Norwegian Red is pleased to announce Philip Lawton, a third-generation dairy farmer from Coppice Farm in England, as the first ambassador in the Norwegian Red Global Ambassador Program based outside Norway.
A passionate advocate for British dairy farming and a strong believer in Norwegian Red genetics, Philip brings first-hand experience of how breeding decisions can support herd health, fertility and long-term farm performance. His appointment marks an important milestone in the development of the Global Ambassador Program and strengthens Norwegian Red's commitment to sharing authentic farmer experiences across international markets.
A family farming legacy, with an eye on the future
At Coppice Farm, Philip manages a herd of around 130 cows, building on his family's farming legacy while looking for ways to improve herd performance and resilience.
The farm's commitment to continuous improvement has also recently been recognised by First Milk, which awarded Coppice Farm Regional Winner – Midlands in its Regenerative Farming Awards, recognising the excellent progress made towards farming more regeneratively during 2026.
Having introduced Norwegian Red genetics into his family's previously all-Holstein herd, Philip has experienced the benefits of incorporating Norwegian Red into his breeding strategy. He particularly values the breed's health and fertility traits, strong feet, milk quality and the ability of the cows to fit well within the farm's management system.
For Philip, successful breeding is about more than production figures alone. It is about developing a herd of healthy, functional and productive cows that work well for the farm and support efficient dairy production.
His approach reflects the philosophy behind Norwegian Red: combining balanced genetic improvement with the traits that matter to farmers, helping them build productive and sustainable herds for the future.
“It's a real honour to become Norwegian Red's first international ambassador. Since introducing Norwegian Red genetics at Coppice Farm, we've seen the benefits of having cows with strong health and fertility, good feet and excellent milk quality. These are qualities that really matter in our day-to-day farming, and I'm proud to be part of a programme that puts real farmers and real results at the centre of the story. I'm looking forward to being part of this journey with Norwegian Red in Great Britain and beyond.” – Philip Lawton
Bringing the farmer's voice to a global audience
The Norwegian Red Global Ambassador Program brings together farmers who believe in the breed and are willing to share their experiences, insights and results with others. By putting farmers at the centre of the conversation, the program aims to demonstrate the value of Norwegian Red genetics through real farm stories and practical knowledge.
Philip's appointment is the first step in extending the program beyond Norway. As a younger-generation farmer continuing his family's legacy, he brings a valuable perspective to discussions about the future of dairy farming in Great Britain and internationally.
Through his involvement, Norwegian Red looks forward to sharing Philip's experiences, breeding decisions and farm results with dairy farmers across Great Britain and its wider international markets. His contribution will help strengthen connections between Norwegian Red and the farmers who use its genetics, while encouraging an open exchange of knowledge about herd health, fertility, efficiency and performance.
The appointment represents another step in Norwegian Red's ambition to build a trusted international brand, supported by farmers who can speak confidently about their own experiences and the results they see in their herds.
Norwegian Red and the British dairy industry
The UK is an important market for Norwegian Red, with a well-established dairy industry. According to AHDB, Great Britain had approximately 6,850 dairy producers and a milking herd of 1.59 million cows as of April 2026. Across the UK, milk production reached 15.8 billion litres in 2025, highlighting the scale and importance of the dairy sector.
Norwegian Red has been part of the British dairy genetics market for decades, building a strong presence through its long-standing partnership with Genus ABS. The partnership dates back more than a decade, with Norwegian Red genetics forming an established part of Genus ABS's dairy genetics portfolio. Working closely with Genus ABS, Norwegian Red continues to make its genetics accessible to British dairy farmers, supported by breeding advice, practical farm experience and results from commercial herds.
