Rick Roberti on Cattle, Beef, Wolves, Wildfires and California Agriculture

California agriculture is facing a complicated mix of challenges, and on the latest AgNet News Hour, Ag Meter Nick Papagni sat down with Rick Roberti, president of the California Cattlemen’s Association, for a wide-ranging conversation about cattle, beef prices, imported meat, wolves, processing, wildfires and the future of California agriculture.

The conversation comes as the U.S. cattle herd remains at a reported 70-year low, creating significant challenges for ranchers, processors and consumers. Roberti explained that rebuilding cattle numbers takes years and represents a substantial investment. The recent discussion surrounding imported beef has therefore generated concern within the cattle industry—not simply because of price, but because of questions about market perception, consistency and maintaining the reputation of U.S. beef.

Papagni and Roberti also discussed the concentration of the meatpacking industry and the federal government’s interest in the Packers and Stockyards Act. Roberti said existing rules should be enforced while acknowledging that meatpacking has become highly efficient and concentrated. They also explored whether more local and small-scale meat processing could provide additional opportunities for farmers and ranchers, while recognizing the labor, regulatory and economic obstacles involved in processing an entire animal.

The conversation broadened to a challenge particularly important to California ranchers: wolves. Roberti described continued frustration over livestock losses and restrictions surrounding wolf management, while emphasizing that ranchers are seeking the ability to protect their property rather than eliminate the entire wolf population. He also discussed federal delisting efforts, California regulations and the need for greater communication among ranchers, wildlife officials and conservation organizations.

Another major topic was the New World screwworm and other livestock threats, including the Asian longhorned tick. Roberti explained why the movement of Mexican cattle remains economically significant to U.S. feeders, grain producers, slaughterhouses and processors.

The interview also examined California’s wildfire crisis. Roberti argued that forest management, thinning, grazing, logging and prescribed fire all need greater attention, pointing to increasingly dense forests and unmanaged vegetation as significant concerns. He questioned whether current fire-management practices are adequately protecting rural communities and agricultural operations.

Throughout the discussion, Papagni and Roberti returned to a broader question: how can California agriculture remain competitive when producers face higher labor and regulatory costs while competing with imported products? Both stressed the importance of marketing American and California-grown food and helping consumers understand where their food comes from.

This is a conversation covering far more than cattle. Listen to the full AgNet News Hour interview with Rick Roberti for the complete discussion on beef, imported meat, meat processing, wolves, screwworm, wildfire management and the issues shaping California agriculture.

Listen to Part 1 of the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.