8th October 2009 | Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London
Norfolk men win Beef Farmer of the year
Beckhithe Farms, run jointly by Gary Gray and Barry Brooks, in Norfolk is the 2007 Farmers Weekly Beef farmer of the Year sponsored by McDonalds.
Gray and Brooks impressed the judges with their close working relationship with other people in the industry. “We value everyone as a partner and for this industry to survive the people in it have to work together for the good of the supply chain,” Brooks said.
David Henby, independent beef consultant and one of the judges commented: “It’s quite the most remarkable of business templates for any beef producer to comprehend and appreciate, regardless of size. Their utter professionalism in amalgamating management, technical, environmental and economic requirements for a profitable beef enterprise is outstanding.”
Over 100 farmers have entered in this year’s Awards with more than 30 businesses in the line-up reflecting the very best that British producers can offer across 12 categories.
The Awards’ aim is to recognise innovation and achievement among individual farmers as well as celebrate excellence within the industry.
In the run-up to the Awards, Farmers Weekly magazine is profiling the shortlisted farms from each category every week, with a focus on the three finalists competing for each award.
Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 31 October.
Press enquiries to Gill East in Corporate Communications on 020 8652 8825 / gill.east@rbi.co.uk
Notes for editors:
- Read the full report on Barry Brooks and Gary Gray published in Farmers Weekly and the other 2007 finalists
- Judging panel for Beef Farmer of the Year Award
David Hendy, independent beef consultant
Robert Neill, last year’s Beef Farmer of the year award winner
Chrissie Lawrence, Farmers Weekly’s deputy livestock editor
- The judging panel for the Overall Farmers Weekly Farmer of the Year Award
Sir Don Curry, Government Adviser
Sheila Dillon, BBC Radio 4 presenter of the Food Programme
Richard MacDonald, NFU Director General
Jane King, Editor of Farmers Weekly
Debbie Beaton, Awards Director, Farmers Weekly
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