Home

Farming out positive vibes

Headshot of Nicolette Barbas
Nicolette BarbasSouth Western Times
Katherine Thoegersen has been educating children about animals through her mobile farm, Hygge.
Camera IconKatherine Thoegersen has been educating children about animals through her mobile farm, Hygge. Credit: Nicolette Barbas

The animals at Hygge Farm have been entertaining and educating visitors since phase two of the coronavirus restrictions came into play last week.

Located in Balingup, the farm is home to goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, dogs and horses.

Closed for almost two months, Hygge Farm owner Katherine Thoegersen said the decision to reopen the farm was an easy one.

“Once restrictions were raised I thought it would be great to invite visitors back,” she said.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“It was quite hard when we closed because we lost all of the income from the farm but had to continue to pay for the upkeep of the animals.

“At the moment we can only take visitors by appointment but so far we have had a great response from the community.”

Having worked at a farm school in Perth, Ms Thoegersen saw firsthand the affect the animals had on children.

“Hygge is a Danish word that represents the feelings of happiness, contentment and comfortableness experienced when around others and having a good time,” she said.

“I created this farm with the intention of spreading joy and fun to the children and the community whilst educating them about animals.

“So many children grow up in environments where pets are not a possibility and they don’t have the opportunity to experience the care and empathy that animals encourage,” she said.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails