WILDLIFE - AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

Otto Teller was born on a farm and vineyard near Cleveland, Ohio in 1908. After graduating from UC-Berkeley and serving in the Army Air Corps in the Second World War, he returned to California and his farming roots in 1947. From the start, he refused to follow the practices of neighboring farmers, who embraced the new chemicals sweeping the farming industry. He focused on organic, sustainable methods and wildlife friendly agriculture long before it became a popular movement.

When Otto purchased The Teller properties, much of the land had been under agricultural production and had been intensively grazed and tilled for crops. He sought to continue the agricultural heritage, but implemented sustainable farming practices that would restore the land and water resources and emphasize wildlife-friendly practices. These practices consider wildlife habitat needs while enabling our farmer to grow and harvest agricultural crops.

Today, The Teller continues to implement and expand this approach through innovative practices that inspire, educate and demonstrate conservation in action.

Wildlife Friendly Farming Expands on The Teller in 2009

The Teller will continue its wildlife-friendly agriculture program with contract farmer Bob Gingerich. This year, plans call for planting barley, alfalfa and corn. Sorghum, which is beneficial to pheasants but requires a 90-day frost free season, will also be tested.

The Pheasant Brood Strips (developed in 2007 and resulting in increased brood survival) will be expanded with approximately 20 acres of wetlands serving as additional brood habitat.

The North Property irrigation system will be renovated, including rebuilding the existing pump house, placement of a new wheel line system and an above-ground main line to irrigate approximately 50 acres. This will allow for agricultural operations that maximize benefits to wildlife while conserving precious water resources.