How award-winning young farmer is targeting business growth

Since winning the 2025 Farmers Weekly Young Farmer of the Year Award, Hampshire livestock farmer Matt Hancocks has expanded his business, increased cattle numbers, and continues promoting agriculture.

“It’s been good; things have gone quite nicely this year. It’s been a great year in many senses,” he says.

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He highlights improvements in lamb performance, noting that “the lambs have thrived this year; all of my home-bred lambs were sold two months early this year, fat.”

The lambs exceeded expectations in both weight and price. “They got sold in three groups, and made seven top prices, which is great.

“The home-bred ones averaged between 46kg and 52kg, I think that is because of the genetics within them.”

Recognition and expansion

Recognition following the award has raised Matt’s profile within the farming community.

“The morning after the awards, I had the most messages I think I had ever received. I didn’t think that many people knew who I was,” he says.

“I have people in the livestock market come up to me, and all of the vets all know me. I have people who I don’t even know contact me asking to do farm tours, and it’s been really good.”

Over the past year, Matt has expanded his beef operation more quickly than initially planned.

“I said I wanted 50-60 cattle in five years. Over the past year, I have already got an extra 50 and all of the facilities that go with it. I’m really proud,” he says.

“From starting with no cattle 18 months ago, I have taken it from zero to 50. I have sold 35 cattle over the past year, so it’s gone really well.”

He attributes this growth to sustained effort. “It’s been hard work to get it there and long hours, but if you want it, you have to work for it.”

While sheep numbers have remained stable, Matt plans gradual expansion. “The breeding ewes have stayed the same, but I want to get them up to 100 in the next three years,” he says.

He has also invested in machinery upgrades, including a higher-horsepower tractor and a 14ft cattle trailer to support the growing enterprise.

Looking ahead, he identifies further ambitions within the beef sector. 

“One day, I would really like to scale up the beef cattle enterprise. Or if the opportunity arises, I would like to start a suckler herd, which is a long-term goal.”

Welfare focus

Driven by a focus on animal health and welfare, over the past few years Matt has developed M Hancocks Livestock into a 40ha (100-acre) enterprise – without family backing or external funding.

Starting with six chickens and a small group of store lambs, he has grown the business through reinvestment, practical skills and long-term planning.

Alongside managing his livestock, he owns and maintains his own machinery, including a tractor, straw chopper and mobile handling systems.

By carrying out repairs himself, he reduces operational costs while maintaining efficiency across the business.

A graduate of an agricultural college with distinction-level qualifications, Matt combines academic training with practical experience.

He also works locally as a relief herdsman and contract shepherd, using additional income to support further investment in livestock and equipment.

Matt continues to highlight farming as a career path for young people, emphasising the level of commitment required.

“You’ve got to work hard; since the day I left school, I have never taken a day out of feeding the animals. I am so committed to making the business work that I just focus on that.”