The WWOOF Office caught up with Victoire, Little Cedar Goats whilst she was rhythmically cutting and scooping curd ready for making a batch of their award winning (Royal Easter Show) chemical free soft Goats Cheese.
After living in Central NSW where Moussa was working in Mining and Victoire was finishing her PHD in Animal Science they moved to Winton in North East Victoria for a better lifestyle for their family and a gentler climate than Gunnedah.
Raising goats and making goats cheese was a part of Moussa’s family history in Lebanon, and with Victoire’s science background a Goats Cheese business seemed to be the perfect fit for the family. Originally, they trialled milking sheep as well, but there wasn’t the market locally for sheep’s milk, so they sold their sheep and placed their focus on goats.
They milk 30 goats using an adapted 1960’s cow dairy – up to 4 goats at a time that are then finished off by hand. The goats are rotated through over 40 paddocks every few days minimising the drenching requirements.
They mainly make lactic cheeses that coagulate slowly at a low temperature, taking around 24hrs to set. They are made with cultures that acidify the milk and a little bit of rennet. This makes quite a soft cheese that is sold fresh in a few forms.
Some of the seasonal Goats Cheese available www.littlecedar.com.au
Chevrette – Plain soft goats cheese with a mild flavour
Twilight – Marinated in a blend of local olive oil and herbs
La Plume – a whipped goat curd that has been sweetened with a caramel made from the whey making a beautiful dessert cheese
Mokoan Night – a soft ripened cheese that has been matured for a little longer creating a lovely cheese with a flavour that deepens with age
Occasionally they also make a hard cheese, the hard cheese uses twice as much fresh milk per kilo to produce. It is a rennet-based cheese requiring more heat, stirring and cutting and requires 6-12 months maturing on the shelf prior to sale. Although this can be more labour and resource intensive it can offer a bit of a break from daily cheese production as the milk can be stored and used as a larger batch.
Selling half of their cheeses at farm gate and markets, the remainder goes to wholesale to local shops and restaurants in the North East and distribution in Melbourne to Restaurants, Deli’s and Cheese Shops. They offer free weekly delivery between Benalla & Wangaratta for larger orders.
Diversification
The farm gate experience includes grazing platters, drinks and bookings of farm tours as well as a small venue hire for up to 24 seated comfortably. There is playground equipment for children and other local produce for sale.
Milking once a day keeps that family busy. The kids are kept with their mums all day after milking to feed on demand, being separated only at night. The herd of mothers have a break from milking during their ‘maternity leave’ over Winter being milked only between Spring – Autumn.
Little Cedar have Hosted about 30 WWOOFers over the past 3-4 years, making long-time friends. One new friend returns each year for a few months to help on the farm. WWOOF has helped them as a small family business with WWOOFers bringing in fresh energy and enthusiasm, motivation & excitement to routine tasks.
WWOOFers love the variety offered at Little Cedar as there is always a lot going on between the farm, the cheese and the goats – there is something for everyone.
The children enjoy having WWOOFers stay and enjoy asking them all sorts of questions, such as learning about other countries, looking at the globe and eating with chopsticks. It is cultural enrichment for them.
Secret to happy WWOOFers: Clear open Communication to keep everyone happy, expectations.
Honey eater project
Victoire & Moussa have continued with the local Regent Honeyeater Project (that was started on their land prior to purchasing). This involves continuing the relationship with the organisation running it, maintaining the bushland habitat (including thinning the trees for optimal flowering to feed the Regent Honeyeaters). Planting further trees and shrubs, for the birdlife and diverse grazing of the goats.
Article as Published in Grass Roots Magazine #289 June-July 2025
Written by Tameson Linsen, WWOOF Australia
Photos Supplied
Reviews:
Hinako,
l spend about 2months at Little Cedar! I could experience a lot: taking care and milking goats, making yummy cheese, selling cheese at farmers’ market, and more. All was pretty fun and interesting experience! At the farm, I had a lot of fun hanging out with the friendly goats, and when I got back home, Joseph and Marie kept me entertained with their lively conversations. There was never a dull moment! I was so lucky to stay when there were so many adorable baby goats! Marshmallow, in particular, was my vest favorite and felt just like my own child—so precious! l’m looking forward to meet you again! Thank you for wonderful staying!
Robyn,
It was wonderful spending time at Little Cedar Farm. Between milking and feeding the goats; pasturising the milk; making yoghurts and cheeses; , packing and processing them; going to various markets around the region; hosting people in the farm cafe; gardening; planting trees; moving the animals – there are many different experiences and opportunities to be had at Little Cedar. Victoire and Moussa are thoughtful, kind and engaging hosts and very welcoming. Thank you for a wonderful stay and for your hospitality and company.
Mark,
I spent 3 lovely weeks at Little Cedar! I got a warm welcome from Victoire and Moussa straight away. Their ways of taking care of their goats, making the cheese, making sure their visitors have a great time and being part of local markets are very impressive and I’m glad I got to be part of it. I certainly recommend a stay with them in Winton. If you’re lucky, Philip will still be there to provide live entertainment. I enjoyed spending time and playing games with Joseph and Marie and hopefully I get to bring them another visit one day! I might not have won a single game of Catan, but getting to savour their delicious cheeses certainly made up for that. The jar of Twilight was finished in no time. Also, if you want to see dozens (maybe even hundreds) of kangaroos and a healing gum tree forest, don’t forget to visit the Winton Wetlands! Thanks, merci and šukran for having me and see you next time!
