Rick Roberti Takes Charge as CCA’s 52nd President
CALIFORNIA CATTLEMAN MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2025
Family, faith and love for the land are cemented in the day-to-day life of the California Cattlemen’s Association’s 52nd President Rick Roberti, Sierra Valley. Alongside his wife Carolyn and their two children Weston and Katie, Rick looks forward to the next two years leading, advocating and connecting with the membership of the Association.
NEW BEGINNINGS
Rick’s great-grandfather came to the United States from Switzerland for a better life in the 1870s, making a home in the Sierra Valley. Located in Plumas County, 40 miles northwest of Reno, Sierra Valley is the largest alpine valley in California. His siblings Jim and Dave, along with their families still reside on the land today that was established as a dairy in 1923 by Alfred Roberti and his wife Josephine. During this time, dairies were small and could not increase in size due to the valley’s cold winter climate. As the dairy market started to change and regulations were implemented, the family pivoted their operation from dairy to beef cattle in the 1950s, when the Robertis and their son Elmer, Rick’s father, purchased a herd of registered Angus cows. Soon after the shift to beef cattle, in the 1970s, the family also began to expand their forage growth from producing just enough for their animals, to a hay farming business.
Elmer and his wife Helen lived on the ranch, allowing their three sons to grow up and learn the various facets of running the business from their father. “I decided that I wanted to stay and work on the ranch when I was five,” Rick said smiling. While they might not always have agreed with one another, Rick shared that his father was willing to let his sons try and do things differently to advance the ranch. “He was my best friend and the biggest influence in my life,” said Rick.
Rick’s parents both played a major role in his upbringing and life. He shared how fortunate he was to have a mom and dad who loved and cared for him and to be able to be around his hard-working Grandma Josie, who lived through The Great Depression. “My mom was another big influence in my life, she took us to Sunday school and made us go to church, helping me to build character and find a real love for God,” said Rick.
FAMILY CONTINUES WORKING ON THE RANCH
Today, Roberti Ranch is a
cow-calf operation and hay business. The three Roberti brothers can be found continuing to operate the ranch, with each leading a different facet of the operation. Jim the oldest, takes care of all the irrigating and farming of the hay operation. Rick the middle brother, and his son Weston manage the cattle herd and farm dry land. The youngest brother, Dave, keeps all of the operation’s books alongside his wife, Jane. Dave also farms, does mechanical work for equipment on the ranch and manages hay sales. Rick’s nephew Ben and nephew-in-law Jayson are also employed full-time.
As time has passed, Rick shared how many of his roles have changed the past few years. “I am surprised how fast the time has gone from when I started taking on more roles of my dad’s, and now Weston is doing the jobs I used to do,” said Rick. Weston is just as happy to be working with his dad and is more than prepared for any work that heads his way. “My dad has been such a good role model and teacher,” said Weston. “He’s my best friend and I am so lucky I get to work alongside him every day.”
Another joy for Rick is having his wife and daughter involved in the family business and industry. Carolyn works in communications on the ranch and helps to coordinate tours and events. She helps everyone on the ranch stay connected and keeps the family unit strong. Katie contributes to the industry by advocating and educating others on California cattle ranching in her role as CCA’s Director of Communications. “While things on the ranch have changed, I have my family, my wife Carolyn, who is my partner in almost everything I do,” said Rick.
Some of Katie’s fondest memories are getting to see her family every day with an always open-door policy to her grandparents’ house next door. “I loved having my dad, grandpa and uncles all working on the ranch daily and around for all the big moments. It was important and helped shape who I am today,” said Katie.
Jim, Helen, Elmer, Rick and Dave Roberti in 2011 at one of the wildlife ponds Rick created.
TAKING CARE OF THE LAND AND LIVING HARMONIOUSLY WITH NATURE
Roberti Ranch has worked diligently to continue to maintain the land, having restored many wetlands on the property that, at certain points in time, had been taken out. Ponds were built with surface water giving access to freshwater for waterfowl throughout the summers.
The ranch hosts wildlife and ranch tours to various groups, one of which is the local Audubon Society. By hosting these tours, Rick shared how he has had the opportunity to make friends with folks who often have different viewpoints than ranchers and farmers. By forming these friendships, those visiting the ranch see how much ranchers care about the environment and the wildlife that harmoniously cohabitates with the livestock. “I encourage others to get involved in groups that need to know what we do,” said Rick.
