Two leading co-op groups are backing efforts by the East of England Agricultural Society to expand the scope of the long-established annual farm business award competition.

Camgrain, which is a farmer-owned storage co-operative, Camgrain, and grain marketing and farm inputs co-op, Openfield, will be helping to expand the society's farm business awards competition. The annual awards have been run by the society for more than 30 years.

'We are excited to be working alongside the East of England and see this as a great opportunity to connect with farmers, said Openfield's head of central store development, Rob Sanderson.

'As a farming co-operative that strives to excel in what we do, Camgrain is pleased to support the East of England Society with their farm business awards that give recognition to those farms that excel in business' said chairman, John Latham, who farms at Six Mile Bottom, near Newmarket.

Former supreme winners have gone on to achieve other awards such as the Farmers Weekly Arable Farmer of the Year.

Farm business award committee member and past supreme winner, Andrew Nottage, said: 'This is not a 'tidy farm' competition, and it's also very easy to enter. We like to keep the awards a relaxed and friendly competition but also a great deal can be learnt from the whole experience; it truly is an ideal chance for farms and members of staff to progress and meet some great contacts.'

Details on the 2014 awards can be obtained from Kerry Buttriss kbuttriss@eastofengland.org.uk or telephone 01733 234451. Judging will start in the week beginning June 16.