History: Murray HIll Farm

About Murray Hill Farm

     Our 35 acre farm is located in Huron County, Ohio. The property was once the original homestead for a 500+ acre working farm. There is a long history of farming at the property going back to the early settlers of Clarksfield Township in the 1800's. Produce crops, dairy cows, hogs, cattle, chickens and horses were raised here. It was one of the first sustainable farms in the country.

     The farm has very fertile soil from previous years of animal grazing. The land had not been farmed for almost 20 years when it was purchased in 2001. It is very rich in compost, tiled and full of nutrients. There are 29 acres of tillable land and pastures of which two to five acres are used for vegetable crops. The remaining acres consist of the house, creek, flower beds, outbuildings, and a rolling front yard. The vegetables are grown naturally, as nature intended.  We use raised beds, plastic mulch and drip tape for irrigation.

SHEEP

     Navajo-Churro sheep are raised on pasture and sheared twice a year for their wool.  The wool is then sold to local fiber artists.

CHICKENS

     We raise approximately 250 egg laying chickens on pasture. They are free to roam as they please. We raise Americaunas, Buckeyes, Dominiques, Salmon Faverelles, Welsummers and Cuckoo Marans. We sell the eggs at the farmer's markets, to private customers and through our CSA.  

     Free range broiler chickens are raised in a separate area and the chicks, Freedom Rangers, come from a breeder in PA.  This variety is highly adapted to walking over grass unlike the Cornish Cross chickens that most large operations raise.  The Freedom Ranger breed has a much better flavor, free from any chlorine or harsh chemicals the large processors may use. 

GUINEA HENS

     Guinea hens are raised for their eggs, (smaller and sweeter than chicken eggs), and for their excellent watch dog abilities. We love watching the guineas scurrying across the yard into the fields and pastures. They get along great with the chickens and stay in the same coops with them. Guinea hens enjoy eating bugs and help keep the pest populations to a minimum, which decreases the need to use harsh insecticides.