Another way the family incorporates education into their ranch tours is by being transparent to all who visit. Carolyn shared how, before the Sierra Valley Art and Ag Tour, any animals in the sick pen are moved behind their house so that those visiting can be shown the process of taking care of ill animals and explain to them the best practices to follow.
PROUD MEMBER OF CCA
Rick has been a member of the CCA for close to 45 years, sharing that before then, his parents who had just come out of the dairy business did not know much about the Association. “It wasn’t their world,” said Rick. “We were members of the Farm Bureau; it was a big part of our life growing up and still is today.” As the ranch continued to expand with cattle, it seemed like joining CCA was the right thing to do.
He was encouraged by local leaders to get involved in his local association, Plumas-Sierra Cattlemen’s. In his early days of joining, Rick shared that it took a while for the veteran members to let the younger ones be involved, but over time, more opportunities arose. When he became Plumas-Sierra’s President, Rick had the opportunity to meet with CCA staff members and learn what CCA did for ranchers. Once exposed to the Association, “I learned that it is difficult to function as a local association without being involved with CCA,” shared Rick.
In the last 10 years, Rick became more involved at the state level, joining the CCA officer team in 2020 as second vice president, then moving on to first vice president in 2022, and now president. “When Rick first joined the officer team and got on calls, he was listening and learning,” said Carolyn. “It’s been neat that he has had two terms to prepare for his presidency.”
When reflecting on where he is today, Rick stated one of the reasons is because of the example past CCA Presidents, like Billy Flournoy, Likely, set for him. “I know how hard the Flournoys work and if Billy could take time to serve and come all the way from Modoc, then it was really important,” said Rick. “If Billy could give his time to do this and it was important to him, then it should be important to me too.”
In thinking about what he enjoys most about the Association, Rick shared that it’s definitely the people. “We love what we do, and we have the freedom to do things that other people still don’t,” added Rick. For those who have yet to meet the new president, he’s eager to get out and meet as many producers as he can and is always open to a phone call.
READY TO LEAD
With his experience serving on the CCA officer team over the last four years, Rick is eager to take on his new role as president. “Our industry depends on us standing up and protecting ourselves. I hope to help lead the way in the state, and if we stand together, we can make a difference,” said Rick. Membership and inclusion are two items on Rick’s to-do list, sharing he wants those who may be new to the industry or a small operation to know that they are welcome and needed in the Association. He added that his goal is to find a place for all members and affiliates who want to learn and be involved.
Knowing that every day, ranchers face challenges, whether it be a predator, new regulation, or natural disaster, Rick is ready to work for the membership and face any challenges head-on. “I think there are some tough issues facing ranchers,” said Katie. “Predators are top of mind for many producers, and I think my dad’s going to try everything he can to find solutions to those problems, take input, and work to keep CCA a producer-led organization.”
Carolyn travels with Rick to most the tour meetings and CCA events. In the coming year, she looks forward to all the new members they will meet and the places they will visit during local association tour meetings. Complimenting one another in all aspects of life, Rick shares how much he appreciates and values Carolyn’s perspective. “She’s very supportive and has been the best mom to our kids,” said Rick.
The role Rick is taking on would not be possible without the support of the ranch family. He knows what a large time commitment this job is and shared how blessed he is that he has family that is willing to run the operation while he is away and let him have this opportunity.
A few months ago, Rick wrote for the California Cattleman officer column and shared the following quote, “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they will never sit.” From this quote, he was asked what tree he plans to plant as CCA’s President, and he shares the following: “It’s got to be unity between all of us in agriculture. We need to stop fighting amongst ourselves, look at the big picture, and figure out what’s good for the generations to come.”
As 2025 kicks off, Rick’s message to his fellow ranchers and members is, “I need your help. No one person, officer team, or staff can do this. It’s the membership that runs the Association and we’ve got a lot of things we need to do to protect our business, not just the cow-calf producers, but all who make our industry work,” said Rick.
Getting to Know to Rick:
What is your favorite cut of beef?
A Rib Steak
How do you like your steak cooked?
Medium to Medium Rare as Carolyn adds, “But he doesn’t like a lot of seasoning, just a sprinkle of salt.”
What is your favorite song?
How about a favorite band? I’d say the Oak Ridge Boys and the Statler Brothers.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Rocky Road
Who is your favorite baseball team?
It was the Oakland A’s until the 90s. But now it’s the Dodgers because of my daughter.
What is your favorite quote?
John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Tune into Sorting Pen: The California Cattleman Podcast to hear more from Rick.
In this first episode of season five, get to know Plumas County cattleman Rick Roberti.