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Rangeland ecosystems encompass diverse land resources, representing complex coupled human and natural systems in which conservation goals must be balanced with the economic realities of agricultural production. In California, rangelands cover approximately 60% of the state, and are often at the nexus of wildland, agricultural, and urban landscapes. As a result, these working landscapes are at the frontier of increasing social pressures to define sustainable management. Ranchers have unique knowledge and experiences that influence their individual decision-making and management strategies. They are also the actors expected to participate in policy partnerships and comply with regulations, so it is crucial to understand how they view the policy and regulatory landscape. Via a multi-partner collaboration, we have developed an integrated social survey and field research approach to better 1) connect research and policy with how decisions get made on the ground, and 2) understand on-ranch impacts, management, and planning horizons following severe drought. To date, survey analyses of 509 ranchers and in-depth interviews with102 ranchers have revealed structural, social, and attitudinal diversity across California ranches. Survey analysis also revealed rancher experience and knowledge positively influenced ranch goal setting and the management toolbox, which had direct positive effects on drought adaptation strategies. We are continuing to work with rangeland stakeholders to quantify economic and ecological impacts of severe drought via follow-up surveys and on-ranch assessments. From this work, it is clear that novel, large-scale, participatory research and extension approaches are required to address modern, complex issues on working landscapes.