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A self-made farmer has expanded his dairy business after securing a £40,000 loan to buy 35 new cows.

Twenty-three-year-old tenant farmer Sam Bailey, who is based in Whitgreave near Stafford, has increased his herd of cows to 140 after buying 35 Holstein Friesians with the cash-boost from HSBC.

He bought the cows to increase production levels from 24,000 litres in his first month to the current rate of 105,000 litres per month.

Sam, who set up his business in March last year, said: “I’ve wanted to own my own dairy farm as long as I can remember – my grandparents were tenant dairy farmers so I have been in the industry from a young age.

“I hope my story will encourage other young farmers to start-up their own farm. I do believe that if you put your mind to it, with hard work and support, really anything is possible.”

Sam is the youngest tenant farmer in Staffordshire and has recently been nominated for the Farmers Weekly Young Farmer of the Year awards.

Andy Hipwell, agricultural director for the Midlands at HSBC º£½ÇÊÓƵ, said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting Sam as he grows his young farm.

“His clear business plans, astute industry knowledge and passion for dairy farming was evident when we first met and we look forward to helping Sam continue to expand his farm.”