Payton Thomas

Payton joined the team as a Rangeland Ecologist for California’s Audubon Conservation Ranching Program in November 2024. Born and raised in Visalia, CA, Payton could not help but be intimately surrounded by agriculture. His lifelong passion for animals and the great outdoors led him to study animal science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. While there, he studied holistic management and worked at Cal Poly’s Escuela Ranch, tending to the cattle and the land. After graduation, Payton and his wife moved to Tennessee, where he managed a regenerative farm. His role as livestock and pasture manager gave him valuable insight into different ecosystems and the role of livestock in them. In late 2024, Payton took the job with Audubon and made his way back to California. He now resides in Placerville with his wife, new baby boy, and two horses. Payton’s favorite part of the job is connecting with ranchers that share a passion for the land. He is continually inspired by nature’s intelligence, resilience, and connectedness.