Sorting Pen: The California Cattleman Podcast

California Cattlemen's Association
  • 4.9 (10)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A podcast sorting through the issues impacting California's ranching families and producers.

  1. MAR 23

    S6 E6: Sorting through these warm days and a potential El Niño with meteorologist Brian Bledsoe

    It's hot! What's up with California’s weather being unusually warm this March? Meteorologist & Climatologist Brian Bledsoe joins us to explain why this spring is feeling more like summer so far, break down this winter’s rainfall, and discuss whether a potential El Niño or even a super El Niño could be on the horizon. We also dive into the weather and situation with the devastating wildfires ripping through Nebraska cattle country. Episode Resources:  Visit brianbledsoeweather.com to connect with Brian.  Text us your comments, feedback and episode ideas!

    21 min

  2. MAR 8

    S6 E5: Sorting through a new Central Coast food safety study and ranchers' roles in the research

    On March 5, initial findings from a new California study examining ways to improve produce safety—particularly on the Central Coast—were unveiled. The multi-year study was conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in partnership with the Western Center for Food Safety at the University of California, Davis, the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and agricultural stakeholders across the region. Central Coast cattle ranchers are among those stakeholders. In this episode, we are joined by Jack Rice, owner of Western Resource Strategies LLC, to discuss why ranchers have a seat at the table, how this collaborative study came together, and his takeaways from the newly released findings. Episode Resources:  Constituent Update— FDA and Partners in the Central Coast Agricultural Region of California Share Findings from Multi-year Environmental StudyConnect with the RTAP team at calcattlemenfoundation.org/RTAP Text us your comments, feedback and episode ideas!

    24 min

  3. FEB 23

    S6 E4: Sorting through getting to know NCBA President Gene Copenhaver and President-Elect Kim Brackett

    On this episode, we’re honored to sit down with current National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) President Gene Copenhaver and President-Elect Kim Brackett for a conversation to get to know them. They share insights from their leadership journeys, discuss the priorities shaping NCBA’s agenda, and reflect on what's ahead for them in their leadership roles with NCBA. Text us your comments, feedback and episode ideas!

    18 min

  4. FEB 10

    S6 E3: Sorting through top priorities at CattleCon 2026 (New World screwworm, dietary guidelines and more)

    National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) Executive Director of Government Affairs Sigrid Johanes is back on Sorting Pen. In this episode from CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Sigrid shares about the years of work behind the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Also hear the latest on the threats of New World screwworm and the Asian Longhorned Tick.  Episode Resources: Secretary Kennedy's Selfie from CattleConProgressive Farmer: "Kennedy to Cattlemen: Produce More Beef After Pyramid Reversal"Text us your comments, feedback and episode ideas!

    20 min

  5. JAN 26

    S6 E2: Sorting through CCA’s early 2026 legislative efforts

    In this episode of Sorting Pen, we’re sorting through CCA’s early 2026 legislative efforts as lawmakers return to Sacramento for the second year of a two-year session. CCA's Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur joins to talk about what CCA is watching early on, and whether the lack of major new threats so far is encouraging—or just the calm before the storm. We also dive into CCA’s request for funding for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wolf Program, Kirk's upcoming opportunity to testify on human-wildlife coexistence, and more. Text us your comments, feedback and episode ideas!

    31 min

  6. JAN 12

    S6 E1: Sorting through the news of the new year

    To open the first episode of 2026, host Katie Roberti is joined by CCA President Rick Roberti for a conversation on the ongoing gray wolf crisis, thoughts on his final year as president, and what lies ahead for CCA. Together, they also take time to honor and remember the leadership and lasting legacy of Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Text us your comments, feedback and episode ideas!

    30 min

  7. 12/08/2025

    S5 E25: Sorting through the journey to legalize livestock composting in California | PART TWO

    How do you turn an idea like legalizing livestock composting into law in California? In part two of this two-part series, we go behind the scenes with researchers Laura Snell and Dr. Kasey DeAtley to cover the bill itself, how it moved through the Legislature, and what it means for ranchers going forward.  Text us your comments, feedback and episode ideas!

    27 min

  8. 11/24/2025

    S5 E24: Sorting through life at D Bar M with owner Jack Bassett

    This episode was recorded where the cowboys shop—D Bar M — in downtown Reno. Hear from the owner himself about this iconic western store before our 109th annual convention takes place in Reno next week! Text us your comments, feedback and episode ideas!

    16 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

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A podcast sorting through the issues impacting California's ranching families and producers.

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