For 90 years, Norwegian Red has represented more than genetics. It stands for farmer collaboration, scientific discipline, and a long-term commitment to sustainable dairy farming. What began in 1935 as a national breeding initiative has grown into a globally respected genetic program under the stewardship of Geno SA, delivering value to farmers across continents.
“Our story is about more than genetics. It is about resilience, collaboration, and creating lasting value for farmers worldwide,” - Kristin Malonæs, CEO of Geno.
Milestones That Defined Norwegian Red
1935–1960: Building the Foundation
- 1935: Establishment of the Norwegian Red breeding organization by dairy farmers
- 1942: Introduction of artificial insemination in Norway
- 1960s: Adoption of frozen semen technology, enabling international distribution
1970s–2000s: A Different Breeding Philosophy
- 1970s: Health and fertility traits formally integrated into breeding goals, decades ahead of global norms
- 1990s–2000s: Efficiency, longevity, and functional traits strengthened as core selection criteria
- 2003: SpermVital patented, extending semen lifespan and improving conception rates
2010s: Accelerating Genetic Progress
- 2016: Genomic selection implemented across the breeding program
- 2018: Commercial embryo production launched
2020–2025: Scaling Impact Globally
• 2023 Geno Poland and Geno USA established, expanding global presence
• 2023–2025: Norwegian Red delivers record genetic progress across production, fertility, and health traits, supported by a reference population exceeding 300,000 genotyped animals. This scale of data underpins one of the most robust and reliable breeding programs in global dairy genetics, translating genetic gain into measurable herd-level value.
• 2025: Norwegian Red crossbred milk launched in China, demonstrating how genetics can drive value beyond the farm gate
Strong at Home, Expanding Worldwide
Norwegian Red remains the backbone of Norwegian dairy farming, representing approximately 92 percent of the national dairy herd. At the same time, its genetics are used in more than 20 countries, across diverse production systems and climates.
This balance between a strong domestic base and international growth is central to Geno’s strategy. Thousands of cooperative farmer-owners ensure that profits are reinvested into research, technology, and long-term genetic improvement. Globally, this model is supported by close collaboration with distributors, breeding organizations, and dairy producers who adapt Norwegian Red genetics to local needs.
Our growth is not just measured in volume, but in knowledge, capability, and consistent value creation,” Malonæs emphasizes.
Genetic Progress Built on Data and Discipline
Norwegian Red’s breeding program is defined by balance. Productivity is advanced alongside fertility, health, welfare, and longevity, resulting in cows that perform efficiently while remaining robust and manageable.
Key strengths include:
• One of the world’s largest genotype databases, with more than 300,000 animals underpinning breeding decisions
• Long-term, consistent genetic gain driven by accurate data and disciplined selection
• Leadership in polled genetics, improving animal welfare and reducing management interventions
• High fertility and health performance, supporting lower veterinary costs and longer productive lifetimes
This approach delivers predictable, repeatable results for farmers, whether used in purebred or crossbreeding systems.
Growing Through Partnerships
Global growth has been built through long-term partnerships rather than short-term expansion. Geno works closely with distributors, AI organizations, researchers, and dairy producers around the world to ensure Norwegian Red genetics deliver measurable results in local conditions.
From Europe and the Americas to Asia, these partnerships enable Norwegian Red to contribute to more resilient dairy systems while supporting farmer profitability and sustainability goals.
Looking Ahead
As Norwegian Red marks its 90th anniversary, the focus remains clear:
• Continue advancing genomic technologies and data-driven breeding
• Strengthen sustainability outcomes, including reduced emissions through genetic improvement
• Expand responsibly in global markets through strong, trusted partnerships
Norwegian Red is not just a breed. It is 90 years of disciplined progress, farmer commitment, and global collaboration — and a foundation built to deliver for the decades ahead.
