The day after my 21st birthday, we went to a water buffalo farm and a deer farm with diversified enterprises. Each are obviously unique from the get go, but after getting to know each farmer, the farms got even more unique.

First at the water buffalo farm, I saw first hand these round, black, stocky, and rugged creatures that give very potent milk. At nearly 15 liters a day, water buffalo can give milk with over 6% milk protein and over 13% milk fat. Because of this near butter like output, they get paid about 3,00 CHF per liter of milk. Compared to the commercial dairy producer who gets paid 0,58 CHF per liter of milk. Therefore, the water buffalo farmers are laughing to the bank at those who scrutinize the “looks” of their animals.

Not the most "dairy" creatures on earth. They do, however, have great front end capacity and width of rump. Their skin feels like pigs skin and hair too.

Curious Water buffalo. The government won't let them dehorn water buffalo here.

However, like I said, the farmers are what made these farms even cooler. Since water buffalo are so hard on the eyes, this farmer has been breeding Registered Holstein cows  (much better looking ☺) with strictly Canadian and US genetics for many years. I was astonished at the pedigrees of some animals with some matings that I may want to try some day on my cows. Even one group member who has never judged cattle asked me if it was just him or are the cows here “really hott”. I responded with a giggle and a firm yes.

By the way, one unit of Goldwyn semen costs 2,000 CHF. And I thought we had it rough.

Very nice two year old. Her legs just can't take the mountain slopes.

Following the tour, we had a delicious, summery, and flavorful lunch. The spread nearly made me weak at the knees. The highlight of the meal was of course the fresh mozzarella made by the water buffalo on their farm. It was to die for. If you have never tasted fresh mozzarella, you have not lived yet.  So creamy and fresh, this cheese was the best yet for me on this Switzerland trip.

Magical

The water buffalo farmer's house and former barn.

Next, we were off to the deer farm. The deer were quite pretty to me and I enjoyed just watching them be their curious and wild selves. But again, the farmer made the visit the best. He explained that there is a huge market for this breed of deer to sell not only venison, but also blood and horns. Who would want their blood and horns? The Chinese. Why? For what they think increased human reproductive viability. Basically nature’s Viagra. Of course, leave it to the Chinese. The farmer laughed for quite sometimes about this analogy. However, he is in the middle of building a brand new house and built a barn just for weddings and square dancing. I think he appreciated the Chinese business. Big time.

Walking gold mines.

He also appreciated the psycho dog breeders in the US. He has a male dog that was a four-time World Champion wild pig hunter that is now used for breeding around the world. He said one pregnancy costs the female’s owner 1,000 CHF and 10% of all offspring sales go back to him. In summary, this guy is loaded.

But in the end, he said to never stop being progressive and change with the times. Going off the beaten path and doing something new will always, in some way, benefit you.

I reflected more about this during dinner. I realized that if I hadn’t gone out of my comfort zone and gone on this trip, I wouldn’t have meet these special and inspiring farmers and people. Some of which, I consider friends or people I want to have in my life for the future.

That night we all drank café lutz and watched the German version of Funniest Home Videos. The combination of high altitude, alcohol, and laughing made me very happy and sleep sweetly.

The best sausage ever. Stephan told me it was local llama. I didn't even care.