Visiting a farm in Kurgja

In the afternoon project participants went to visit a farm in Kurgja and had workshops with local businesses,where they got to know the restoration of an ancient farmhouse- how could be built a well-functioning and efficient farmhouse from an old abandoned farmhouse.

In Kurgja project participants could see a piece of Estonian history – they had an excursion to a farm which introduces the farming of the 19th century with cattle-breeding and farming as well as to the main house with a permanent exhibition introducing the life and activities of Carl Robert Jakobson, who played a leading role during the times of Estonian national awakening in the 19th century, and the farm he established.

Carl Robert Jakobson became a landowner in 1874. He was willing to provide a good example and educate farmers, thus he planned to build up a model farm in Kurgja. He dreamed about founding a dairy school that would later develop into a full agricultural model school. A barn that consisted of a stable, a pigsty, a cowshed, a sheepfold, a fodder kitchen and a dairy was the first building erected in 1875. After the death of C. R. Jakobson, his family took care of the farm and his legacy. In 1948, The Farm Museum of C.R.Jakobson was established.

Students could also see the restored old farm buildings such as the cattle barn, mill, etc. The museum is unique as it continues to operate as a farm, raising cattle and growing crops.

Animals are still kept on the farm, so everyone could amuse himself by watching Estonian aboriginal cattle, white-headed sheep, Estonian horses, cocks and hens.

Students could enjoy Estonian national food on the farm during their lunch and, of course, very enjoyable for everybody was a workshop – baking oat meal cookies according to the recipe in international groups of student; students themselves had to make butter for cookies from the cream. The cookies were different for each team but delicious!