Matt Betton is a third-generation livestock farmer based at Medlicott in the Shropshire Hills. The farm, first established by his grandfather in the 1950s, spans approximately 600 acres of steep hill terrain on the edge of the Long Mynd. Growing up alongside his father and grandfather, he developed an early and lasting commitment to farming. The business focuses on sheep and beef production, operating a low-input system suited to the challenging upland landscape. Alongside livestock production, Matthew places strong emphasis on environmental management. He integrates conservation measures into the farm business, including hedgerow planting and habitat restoration, with the aim of balancing food production and biodiversity. With agricultural policy moving away from direct support payments, he is adapting the business to operate efficiently and sustainably under the evolving framework. As father of three, Matt is working to secure a resilient future for the farm, with the hope that the next generation will continue the enterprise. Matt has been a member of the farmers group since its establishment in 2018 and currently serves as Chairman of the wider Upper Onny Farmers Group.
Our Projects
Educational School Visits
Matt is CEVAS trained and has worked with organisations such as LEAF and Buglife to welcome local schools onto his farm, helping to educate children about the importance of farming and the natural environment.
He is passionate about giving young people a better understanding of where their food comes from and the role farmers play in caring for the countryside. By opening up his farm for educational visits, Matt is helping to build stronger connections between farming and the wider community.
Matt feels strongly about creating a sustainable future for his own children and is committed to looking after the landscapes where they grow up, ensuring they can be enjoyed and farmed responsibly for generations to come.