SHORWELL beef farmer, Andrew Hodgson, has been crowned as the Co-op’s Beef Farmer of the Year at the retailer’s annual Farming Awards ceremony.

Andrew, of Cheverton Farm, who is heavily involved in the retailer’s Integrated Calf Scheme, was credited as a progressive and forward thinking agricultural professional who has an innate understanding of how food should be produced.

His trophy was presented by Guy Smith, the NFU’s deputy president, and Adele Balmforth, the Co-op’s head of fresh produce.

Will Jackson, Co-op’s senior agricultural manager, said: “We’re delighted to call Andrew our Beef Farmer of the Year.

"He is an extremely active and enthusiastic member of the Co-op’s Beef Farming Group and a very worthy winner."