{"id":2053,"date":"2023-11-27T19:20:48","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T18:20:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alpaka-appenzell.ch\/?page_id=2053"},"modified":"2026-03-17T16:55:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T15:55:38","slug":"uns","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/alpaka-appenzell.ch\/en\/uns\/","title":{"rendered":"About Us"},"content":{"rendered":"
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About Us<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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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.<\/p>

Nyree is originally from Australia and grew up by the sea in Manly on Sydney\u2019s Northern Beaches,<\/strong> shaped by the rhythm of the tides. Markus is an innovative master farmer who was raised in the pre-Alpine Alpstein region<\/strong> of Eastern Switzerland, growing up alongside the animals of traditional agriculture.<\/p>

Alongside many native farm animals, exotic alpacas have also been part of our home since 2004<\/strong> . 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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About Us \u2013 Alpaka Appenzell<\/h2>

Our diverse cultural backgrounds and international connections make us a dynamic team in the world of alpacas.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Markus holds a master\u2019s degree in agriculture<\/strong> 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.\u00a0<\/p>

Nyree was born in Manly, Australia<\/strong> , and has a background in accounting, sales, and marketing<\/strong>. Her international perspective complements the agricultural expertise on our farm.<\/p>

Together, we combine agricultural know-how, animal breeding, and international connections centred around the world of alpacas.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Our family also includes our three children, Marley, Jason and Tyler<\/strong>. They are growing up with the animals and farm life and are already enthusiastic, capable, and wonderful helpers on the farm.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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How we came to alpacas<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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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.\u00a0<\/p>

When we first heard about the exotic alpaca<\/strong> 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.<\/p>

For over 2004, we have been breeding Huacaya alpacas<\/strong> on our farm.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Alpacas are the aristocrats among farm animals<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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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.<\/p>

Alpacas are therefore ideally suited to our landscape. Originally from the Andes<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>

In this way, traditional farming and a species of animal that fits perfectly with the natural conditions of our farm come together.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Our experience with alpacas<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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For over 22 years, <\/strong>we have been deeply involved in the keeping, care, and breeding of alpacas.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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During this time, we have gained extensive practical experience \u2013 from species-appropriate husbandry and animal health to the breeding of high-quality animals.<\/p>

Through our daily work with the animals, we have developed a deep understanding of their needs, their behaviour, and their unique characteristics.<\/p>

We are also happy to share this experience \u2013 whether in personal conversations, during farm tours, or through our advisory services<\/span><\/a> relating to alpacas.<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Appenzell Miguel \"Best of Show\"<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Our farm<\/h2>

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<\/strong> , and comprises around 18 hectares of agricultural land as well as an additional 6 hectares of forest<\/strong>. The land is managed in accordance with IP \/ \u00d6LN<\/strong> guidelines.<\/p>

More than half of our land consists of sloping terrain<\/strong>, with around a quarter classified as steep slopes<\/strong> \u2013 landscapes that are particularly well suited to alpacas.<\/p>

The property is now in its 4th generation of family ownership<\/strong>. Over the years, the farm has grown and today comprises seven properties<\/strong>that have come together across several generations.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Our animal husbandry<\/h2>

In addition to our herd of around\u00a060 alpacas<\/strong>\u00a0, we also operate other areas of traditional agriculture.<\/p>

These include:<\/p>