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Sen Sovann, deputy secretary general at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Cambodia in charge of domestic cattle production welcomed the investment but said the climate in Cambodia could make it difficult for the farm to produce high-quality milk. "Of course, milk consumed in Cambodia is 100 per cent imported and good-quality meats are too," he said. "But in hot weather cattle face extra challenges and they need good care and feeding to override the obstacles."

Lordswood Farms Ltd was established in 1975 by one of Britain’s most prominent and innovative dairy farmers, Malcolm Pearce, whose passion for farming developed from a very young age. It is a well established business with a proven track record in innovation and traditional sustainable farming methods; so will be able to bring considerable expertise to the project. It is also home to Europe’s largest herd of Montbeliarde cattle, one of the most highly regarded breeds of dual purpose cattle thriving throughout the world. With their strong physical attributes and excellent milk composition, it was clear that this dual purpose breed was the answer to successful, profitable, and sustainable dairy farming in the UK.

By 1997 Lordswood Farms was one of the largest dairy farms in Britain, producing 17 million litres of milk and processing a total of 65 million litres annually. Lordswood Farms Dairy Processing was later sold to Robert Wisemans Dairies in May 2001, after which time the dedicated team at Lordswood were able to focus their skills to the breeding, development and research of the Montbeliarde breed in both dairy and beef capacities.

Separately, Malcolm Pearce is negotiating other deals for British cattle genetics and expertise in other countries in the region, where Britain has much to offer.