Jääskelän tila is a family run dairy farm located in rural Suonenjoki in the North Savo region. Run by Marko and Satu Jääskeläinen, the farm offers a clear picture of everyday Finnish dairy farming, where working with animals, fields and machinery are all part of daily life. The farm provides a practical learning environment for understanding how a medium sized dairy farm functions in Finland.
Farm overview
75 dairy cows
Milking system: AMS, Lely A4
Average milk yield 12,000 kg and 12,700 kg EKM
160 hectares of farmland – 52 ha own land – 75 ha rented – 33 ha contract fields
Farming practices
Dairy cows are fed with a total mixed ration (TMR)
Holstein cattle 70 percent and Ayrshire 30 percent
Cows and heifers graze outdoors during summer
In winter the herd has access to outdoor areas
Seasonal workers are employed, mainly trainees
Cultivation
Grass 90 ha
Cereals 65 ha
Pasture 5 ha
Silage is harvested with a forage wagon and stored in silos. Part of the silage is made into round bales. Mixed grain crops are harvested, threshed and preserved as crimped silage.
Goals and development
Securing the long-term viability of the farm
Preparing for generational change
Improving animal welfare
Doubling production in the future
What you will learn as a trainee?
Traditional Finnish dairy farming practices
Daily care of dairy cows and heifers
Working with farm machinery
Participating in both animal and field work
Experiencing everyday farm life in a family-run farm
Contact
Satu Jääskeläinen Email: jaaskelainen.satu@gmail.com Phone: +358 50 530 7357
Instagram: @jaaskelantila
Practical matters
Earliest start date: May 2026 or as agreed
Accommodation: lodging and meals provided at the farm
Additional option: lakeside cottage without electricity or amenities
Salary: not specified
Life around the farm
The farm is located in the countryside in Suonenjoki, a town that is well known across Finland for its strawberry production. Suonenjoki is often called the strawberry capital of Finland, and trainees may have the opportunity to experience the local Strawberry Festival or visit a strawberry farm.
The nearby city of Kuopio offers additional sights and services. The surrounding area also features beautiful natural destinations such as Autuaankannas and the ridge landscapes of Lintharju, which are ideal for walking and cycling with forests close at hand.
What makes North Savo special for an international trainee
North Savo offers an authentic experience of Finnish everyday life, combining agriculture, nature and a strong regional community. The region is known for its welcoming atmosphere, safe environment and high quality of life. It is easy to settle in, get around and feel part of local life.
Nature is an essential part of daily living in North Savo. The region is surrounded by lakes, forests and open countryside. Outdoor activities are accessible all year round. Swimming in lakes, hiking, cycling, berry picking and enjoying quiet nature are typical Finnish experiences that many international trainees find memorable.
Sauna culture is deeply rooted in the region. Lakeside saunas, public saunas and sauna evenings with locals are common. Sauna is not only about relaxation but also about social connection and sharing time together.
Kuopio is the largest city in North Savo and an important university city. It offers cafés, restaurants, a market square, cultural events and sports facilities. The Kuopio Market Hall is a great place to explore Finnish food culture. Even trainees living in rural areas often visit Kuopio for leisure and services.
Tahko is one of Finland’s best known leisure and holiday destinations and is located within the region. It offers skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking, mountain biking, lake activities and events in summer. Tahko also has restaurants, cafés and seasonal festivals.
North Savo is well connected to the rest of Finland. Helsinki and other cities are easy to reach by train, making it simple to travel during your traineeship.
Why choose Finland and North Savo for an agricultural traineeship
Finnish agriculture differs clearly from Central European farming systems. Lower production intensity, clean natural conditions and strong biosecurity practices create a unique learning environment.
Finland has one of the best animal health situations in the EU. Many animal diseases common elsewhere in Europe are rare or absent. This is based on strict hygiene, preventive practices and careful monitoring at farm level, offering valuable practical experience in responsible livestock production.
In North Savo, farming is strongly based on grass production, on farm feed and sustainable land use. Compared to the Netherlands, farms typically have lower stocking densities and more land per animal, supporting animal welfare and long term soil health.
A traineeship in North Savo offers hands on experience of Nordic agriculture, combining modern technology, high food safety standards and a close connection to nature.
About the project The Hollannista Savoon (From the Netherlands to Northern Savo) project fosters cooperation between Dutch agricultural students and Northern Savo farms in Finland. It aims to strengthen international exchange, enhance awareness and skills, and build pathways for traineeships and work placements on farms. The project also compiles information about regional agriculture in English to support international engagement. The initiative is co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through the Pohjois-Savo ELY Centre, with additional support from Olvisäätiö and participating farms.
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