Latin America tours Switzerland with Swissgenetics
Around 100 breeders and breeding enthusiasts from Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru travelled through Switzerland with Swissgenetics in June to experience Swiss genetics where it begins: on farm.
Angelo Pozzatti, Export Sales Manager
From 6 to 14 June 2026, we had the pleasure of welcoming a large delegation from Latin America to Switzerland. Around 100 participants from Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru took part in the Swissgenetics Tour 2026. During an intensive week, they saw first-hand the diversity of Swiss breeds, different farming systems and the work of breeder families who develop Swiss genetics day after day with expertise, commitment and passion.
A journey through the Swiss breeding landscape
The tour took the guests right across Switzerland - from Eastern Switzerland to Graubünden, then on to Central Switzerland, the Swiss Plateau and Western Switzerland. The focus was not only on bulls, breeding values and programmes, but above all on the people behind the genetics: Farm owners and managers, families, staff and hosts who opened their doors and openly shared their work.
A cultural start in Appenzell
After arriving in Zurich, the trip began with a day of culture in the Appenzell region. The guests visited the Appenzeller show dairy, discovered Appenzell beer culture and gained a first impression of how closely agriculture, landscape, tradition and regional added-value are connected in Switzerland.
Insights into Brown Swiss and Original Braunvieh
The specialist programme then began with Brown Swiss and Original Braunvieh. Visits to the Cadalbert family, the Plantahof in Parpan and Landquart, and Niklaus Looser showed the guests the strength and versatility of Brown Swiss and Original Braunvieh breeding. That matters especially in Latin American markets, where functional traits, adaptability, production and longevity are decisive. On farm, it became clear what Swiss genetics stands for: cows that look good on paper and prove themselves in everyday farming conditions.
At Swissgenetics in Mülligen
Another highlight was the visit to Swissgenetics in Mülligen. There, the guests gained insight into the work behind international genetics: bull housing, semen processing, quality assurance and logistics. For many, it showed just how much precision, responsibility and expertise go into every semen dose before it leaves Mülligen and is shipped globally. At the bull parade, the bulls impressed the visitors sparking interest in the semen doses.
Visits to Holstein and Red Holstein farms
Holstein and Red Holstein were also on the programme. The farms of Christian Hauri, Stefan Käser, David Flury, Beat von Allmen and Mattenhof gave the visitors a look at modern Swiss dairy farms with different breeding and management priorities. The guests were able to speak directly with the farm managers, ask questions and assess the animals in the barn. This direct exchange is especially valuable for international visitors - because trust is built at the feed barrier, not in a PowerPoint presentation.
Visits to Simmental and Swiss Fleckvieh farms
With Swiss Fleckvieh and Simmental, the group also got to know two important Swiss dual-purpose breeds. The visits to CE Schläfli + Paillard, Gilbert Christen, Daniela and Adrian Stotzer, and Hansruedi Mast clearly showed how Swiss farms combine milk, beef, fitness and functional traits. This broad genetic base has plenty to offer, especially for regions with diverse production conditions.
A Swiss finish with mountain views
To round off the specialist programme, the tour returned once again to Brown Swiss and Original Braunvieh breeding. Visits to Marco Bachmann, Franz Annen, Rafael Stalder and Franziska Duss rounded off the group’s view of Swiss Brown Swiss breeding. The busy week came to a close with an official Swiss dinner with Swissgenetics - including a yodelling performance. A little Swissness is allowed. Or in other words: if, after a week of cows, mountains, bus journeys and technical discussions, you’re still not quite sure where you are, you certainly will after the yodelling. On Saturday, the group then headed up high - more precisely, by steam cog railway to the Brienzer Rothorn.
Strengthening ties with Latin America
For Swissgenetics International, the tour was an important opportunity to strengthen its ties with Latin America. Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru are key markets for Swissgenetics, with dedicated partners, engaged breeders and considerable potential for Swiss genetics. Meeting in person, seeing the farms and speaking directly with breeders are what build trust in international partnerships while also showing that Swiss breeding is about far more than figures, catalogues and breeding values.
A special thank you goes to all the breeder families and farms who opened their doors to the visitors. They shared not only their animals, but also their daily work, their beliefs and their passion for breeding. It is this openness that makes tours like this possible. And it is this openness that shapes the impression of Swiss agriculture that international guests take home with them.
The 2026 Swissgenetics tour made one thing very clear: demand for Swiss genetics remains strong worldwide. But its strongest ambassadors are not only found in the catalogue. They are found in Swiss barns.
