Department of Anthropology

Abstract:        The fire seasons in California have stretched into year-round vigils with foothill residents enduring cycles of drought, wildfire, rain, and mudslides. Thus enter new ranchers arguing they in fact are an answer to this cycle, that not only can they reduce the danger of fires, but they can sequester carbon in soil, decrease erosion risk, and rehabilitate habitats. This study is a story of contradictions and competing knowledge claims that have material impacts on our land, climate, and communities. Through the use of semi-structured narrative-form interviews and surveys of 37 first-generation ranchers across the state of California, this talk will explore new ranchers’ motivations for entering the field and why there is a disconnect between much of scientific literature and the knowledge new ranchers draw upon. Agroecology and systems-based agriculture come head-to-head with the failure of governmental, educational, and professional organizations to support new ranchers needs and the future of ranching in California. This presentation will conclude with broader implications of demographic and environmental transitions beyond California and a discussion of potential community and policy interventions to support the next generation of rancher.

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