Sepp and Andrea Herger not only operate Alp Musenalp, they are also very successful goat breeders. During a recent show they won 1 gold, and 2 each of silver and bronze medals.

Caroline was a guest on Valerie Natal's podcast "5th Switzerland". You can follow the interview in any of the links below. Spotify 5th Switzerland https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5th-switzerland/id1605369395 https://5th-switzerland.captivate.fm/ 5th Switzerland

It took until mid-April in Zäziwil in the Emmental valley - where the Jordi family spend their time around transhumance - for the meadows to get ready for the cows. It's always a special day when the animals can leave the barn and enjoy the real deal: fresh grass.

It's certainly not uncommon that a lot of different animals live on a farm. Some get along well, others don't. We have an example from Alp Rainhütten: In their winter home, the Holensteins have cats that enter the goat barn and make themselves comfortable there. One cat is caressed by the baby goats and seems to enjoy it, the other cat lets them know that she doesn't want anyone that close. Watch

Nina Baumann, a homeopathic veterinarian, has been for years a dedicated helper to the Herger family (Alp Ruosalp). Nina owns her own cows that live on the Herger farm in Bürglen. One of them, Gina, recently gave birth. Watch the 90-second video:

It's a fabulous day for the cows of the Herger family, operators on Ruosalp: The animals can leave the barn down in Bürglen for the first time - and as you can see, they are full of joy. Max Herger is enthusiastic as well, although it's a demanding job to be the frontrunner. But finely they reach the meadows after a long winter.

There is still a lot of snow on Alp Bleiki, but the beautiful weather was too inviting: Paul and Agnes Barmettler took the opportunity to enjoy a fondue with Bleiki Bratkäse outside their chalet.

Frodo is here! No, it has nothing to do with the "Lord of the Rings", and Frodo is not a hobbit either: It's the name for the newest calf born on the Amacher Farm in Brienz, the operaters of Botchenalp. Nina Baumann, helper of Ruosalp, is also the proud owner of a calf. Her cow Gloria gave birth to a female, the name is not known yet.

Our friends at Sigona's Farmers Market had a special idea for a New Year's Eve dinner: A traditional Swiss Fondue, advertised with a picture of John Nava and Caroline.

The last day of the year was the happiest one for Andrea and Sepp Herger, the couple on Musenalp: In the early hours their daughter Julia was born, weighing 6.8 lbs and being 20.5 inches tall. "She is growing", say the proud parents, "we're looking forward to her first Alp season!"