The Crow Family – From Dairy to “Jen’s Hens”

Based on the outskirts of Kyabram, the Crow family have built a diverse farming business spanning dairy, cropping and organic free-range eggs.

After downsizing their dairy operation to a more manageable 250 predominantly Holstein milkers, Russell’s son James and his partner Taylor now take the lead on the milking, while Russell remains a key part of the decision-making team.

The cropping operation is also looking very promising this season, with 123 acres of vetch and wheat growing well and the cereals looking great. If conditions allow, the Crows may even sow some maize as a summer crop. Most of the water used across the farm comes from the Crows’ permanent entitlements, supplemented with temporary allocation purchased through the Water Partners Trade Room.

But perhaps the most exciting diversification has been Jen’s Hens.

Named in honour of Russell’s late sister, the organic free-range egg business took around four years from conception to becoming a reality. Today, around 5,000-8000 Hy-Line Browns roam across approximately 80 acres of pasture, with plenty of room to forage and roam.

Russell said a significant amount of time went into designing and establishing the operation. The farm is divided into 10 acre paddocks, each with its own in-paddock shelter. There is also a dedicated grower shed where the chicks are cared for before heading out into the paddocks.

Run by Russell's wife Rochelle and daughter Sarah, the operation also boasts an impressive processing facility, with a conveyor system that takes the eggs through cleaning and disinfection before they are graded by size, a far cry from simply collecting eggs from the henhouse!

The Jen’s Hens organic eggs are sold locally, while also making their way to markets in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.