Harry Kennedy Launches HK Agri: A Family-Driven Contracting Business
In a remarkable journey from a non-agricultural background to establishing a successful contracting operation, Harry Kennedy has launched HK Agri in Hampshire. The business, which began as a small-scale venture, now offers a variety of agricultural services, including hay production, muck spreading, and groundworks. With a strong reliance on second-hand equipment and in-house maintenance, HK Agri is carving out a niche in the competitive agricultural contracting market.
Harry’s family plays a crucial role in the operation. His father, John, an electrical engineer, assists in the workshop, while his brother Todd works part-time, and his sister Alex manages the accounting. The business is also supported by the Cheyney dairy and arable farm, owned by Harry’s brother-in-law, which provides approximately 25% of their workload. Despite having no prior farming experience, Harry’s passion for agriculture was ignited during a two-year apprenticeship on a dairy farm and further developed during a stint in New Zealand with Woodley’s Contracting.
Upon returning to the UK in 2017, Harry opted against pursuing formal agricultural education, choosing instead to learn through hands-on experience. He started with his parents’ hay equipment and quickly expanded his services to meet the growing demand from local customers. This initial work allowed him to invest in his first tractor, a 2007 MF 6480, which marked the beginning of his journey into mainstream farming tasks.
Business Growth and Equipment Strategy
HK Agri has grown significantly since its inception, with a diverse range of services that include producing 600-700 bales of hay, 200 bales of haylage, and 9,000 bales of straw annually. The company also offers grass seeding, muck spreading, and slurry spreading, alongside groundworks and haulage services. Currently, Harry employs one full-time staff member, Rob Hutchison, and one part-time worker, Todd Kennedy, with additional seasonal staff as needed.
Harry’s approach to business emphasizes cost-effectiveness and quality service. He strategically invests in used equipment to minimize expenses while ensuring reliable performance. His philosophy is to secure enough work to justify any upgrades, allowing him to maintain a lean operation without compromising service quality. Recent acquisitions include a 2002 JCB JS130 digger for groundworks and a Scania truck added in 2022, further diversifying the business’s capabilities.
Brand loyalty plays a significant role in Harry’s equipment choices, with a preference for John Deere and JCB due to their reliability and resale value. He values the ability to perform maintenance in-house, which helps keep operational costs low. For parts and support, he relies on local dealers, including Hunt Forest and Crawfords, ensuring that he has access to necessary resources when required.
As HK Agri continues to expand, Harry remains focused on identifying new opportunities while maintaining a strong family-oriented approach to his business. With a commitment to quality and a strategic mindset, HK Agri is poised for further growth in the agricultural contracting sector.
