John Dzen

Farm Name:

Dzen Tree Farm

Please describe yourself and what you do outside of the reindeer industry.

Married for 27 years to my wife Jennifer, and we have 3 children. For the last 16 years, I have worked for the Town of Manchester, CT Public Works, where I am currently a Senior Heavy Equipment Operator.  I have a degree from The University of Massachusetts with a major in Agricultural Business Management and a minor in Plant and Soil Science. My hobbies include landscaping and restoring old farm equipment.

Please describe your reindeer operation. (How long have you been raising reindeer? Where is your farm located? What are your primary markets? Etc.)

Dzen Tree Farm is a choose and cut your own Christmas tree farm. In 1999 I started our reindeer adventure by renting reindeer to attract more families to our farm. In 2012, I submitted a bill with my State Representative to allow reindeer ownership in Connecticut. With the help of ROBA, we were able to change the law. We purchased our first reindeer in 2013. In addition to our reindeer family, we are always looking for other fun attractions to add to the farm. We have restored a Bronner’s 17 ft Santa and rare, life-size Nativity scene, and built a 15 ft wooden reindeer for our roadside sign and a North Pole Village around our reindeer pen. Last year, Yankee Magazine named us one of the top five Christmas tree farms in New England.

Describe any roles you have served on for your state and/or national association. (Committee member, officer, etc.)

N/A