La Paca at the Schusterbauerhof organic farm

The history of the Schusterbauerhof in Södingberg can be traced back to the year 1564, and since 1995, the operation has been certified organic. Wolfram Schrotter fulfills his dream of his own alpaca breeding here in the family business. His wife Viktoria contributes her creative side at La Paca – from dyeing the wool to lovingly designing each individual product – which has earned her the nickname “Wool Fairy” at the farm. Levin, Sola, Rosi, Nelly, Ninja, Figaro, Bruno – a total of 24 alpacas live at the farm. Viktoria knows her herd well: “Each animal has its own unique personality,” says the breeder. “Ninja is our leader, Figaro is a little rascal, and Bruno is always a bit sleepy.”

Shearing takes place once a year, after the ice saints in May. For the shearing, professional support is sought to ensure that the procedure remains as short and stress-free for the animals as possible. To prepare the wool for spinning, it is cleaned, picked, and carded by hand. A friend who is a spinner then processes it into yarn. “Alpaca wool is completely lanolin-free and allergy-friendly. It is even suitable for baby laundry,” explains Viktoria. You can also purchase hand-knitted hats, headbands and socks, comforters and cozy blankets, felt inserts and natural soap in the small farm shop.

Unlike llamas, which are used as trekking animals, alpacas were originally bred solely for their wool. Therefore, La Paca consciously does not offer any hiking tours. In the farm experiences, which Viktoria leads as a trained nature and experience educator, there are no fixed routines: The children feed the animals, ask questions, have picnics in the pasture, craft with natural materials, or plant a tree. Many are in contact with nature for the very first time. Their daily routine no longer follows the clock, says Viktoria, but rather what is currently happening: apple harvesting when the fruits are ripe, office work when it rains, and sometimes a night in the stable when an alpaca baby is being born. No day is like the other. “Our boss is nature.”