Leaving the Land Better Than We Found It

By: Alix Clausen, Communications Manager

For local farmer Bob Ott, conservation is about practical decision-making and ensuring the land remains productive for future generations.
The Ott family farm spans four generations, with roots in our region dating back to Bob’s grandfather, who immigrated from Switzerland in 1919. Today, the operation includes more than 1,000 acres across Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties, producing cherries, walnuts, almonds, corn, alfalfa, oats, blueberries, and operating a seasonal U-pick farm.

Bob, who also serves on the ESRCD Board of Directors, believes good conservation starts with understanding what’s happening in the field. His operation uses soil moisture monitoring, weather stations, leaf analysis, and soil sampling to help guide management decisions throughout the year. These tools provide valuable information that helps the farm use resources efficiently and make informed decisions based on actual field conditions.

At the same time, Bob believes conservation practices should be practical and proven. He encourages growers to do their research, learn from neighboring producers, and explore available funding opportunities through organizations like the East Stanislaus RCD and NRCS before making major investments.

When asked what conservation means to him, Bob’s answer was simple: “Conservation to me is leaving it as good or better for the next generation, really.”

This article was developed from a recent interview with Bob Ott. We want to thank Bob for sharing his perspective and experiences with conservation on working lands.