Goats, cheesery, vegetable

Vestland

4 reviews • Updated 1 month ago

We are a family of five, Jovana (42) and Simon (39), with three boys (6, 10, 14), and have been running an organic goat farm in western Norway since 2021, currently with 24 goats ( goal is 40 dairy goats). There live also some chickens, Indian runner ducks, and a cat on the farm. We grow vegetables (this year only for our own), produce goat cheese in the farm's cheesery, and sell the cheese locally. Jovana works full-time on the farm while Simon has a job in agricultural administration (and is also a carpenter). The tasks on the farm are very diverse. WWOOFers can help, depending on the length of their stay: feeding and caring for the animals, milking the goats, working in the cheesery, in the vegetable garden, making firewood, maintaining agricultural land and buildings, participating in cooking, and keeping the areas clean that we use together. Most of the work will be outside. It is important to bring warm and waterproof clothes, also in the summer! We have a small guest house with space for 2 people (or a small family). The kitchen and bathroom are located in the main house. We eat dinner together in the evening, while breakfast and lunch can be taken independently in the kitchen, becouse we eat at very different times. We eat everything and enjoy preparing and experimenting with food. We try to use self-produced, local, and organic food as much as possible, but food is not a religion for us, but a natural part of many other aspects of our colorful life. We enjoy hiking, going to the beach, snorkeling, skiing, making campfires, playing board games, and occasionally watching a nice movie in the evening. In the village, there is a beach volleyball court, a football field, and a small supermarket. A day trip to Bergen by public transport is also possible. PLEASE NOTE: We would prefere if you do not use chat gpt to write us. It is important for us and your stay, that we get an authentic impression of you and that can be difficult by writing with chat gpt. Thanks! Wir sind eine (deutsche, seit 2012 in Norwegen lebende) fünfköpfige Familie, Jovana (42) und Simon (39) und drei Jungs (6,10, 14) und bewirtschaften seit 2021 einen biologischen Milchziegenhof mit momentan 24 Ziegen (Ziel 40 Milchziegen) an der Westküste von Norwegen. Auf dem Hof leben auch noch ein paar Hühner, indische Laufenten und eine Katze. Wir bauen Gemüse an (dieses Jahr nur für uns), produzieren Ziegenkäse in der hofeigenen Käserei und vermarkten den Käse lokal. Jovana arbeitet in Vollzeit auf dem Hof während Simon eine Stelle in der Landwirtschaftsverwaltung hat. Die Aufgaben auf dem Hof sind sehr vielfältig. Wwoofer können je nach Länge des Aufenthaltes helfen: beim Füttern und Versorgen der Tiere, beim Melken, in der Käserei, im Gemüsegarten, beim Feuerholz machen, bei der Instandhaltung der landwirtschaftlichen Flächen und Gebäude und sich beim Kochen beteiligen sowie bei der Reinhaltung der gemeinschaftlich genutzten Bereiche. Der grösste Teil der Arbeit findet draußen Statt. Es ist wichtig, warme und regenfeste Kleidung mitzubringen, die schmutzig werden darf- auch im Sommer! Wir haben ein kleines Gästehaus mit Platz für 2 Personen oder für eine kleine Familie. Küche und Bad befinden sich im Haupthaus. Wir essen abends gemeinsam warm, Frühstück und Lunch können eigenständig in der Küche eingenommen werden, da wir sehr unterschiedliche Essenszeiten haben. Wir sind im Grunde "Allesesser" und haben Freude am Zubereiten und Ausprobieren von Speisen. Wir versuchen dabei so weit wie möglich, selbst produzierte, lokale und biologische Nahrungsmittel zu verwenden aber Essen ist für uns keine Religion sondern eine natürliche Sache von vielen anderen in unserem bunten Leben. Wir gehen gern wandern, an den Strand,schnorcheln, Ski fahren, Lagerfeuer machen, mögen Gesellschaftsspiele und auch mal einen schönen Film am abend. Im Dorf gibt es einen Beachvolleyballanlage, einen Fußballplatz und einen kleinen Supermarkt. Ein Tagesausflug mit öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln nach Bergen ist ebenfalls möglich.

Learning opportunities

Vegetable farming

Poultry farming

Sheep or goat farming

Dairy farming

Forestry

Cheesemaking

Vegetable or fruit preservation

Bakery

Methods or systems

Biological pest control

Regenerative agriculture

Host type

Production farm

Certified organic

Former WWOOFer

20 Hectares | 49.4 Acres

Accommodation

2 WWOOFers

Cabin / Mobile-home

Children accepted

Pets not accepted

Meals

Omnivore

Vegetarian

Length of stay

3-4 weeks

Over a month

Jovana

Member since 2024

Languages spoken: English, French, German, Norwegian

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Response rate: 100% Response time: typically within 6 days

Vestland

Osøyro

Reviews

Guillemette

France • December 2025

It was such a perfect moment for me at this time of my life that it is not easy to find the rights words...to be thankful ! I loved, really to work in the cheesery with Jovana. I didn't tell her, but I was sad not to go when it was my day off😊She is very patient, well explains and takes her time to do good job. Yes, some things have to be done slowly ! I appreciate to work with her, doing jobs that I think I couldn't be able to do. But we were able to ! I liked using my muscles carrying heavy things with Simon and Isaac ! I also thank Simon to trust in me and let me drive the car. I particularly appreciate sweet times with children...with Benjamin and Johann. Really nice time Woofing. And for the human expérience... Jovana and Simon probably know what they reach to me. Thank you. See you soon.

Filip

Belgium • June 2025

We wwoofed 3 wonderful weeks at Jovana and Simon's goat farm in Stølen. Really nice family with 3 young boys and lots to learn from taking care of the goats, the chickens and ducks, working in the large vegetable garden and making delicious cheese together with Jovana. The work was interesting and nicely varied and Jovana and Simon take care to let you decide your own preferences, and they insist on relaxing in time. For us this was a perfect experience. Filip & Bea

Apolline

France • February 2025

I stayed 3 weeks at Jovanna’s farm and it was three joyful weeks. Jovanna and Simon are welcoming wwoofers for sharing experiences of the farm but also of the world. They always want to learn more and are pleased to share their own knowledge. They explain the purpose of every small task in the cheesery, in the barn and in the garden, they also take time to explain their previous attempts and always answer questions. Landscapes are amazing and Simon knows very good apps to go for a hike. Bergen is easily accessible by bus and ferry for a day, it is a very nice city which needs to be visited! I can only recommend Jovanna's farm for all people who want to discover the cheese-making in a very warm and pleasant atmosphere!

Amelie

Germany • June 2024

My stay at stolen i strandvik was great! It was my first wwof experience and I would definitely recommend this place. I was solo there but it didn’t matter at all. Jovana and Simon are very welcoming and I felt really comfortable. The nature is beautiful and the tiny house is perfect to live there, even if there are two of you. The work was fun and very varied. And there was also a lot of free time to explore the stunning area. We also did some really nice trips:) I just had a really nice time and would definitely recommend this experience!