For many children, it’s a day they’re unlikely to forget. Since 2003, thanks to an initiative from the Nature Protection Centre founded in 1994, preschool classes from Luxembourg City have been invited to spend a day at Kass Haff, a working organic farm in Rollingen.
Tom Kass, who has been an organic farmer for 25 years, reflected on how the project has evolved: the combination of children and a working farm might not have seemed ideal at first, but it gradually took root and grew into something much bigger. Today, the farm hosts around 400 activities per year. It’s even become the home base for around 20 kindergarten children from the Waldorf School.
At Kass Haff, children get to experience the real daily workings of a farm. With 40 dairy cows and around 450 chickens, goats, and pigs, the setting gives them an authentic view of agricultural life. Unsurprisingly, the animals – especially the pigs – are a big hit. But it’s the tractor ride that always steals the show.
Visitors also had the chance to sample the farm’s own produce, including cheese from its on-site dairy. These and other products are sold year-round in the farm shop.
Since 2012, Kass Haff has operated as a private limited liability company (Sàrl), a somewhat unusual setup for a farm but one that helps secure its long-term vision. Kass explained that their company statutes explicitly include the management of a bio-dynamic organic farm with educational activities. The structure also allows for future flexibility in leadership. While Kass’s son appears ready to take over the business, Kass said they did not want to depend entirely on that possibility.
Kass doesn’t regret choosing the organic path. “Being an organic farmer means learning every single day”, he said, pointing out that mistakes take longer to correct in organic farming due to the lack of artificial interventions.
Ultimately, it’s his passion that keeps him going – on a farm where not only the animals but also the smallest visitors help set the rhythm of daily life.
