A north-east farmer has been crowned Pig Farmer of the Year by the Co-op.
Derek Ambrose from Stonehaven was revealed as the winner at the retailer’s annual Farming Awards ceremony at the Great Yorkshire Show.
Mr Ambrose, who has been part of the Co-op’s pig farming group for the past three years, was described by judges as a “progressive and forward-thinking agricultural professional who places a sharp focus on animal welfare, sustainable farming and community engagement”.
His trophy was presented by NFU deputy president Guy Smith and the Co-op’s head of fresh produce, Adele Balmforth.
“We’re delighted to call Derek our Pig Farmer of the Year,” said the Co-op senior agricultural manager Will Jackson.
“He is an extremely active member of the Co-op’s Pork Farming Group and is a very worthy winner.”
He said all of the Co-op’s own-brand fresh pork, bacon, sausage, gammon and ham was now sourced from 100% outdoor-bred pigs on RSPCA-assured farms.
This means all pigs within its producer group are born outdoors and raised in well-ventilated, spacious straw barns to strict welfare standards.
