California’s historic rangelands are disappearing due to economic pressures, regulatory challenges, and urban expansion, threatening the future of cattle ranching. The documentary You Just Can’t See Them From the Road highlights ranchers’ efforts to protect these lands for future generations.
A Film with a Purpose
The California Rangeland Trust (CRT) premiered its award-winning film at Ag Day at the Capitol in Sacramento. CRT CEO Michael Delbar emphasized the importance of sharing ranchers’ daily struggles and contributions.
The film has received support from key agricultural leaders, including California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross and California Farm Bureau Federation President Shannon Douglass, who noted that over 15,000 farms have been lost in the past 20 years due to high regulatory costs.
Showcasing Ranching Heritage
Filmed over a year, the documentary features:
- Hearst Ranch – A 150-year-old operation spanning 150,000 acres.
- Elgorriaga Family – A multigenerational Basque-American ranching family in Madera County.
- Tejon Ranch – A 270,000-acre operation between Los Angeles and Bakersfield.
- Ernest Bufford – A Kern County rancher and retired CHP officer.
- Koopmann Ranch – A six-generation ranch in Sunol, fighting urban expansion.
Raising Awareness
Clayton Koopmann, featured in the film, highlights the disconnect between consumers and food production: “People think food comes from the grocery store, but there’s so much more behind it.” His family’s 900-acre ranch, surrounded by development, works with CRT to ensure conservation.
The Urgent Need for Conservation
California loses 2,000 acres of farmland daily, with projections of nearly 800,000 acres lost by 2040. Protecting these lands is vital for food security, wildlife, and the environment.
Dr. Frank Mitloehner of the CLEAR Center emphasizes ranchers’ role in conservation: “They help sustain native plants and wildlife habitats.” CDFA Secretary Ross adds, “Ranchers work tirelessly to ensure these lands remain for future generations.”
A Powerful Impact
The documentary has won multiple film festival awards and gained national and international recognition. CRT Communications Director Alyssa Rolen notes, “At every screening, people tell us they need tissues—it’s that moving.”
CRT will continue screening the documentary statewide, with the trailer available online.
