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28 Apr 2025
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Description
Hi, would you like to experience a real farming life? Do you want to learn new skills and knowledge about sustainable farming? Come and join us, and help us to develop our farm.👨🌾👨🌾
Candidates for spring, summer and autumn farming-life experience welcome :-) LOOKING for LONG TERM HELP (1 month or more)
You can of course write also for shorter time help ;-) We have one place free in May, June and July.
We have an organic farm and small goat and sheep organic cheesery located in a quaint old village of Pedrovo on the edge of the Karst plateau above the Vipava Valley in mediterranean southwest part of Slovenia.
We are Tom and Borut a male couple in their 30s. We bought the 150 years old stone house with some abandoned land 12 years ago and started with renovation and restoration on the house and land. Borut is a biologist working as a wildlife conservationist and Park Ranger in nearby Nature Park. Tom is an economist who used to run a youth hostel and worked in a tourism destination management for a decade and decided five years ago to quit the job and be a full time organic farmer and cheese maker.
We make sure that our herd of Karst sheep (Istrian Sheep) and Drežnica Goats always enjoy their grazing. Both native, heritage breeds are extremely endangered. Recently two cows of Cika cattle breed joined the farm, another native, heritage breed. Goats, sheep and cows are accompanied by three dinkies. We pay special attention to breeding and taking care of our colourful herd. The animals are pastured 24/7 on one of the species richest meadows in Europe. With rotational grazing we managing this fragile and endangered grassland habitat that is part of Natura2000 conservation network. The milk of goats, sheep and cows is extremely rich and enables us to make a variety of products, all reflecting this unique and pristine environment and animals. In addition to 60 goats and 50 sheep, 2 cows and 3 donkeys our farm is also home to quite some hens. There is also a Border Collie named Gino who help us to move goats and sheep from pasture to pasture and on milking faster and more smooth :-)
On our gardens we grow different varieties of vegetables, specially local heritage and heirloom varieties. This year we are growing more then 70 heirloom varieties of tomatoes :-) In orchard we have plenty of fruit trees from apples and pears, cherries, plums, apricots, peaches, figs, pomegranates, meddlers, quinces, to elderberries, walnuts, chestnuts, jujubes... and every year planting some new :-) There is already more than 100 fruit trees. The fruit from our orchards and the vegetables and herbs from our gardens are made into jams, sauces and syrups.
Come and help us with our animals, pastures, orchards, gardens... enjoy the peaceful life in our picturesque village, enjoy the beauty and fragrance of our meadows, admire the beautiful views, pet our goats and sheep and become part of a sustainable, regenerative farm. Welcome!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Sustainability
LGBTQ
Farming
Plant care
Gardening
Cooking & food
Books
Animals
Hiking
Nature
Beach
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Slovenia is small country with rich history and since we are a border region you can really feel mixture of cultural influences that result in very rich culinary and habits. You will be able to learn how is life on a farm far from big cities. Living in a village where u will be one of 20 inhabitants is pretty unique :-) While we like to cook and bake you will be able to learn some local recipes. You will have a chance to pick up some Slovene words. Knowledge about heritage breeds and old varieties of vegetables and fruits is also part of cultural exchange.
Help
We are looking for helpers that would like to become part of the farm for some weeks (or even more) and would like to give their contribution in development of our farm and our projects. We like people that are responsible and want to learn something new and also to left some traces in the story of farm development.
So if you are looking for real experience of farm life and if you want to help with your skills to develop our projects you are welcome to join us :-)
The milking season just started so we are in the main season right now :-) Very diverse period of the year ;-)
You will be able to learn about organic regenerative farming by helping us with everyday farm life tasks.
In the milking season (April - November) the first thing in the morning after breakfast is milking our goats and sheep on pasture with milking parlour. This can be as early as 6 am in the hot summer months. When we are milking twice a day (April - July), the milking has to be done also in the evening. There are chickens who need care every morning and collecting eggs. The baby goats and lambs on the pasture also need some additional food, fresh water and some petting every day :-)
Every few days a new pasture has to be prepared. The karst dry pastures are full of herbs so helping there include aromatherapy together with stunning views :-)
During the winter when is no milking there is some help with feeding the animals and taking care of lambs and baby goats. That is also time when we are cleaning bushes on pastures and preparing some firewood.
You will be able to help also with some gardening, cooking, some DIY projects, so whatever have to be done in everyday farm life ;-)
We are gay couple and welcome any gender workawayers to get in touch as well as couples. LGBTQ+ friendly :) We are already thankful for your help on our farm and your strong will to learn new things and practices. The help is diverse and interesting.
Right at the moment there is help with preparing new pastures, gardening, some DIY projects, preparing fire wood, cleanig bushes and brambles... We are making a new big herbal garden - 200m2 that including some dry stone walls reconstruction... We are also preparing didactic polygon around our farm so visitors will be able to learn about organic, regenerative farming, indigenous breeds, how farming activities can help protect nature... So on small farms like our there is always a lot of things to do :-)
Helping on farm is not like working in an office. Helping on farm is a lifestyle. There is a lot of works that have to be done on time and depends on weather. So some days you will help some hours more and the other days some hours less.
We prefer visits at least for two weeks. In two weeks you catch some knowledge and work is then easier. So longer it is better it is :-) We are looking also for a longer period ( long term stay ) members of the farm even for all the season - the year...
There are also days off to travel around :-)
But if you decide to stay and sleep and eat and live with us on farm also on your off-days please help us couple of hours for exchange. Thank you for your energy, love, support and new knowledge.
