Historic Smithtown Farm Offers More Than Just History

 Jen Murray, standing amongst a flock of chickens on a tract of farm land overlooking the Nissequogue River, recounts a story when, back in high school she was asked to fill out a questionnaire designed to determine her career choice; the results were ceramic designer and poultry farmer, funny now, but taking her by complete surprise then.

Flash forward 30 years, today, Murray is the Jen behind Jen’s Hens, which is part of the larger Turtleback Farm, a historic 22-acre farm tucked away up a neighborhood road in Smithtown. Murray practices sustainable farming and her chickens are raised for eggs and meat. Farming here for the past four years, Murray’s farm is one of a growing trend of small farms trying to raise livestock and grow vegetables, a business she believes is critical to consumers.

“It is important that people know where their food comes from and the methods that were used to bring it to them,” said Murray whose eggs and produce are used by local restaurants such as Mosaic. Murray wasn’t always a farmer, she was once an elementary school teacher and then a fencing coach with her own practice.

Turtleback Farm or Ships Hole Farm as it is historically known, dates back to the turn of the century. Murray leases the farm from year to year, investing not just money, but a ton of sweat equity, tending the farm almost entirely on her own, that’s if you don’t count her dog Lily.

The farm not only houses chickens, but also Shetland sheep, which are used for wool and meat, pigs and will soon be back in the business of growing vegetables. Standing at about five foot seven inches, Murray is slight in size, but is certainly mighty. She can sling 50 pound bags of feed, commandeer a tractor and has helped birth lambs.  

Murray is acutely aware of the financial risks and low financial rewards small farming typically brings. “It’s a lifestyle change,” she said. “It is not for the money. I feel it is a social responsibility, providing food for people. We practice sustainable farming, but the challenge is making sure it is economically sustainable.” 

She recently teamed up with Thera Farms, in Ronkonkoma, a move she hopes will bring some growth to her farm and also a sharing of ideas and collaboration. “There isn’t a lot of resources to pull from,” said Murray. “If I need a piece of farming equipment or advice, I can’t just call the neighbor from up the road.”

This year, Murray will be selling her eggs at the Kings Park Farmers Market and hopes to be able to add vegetables as well.  You can also get her goods through Rustic Roots Delivery.

 Shaking her head, Murray thinks back to the career placement exam, “Look at me now,” she said, “developing chicken breeds!”