08/09/2026
Portrait number 6 in our series FiBL Women 💪 in Agriculture!
Today with Anet Spengler Neff, FiBL Department co-head and Group co-leader.
Her message ✉️
“From day one, I’ve been fascinated by farming, particularly alpine farming. I have the utmost respect for all farmers around the world because the work is so important and you can only do it if you’re a well-rounded person.
Every day, I think to myself how lucky I am to be a farmer too. With this, we’re never alone!”
Her own animals 🐑
“I didn’t grow up on a farm. I studied livestock science. Alongside my studies, I worked on farms and in the alpine pastures with cows and goats. Organic farming was very important to me right from the start.
Today, I keep a flock of Engadine sheep comprising 17 ewes. I get my hay from my brother. The pastures are on building plots. I don’t own any land myself.”
Recognising one’s own competence 🎓
After my A-levels, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I went into the Swiss mountains to think about my future. While I was there, I visited a farmer who invited me to help out on his farm. Despite the initial hard work, I was simply content.
It was negative comments about organic farming that spurred me on to study agriculture. I realised that, if I wanted to be able to talk knowledgeably about it, I would have to study it. I’ve never regretted it!”
Her network 📲
“I love living alongside and studying the animals. I learn a lot from them. What makes it special is that I have lots of helpers. There are about 20 of us in a WhatsApp group. I send a message when I need help.
Someone is always available, especially my daughter and my godchild. Many people from the neighbourhood bring me their stale bread and collect wool or manure for their gardens. So, in one way or another, lots of people are involved!”
For her contact details: https://pulse.ly/sagngvnbw1
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
