Dorset man Tom Foote has won Cream Awards Contractor of the Year

Having bought his first tractor at the age of 20, Tom has built his contracting business to a four-man gang, largely through reputation and making the most of opportunities as they’ve arisen.

Now 32, Tom runs four New Holland tractors and offers a range of contracting services from silaging and big baling to drilling, fencing and hedge trimming. All of this has been achieved through hard work and determination, saving money from several part-time jobs to purchase machinery and build the business.

Tom is now based at Vale Farm, Sutton Waldron, with his team working within a 30 mile radius. They cut 3,000 acres of silage a year and make 10,000 round bales of silage, hay and straw, whilst also doing some work for other contractors.

Tom adds: “I deal in hay, straw and silage now. So I’ve rented ground and I make quality hay for the equine market and the rest goes to dairy farmers. And I do the same with straw.”

To set them apart in the area, Tom has chosen to invest in forage wagons rather than harvesters. This has proved hugely popular. As a result, the business now runs two machines and hires in a third if necessary.

Tom believes more farmers are looking to use wagons because they deliver a longer chop length, which is beneficial to rumen health. A growing recognition of the importance of cutting earlier in the season to produce higher quality silage, together with taking more, smaller cuts for the same reason, makes forage wagons attractive.

“We charge by the hour, rather than the acre so it’s cheaper to have us in at the hourly rate when grass yields are lower,” he explains. “Wagons also provide the flexibility to do smaller amounts. We will cut 50 acres and cut the grass when it’s ready, rather than waiting until it’s all ready at the same time.”

Tom buys all of his bale and net wrap from Mole Valley Farmers, as well as some of his fencing materials. He believes opting for quality products is part of providing a good, trustworthy service.

“It’s just being reliable and a friendly group of staff. You’re only as good as your staff. It’s a team effort."