difficulties of securing insurance.
“It’s obvious that it’s not about a paycheck to you. This is about life.”
After the tour, the group gathered around the dining room table with other members of the Roberti family who live and work on the ranch. Conversations continued over tri-tip, salad, Swiss polenta and homemade sausage.
“This is an incredible operation,” Assemblymember Grayson said before the tour was over. "I'm so glad I sat at the table [at Steak & Eggs breakfast] with you all."
“With the sun shining, green grass growing, snowcapped mountains surrounding the valley and the infamous Sierra Valley wind even holding off for the tour, we couldn’t have asked for a nicer day to get to know the member and share what we do,” Carolyn said. “It was an honor to host Assemblymember Grayson.”
Following lunch, Assemblymember Grayson left with factsheets in hand, reinforcing positive messages about ranching in California including the ecological, environmental, and economic benefits. Brendlen collaborates with the California Cattle Council team and the Foundation's communications staff to deliver these factsheets and messages to key officials throughout the year.
Additionally, organizing ranch tours like this and being a resource to help guide conversations before, during and after visits, are top job priorities for Brendlen’s role at the Foundation. She is currently working to schedule more tours on ranches to educate other officials about the benefits and value of cattle ranching to California’s environment and economy.
“I’m thankful to work with ranchers who are generous of their time and willing to open their ranch gates to share with leaders like Assemblymember Grayson,” Brendlen said. “I am thrilled about the connections made here today and looking forward to executing more ranch visits like this.”
