A FAMILY farming business in Upton-upon-Severn has been made Milkminder Manager of the Year 2005.

The dairy herd at Surman farms produces more than one million litres of organic milk a year.

The family competed against 1,500 other producers to be given the honour at the European Dairy Farming Event.

Oliver Surman, manager, said: "It is particularly satisfying to win against all comers."

Promar Milkminder is a comprehensive dairy management service. In selecting the winner of this year's award, the judges were looking for technical excellence combined with buying expertise and evidence of working to meet customer needs.

The family partnership of Surman Farms extends to 850 acres and was converted to organic production nearly five years ago. All the milk is sold to Cotteswold Dairy at Tewkesbury.

The family also recently launched their own branded organic beef and lamb under the name of 'Pegoty Hedge'.