Farm Name

Farm Values

From Left: Lula Monteith (a neighbor), Ruby Newton, Bernard Newton, Smokey Joe the Beagle. c. 1977

Turkle's Nest Farm exists to provide high quality products to our community, promote local food, and preserve rural heritage.

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Turkle's Nest Farm

Turkle's Nest Farm is named in honor of its previous family, Bernard and Ruby Newton. Bernard and Ruby spent 40 years living and farming on what is now the home farm. Bernard held various off-farm jobs and farmed in the evenings after work. It wasn't uncommon for Bernard to be working in his vegetable gardens by lantern well into the early morning hours.

Bernard had a home office of sorts in one of the bedrooms of their 2 bedroom farmhouse. This home office was a little on the messy side. On one occasion, Ruby became overwhelmed by the sight of the mess and told him that his office looked, "...just like a darned old turkle's nest!" "Turkle" was her pronunciation of the word "turtle".  

The name stuck. Calling this place "Turkle's Nest Farm" helps keep us connected to Bernard and Ruby, and is a way to honor their memory. I hope that they would be proud of how we're caring for their old home. I hope that they would be proud of the work we're doing and the products we're providing.