So if you are ready for sometimes rough farming life and you want to be satisfied at the end of a day after a successfully done tasks then we are right place for you :-)
P.S. If you are looking just for free accommodation and food during your trip we are probably not the right address. Become a real farm member, let's exchange energy, knowledge, ideas, stories and experience :-)
Looking forward to hearing from you soon and meeting you :-)
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Croatian: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Slovenian: Fluent
Serbian: Fluent
German: Beginner
Accommodation
We are living in 150 years old stone made house which we've been renovating last 12 years. You will be living with us sharing kitchen, living room and bathroom. We have two bedrooms for visitors. Each one with a single bed, a table and a closet. We can host two workawayers. Sheets, blankets and pillows are provided. Sleeping-bags are not allowed because we want to keep rooms and mattresses clean. The house is 150 years old lady so act respectful and be tidy :-)
All the meals will be prepared and eaten together. You will be able to help with cooking and baking too :-)
The village is without water pipeline or springs. Every house has it's own water well catching rain water. The water is filtered so its drinkable :-) We respect water and the nature. That's why we take short showers and use water only when needed. Please close the tap/pipe/shower when not needed that we all have enough water also to drink, for animals, for cooking, for cheese making, to water plants,... Thank you.
What else ...
You will have also time to explore the area. Both Vipava valley and Karst are wine regions with picturesque villages, castles, nice walking trails, rich local culinary... Nearby are also some bigger historic cities like Trieste and Gorizia. The coast is 20km away.
The railway station is 4km away in village Branik where also bus stop is.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Feedback (19)
He is very kind, warm and helpful person. He was very curious about sustainable living on an organic farm. He approached all tasks with a very positive attitude and precision. Nothing was too difficult for him. He has a great love for animals and knows how to work with them.… read more
All the tasks were very varied from herding goats and sheep, making or preparing new pastures, making pasta, removing stones and digging holes to plant trees. The tasks were fun and fulfilling.
The food was great and I was fed very well. Tom and Borut were very kind, caring and… read more
My experience in the Čilčevi farm was a lifetime experience I'll never forget, only because Tom and Borut made it unforgettable. I arrived in early March and left in the end of April, and it was probably the best period in the farm (also because the weather is still bearable… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.7)
He is very kind, warm and helpful person. He was very curious about sustainable living on an organic farm. He approached all tasks with a very positive attitude and precision. Nothing was too difficult for him. He has a great love for animals and knows how to work with them.… read more
All the tasks were very varied from herding goats and sheep, making or preparing new pastures, making pasta, removing stones and digging holes to plant trees. The tasks were fun and fulfilling.
The food was great and I was fed very well. Tom and Borut were very kind, caring and… read more
My experience in the Čilčevi farm was a lifetime experience I'll never forget, only because Tom and Borut made it unforgettable. I arrived in early March and left in the end of April, and it was probably the best period in the farm (also because the weather is still bearable… read more
Borut and Tom are very good advice for visiting the region. I came to Slovenia by hitchhiking so I didn't have my car but they arranged… read more
Tom and Borut are wonderful persons. It was always fun… read more
There are many positives that I could highlight...
Starting with the first impressions: the location is stunning, with beautiful views over the valleys and faraway mountains.
The tasks were varied and not disappointing at all, if you are looking for some contact with animals and to do activities related to… read more
I was probably at one of the busiest times on the farm. In March we fed the goats and sheep in the barn... which definitely can get reaaaaally… read more
I was there during the birth period (march). We start the day with feeding the goats and sheeps (which are the main part of the morning routine). Then we work on a variety of… read more
They have a huge heart, still smile and funny. They are interesting people who love share their knowledge. I learn a lot about farming and Slovénia's culture. They give a good advice and help to visited area.
I feel good at this farm, to… read more
During the evenings we had a lot of interesting talks. She is a warm and… read more
Among other things she helped us a lot with milking, preparing new pastures, moving electric fences, cooking jams,... She was an excellent helper and worked hard, fast and very precise. She was also a fast learner.
She is… read more
I originally had planned to stay at Tom and Borut's for three weeks, but eventually decided to stay for four weeks.
I joined their farm at the end of September. In this season the goats are milked once a day, that was actually one of my favourite tasks. I lerned… read more
He is really a hard worker and quick learner. He did all the works fast and very precise. He is also a very nice, warm and polite person. We enjoyed… read more
I´ve been there in february which is a month spent mainly at their farm. Sheep and goats stay in the barn during this month. We took care of them every morning which was really enjoyable, I do love the goats and also the sheep a little bit :-). As we spent… read more
She is very nice, polite, hardworking and strong :-) She wasn't afraid of any work even the work was sometimes physically demanding. The goats and sheep loved her in a moment and were enjoying petting moments :-)
We enjoyed her company and… read more
Tom and Borut were very accommodating and I loved spending time with them and talking about our culture, languages and of course, goats and sheep. They were ready… read more
During the day we helped Tom around the house and with the goats and sheep. We milked them every third day and then made fresh cheese and other… read more
They are kind, gentle, sensitive and talented people. They were enthusiastic to help out and very independent. They are warm people worth meeting and defenitely worth hosting. We had fun and did the job well.
It was great having you around, too bad it was… read more
They are so lovely, we had a lot of fun together taking care of the goats, sheeps, cats and chickens every day! They are really passionate about the art of cheesemaking, cooking delicious meals and providing everything the animals… read more
