About Us
We are Nyree and Markus Bischofberger from Alpaka Appenzell, a diverse, family-run farm located in the pre-Alpine region at the foot of the Alpstein. We are two dynamic individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
Nyree is originally from Australia and grew up by the sea in Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, shaped by the rhythm of the tides. Markus is an innovative master farmer who was raised in the pre-Alpine Alpstein region of Eastern Switzerland, growing up alongside the animals of traditional agriculture.
Alongside many native farm animals, exotic alpacas have also been part of our home since 2004 . The combination of time-honoured traditions with a touch of exotic flair brings new life to our farm and fits perfectly with the character of the region.
About Us – Alpaka Appenzell
Our diverse cultural backgrounds and international connections make us a dynamic team in the world of alpacas.
Markus holds a master’s degree in agriculture as well as a commercial school diploma and grew up on a farm with Brown Swiss cows, as well as breeding sows and fattening pigs.
Nyree was born in Manly, Australia , and has a background in accounting, sales, and marketing. Her international perspective complements the agricultural expertise on our farm.
Together, we combine agricultural know-how, animal breeding, and international connections centred around the world of alpacas.
Our family also includes our three children, Marley, Jason and Tyler. They are growing up with the animals and farm life and are already enthusiastic, capable, and wonderful helpers on the farm.
How we came to alpacas
With our open-minded outlook, we have always been inspired to develop a new branch of our farm. We were constantly looking for new challenges and ways to further develop our agricultural business.
When we first heard about the exotic alpaca and began to learn more about these remarkable animals, we were immediately fascinated. Their calm nature, curious character, and exceptionally fine natural fibre convinced us.
For over 2004, we have been breeding Huacaya alpacas on our farm.
Our landscape in the pre-Alpine region at the foot of the Alpstein is characterised by rolling hills and partly steep terrain. Some of these meadows are difficult or even impossible to manage with machinery and in some cases must be cut by hand.
Alpacas are therefore ideally suited to our landscape. Originally from the Andes, they are adapted to steep slopes and challenging terrain. Their light-footed and sure-footed nature makes them particularly well suited to hilly pastures like those found in our region.
In this way, traditional farming and a species of animal that fits perfectly with the natural conditions of our farm come together.
Our experience with alpacas
For over 22 years, we have been deeply involved in the keeping, care, and breeding of alpacas.
During this time, we have gained extensive practical experience – from species-appropriate husbandry and animal health to the breeding of high-quality animals.
Through our daily work with the animals, we have developed a deep understanding of their needs, their behaviour, and their unique characteristics.
We are also happy to share this experience – whether in personal conversations, during farm tours, or through our advisory services relating to alpacas..
Our farm
The well-consolidated family farm is located at 1,000 metres above sea level, directly on the Way of St. James on the Arnig hill , and comprises around 18 hectares of agricultural land as well as an additional 6 hectares of forest. The land is managed in accordance with IP / ÖLN guidelines.
More than half of our land consists of sloping terrain, with around a quarter classified as steep slopes – landscapes that are particularly well suited to alpacas.
The property is now in its 4th generation of family ownership. Over the years, the farm has grown and today comprises seven propertiesthat have come together across several generations.
Our animal husbandry
In addition to our herd of around 60 alpacas , we also operate other areas of traditional agriculture.
These include:
- Pig breeding and pig fattening with around
- 90 breeding sows
- 250 piglets
- 500 fattening pigs
- A dairy operation with 21 Brown Swiss cows, breeding our own replacement heifers, registered as a herdbook farm
- Bee coloniesfrom which we produce our own farm honey .
These different branches complement each other and contribute to the diverse and sustainable management of our farm.
Sustainability and soil fertility
Out of gratitude for the gifts that nature provides us with every day, we wanted to give something back. This led to the creation of our nature-enhancing product, Alparama® Terra Preta nutrient humus.
With this approach, we are deeply engaged in soil fertility, sustainable agriculture, and regenerative methodsto maintain our soils healthy and fertile in the long term.
Education and young talent
Training young people in agriculture has a long tradition on our farm. For almost 50 years, we have been training agricultural apprentices.
Our diverse farm offers a broad insight into various areas of agriculture – from Alpacasand dairy farming with Brown Swiss cowsto breeding and fattening pigs as well as work related to grassland management and sustainable soil care.
What many apprentices find especially exciting is the combination of traditional farming and new areas of operation..
This diversity allows apprentices to actively engage in daily farm life, take on responsibility, and gain valuable hands-on experience..
We welcome motivated young people who are interested in agriculture and would like to experience the varied daily life on a diverse farm.
Further information on training:
Farmer EFZ – Agricultural Training
https://www.bzbs.ch/grundbildung/grundbildung-angebote/berufe/landwirt-in-efz