At Coppice Farm in England, Phil Lawton is steering his family’s dairy operation toward a more sustainable and resilient future. The farm’s 130-strong herd, once exclusively Holstein, is now a balanced mix of Holsteins and Norwegian Red crosses—a decision that has brought noticeable improvements in both herd health and milk production.
Lawton, a third-generation farmer, began crossbreeding after taking a break from college in 2017. During this period, he observed several farms successfully integrating crossbreeding into their operations. Inspired by what he saw, Lawton decided to adopt the approach himself, introducing Norwegian Reds into the herd. Starting with the Norwegian Red sire, Gopollen, the farm hasn’t looked back since. “We’ve never looked back,” Lawton says, reflecting on the success of this crossbreeding strategy.
The results are impressive. Coppice Farm now averages 8,500 liters per lactation, with butterfat levels above 4% and protein content around 3.7%. The somatic cell count remains consistently low, between 120 and 140. For Lawton, the benefits go beyond these numbers. The Norwegian Reds have brought a noticeable boost in cow resilience, health, and ease of management. The herd has transitioned from 600 kg animals to a more manageable 500 kg, with the smaller cows demonstrating strong health traits. “Their feet are absolutely incredible,” Lawton notes, praising the cow’s solid black hooves, which rarely require attention.
The farm’s paddock grazing system, with two to three days of rest between rotations, complements the year-round calving approach. While there has been a gradual shift toward autumn block calving, the Norwegian Red crosses thrive under varied conditions. Lawton appreciates the Norwegian Red’s natural resistance to mastitis and ability to recover from health issues with minimal intervention. “They’re cows you can leave to their own devices, and they’ll keep producing,” he adds.
Looking forward, Lawton is committed to continuing crossbreeding his herd with Norwegian Red. “It’s a decision we’ll definitely stick with,” he asserts. The cow’s size, health, and low-maintenance nature have proven to be a perfect fit for Coppice Farm. As the farm adapts to modern challenges, this blend of tradition and innovation is setting them up for long-term success.
