Santa Barbara County CattleWomen

08/26/2026

We are so Grateful for this opportunity and the generous donation to help make our Senior Dinners possible!

08/19/2026

Cowboy Republic A legacy more than a century in the making.
n 1917, Dominique Machado’s great-great-grandparents immigrated from Pico Island in the Azores of Portugal, carrying with them a dream, a strong work ethic, and a deep connection to the land.

They settled in California and established what would become Machado Ranch in Lompoc, CA. The ranch started out as a dry bean farm and then began raising cattle in the 1940’s. The Machado ranch has remained in the same family for more than a century.

Dominique is the next generation preparing to carry that legacy forward. Alongside her grandmother Joanne, she’s learning every aspect of the ranch, from caring for the cattle and stewarding the land to understanding the responsibility that comes with preserving a family operation built over generations.

Spending the day with Dominique and her grandmother was a reminder that ranching is about so much more than raising cattle. It’s about family, sacrifice, resilience, and honoring those who came before us while preparing the next generation to carry the torch.

🎥 Our full documentary interview from Machado Ranch in Lompoc, California is coming soon. Stay tuned.

These are the stories we’re committed to preserving.
Not just the history of the California, but the families who continue to live it every day.

PortugueseHeritage FamilyLegacy WomenInRanching CattleRanch WesternHeritage Documentary PreservingTheWest

08/17/2026

Repost CalResilient

Cattle eat non-native grasses, and in the process, can help improve habitat for endangered species.

The Sacramento U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office highlighted this and how grazing can be an important conservation tool for unique ecosystems in California.

FRIDAY FACT: Cattle grazing can help ✨ endangered species. ✨

Cattle eat non-native grasses, and in the process, can help improve habitat for endangered species.

The Sacramento U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office highlighted this and how grazing can be an important conservation tool for unique ecosystems in California.

Check out their infographic below and read the full story to learn more about the connection between cattle grazing and vernal pool conservation. 👇

https://www.fws.gov/story/2022-02/grazing-conservation

08/16/2026

A controversial measure to study and develop a roadmap for bringing grizzly bears back to California has effectively died for the year

08/13/2026

Spanish Ranch: A Place Worth Keeping

What makes a piece of land worth saving?

For Spanish Ranch, the answer lies in generations of stewardship, a rich history, and the people who recognized that this landscape was worth protecting.

Nearly two centuries apart, two women made the choice to hold on to this special place. Today, Spanish Ranch remains an important part of California’s working landscape—and is permanently protected for generations to come.

Discover the people and history behind this remarkable conservation story.

Read the full story: https://buff.ly/fExbDLK

08/10/2026

What is one word you would use to describe a CattleWoman?

We would love to hear.

07/28/2026

Our amazing K-12 Education Committee has come up with this book list for your enjoyment!

Check out these books and have fun reading them this summer!!

07/04/2026

Celebrating 250Years of Freedom!
Alongside the generations of Cattlemen and CattleWomen who have helped feed this great nation.

Happy Independence Day!!

🇺🇸

07/01/2026

For 250 years, Americans have gathered around the table to celebrate the moments that matter most. From backyard cookouts and Sunday suppers to holiday traditions and everyday meals in between, beef has helped bring families and friends together. Here’s to the traditions that continue to connect us. 🇺🇸🥩

Find more beef-inspired recipes to carry on the tradition at beefitswhatsfordinner.com.

04/26/2026

Things we should all know.