Our Alpaca- and Lama Farm
Building a competent Team
Llamas: We began breeding camelids in 1994. Our business began with fine fleeced llamas imported from Argentina. This group was supplemented with llamas from North and South America. This genetic mix is evident in our strong conformationally correct, easy-to-handle, heavily-wooled llamas. The founder of the North American llama industry Richard Patterson stated, 'the Arnold and Uli Luginbühl-Lippl diligence to excellent animal selection and smart breeding practices has resulted in one of the best llama herds in the world. Their animals are typified by tremendous presence, conformation and calm temperament.'
Alpacas: Our alpaca operation started a few years later. We started with a large number of Suris that originated in Bolivia.
Soon after this Arnold Luginbühl worked with established experts in North and South America in the alpaca growing regions in Chile and Peru to select the best animals for our Swiss program.
Arnold Luginbühl and American veterinarian Dr. William ('Bill') Barnett travelled to Chile and visited many villages before personally selecting 315 animals in two importations. Toni, Arnold's brother, was responsible for the quarantine in Chile. The animals were evaluated in accordance with Alpaca Registry Inc. (A.R.I) screening rules.
These importations were followed by a selection of 129 extraordinary alpacas from the alpaca heartland, the Puno district in southern Peru. Again all animals were selected by Arnold Luginbühl and Bill Barnett DVM using the same proven criteria. These animals were also screened by experienced, long established expert screeners using the A.R.I. system.
- Here is the family team of the Alpaca and Llama farm (from left to right): Brother Toni Luginbühl and wife Zoraya, Arnold Luginbühl and wife Uli Lippl, and Arnold's father Ueli Luginbühl.
Arnold Luginbühl-Lippl is responsable in general for the business. Dr. med. vet. Uli Lippl Luginbühl (Arnold's wife) is in charge of the veterinary medical care. Toni Luginbühl-Catacora and his Peruvian born wife Zoraya are also integrally involved in the daily running of the business. Ueli Luginbühl recently retired dairy farmer now also enjoys working with the llamas and alpacas.
Bill Barnett DVM has also enhanced the success and focus of our business by continually sharing his 25 years of knowledge and breeding experience. He owns a herd of 3000 Huacayas and Suris in North America and is well known for running one of the most successful alpaca venture in the world.
- And don't forget, even Uli and Arnold's children are a fixed part of the team (starting from left): Carmen, Rico and Joe.
Goal
Alpacas of Switzerland's primary goal is to produce the highest quality alpacas and llamas for the European market and to work with other owners in developing the international alpaca business.