Shearing Contractor and Record Holder

Originally from New Zealand and now based in Cornwall, Matthew Smith has dedicated his life to farming and shearing. As a shearing contractor in the Southwest, he runs a diverse farming enterprise, managing 1,200 Romney sheep, 700 Red Deer, and 100 cattle.

Farming has been in Matthew’s blood since birth, shaping both his personal and professional journey. A relentless drive for excellence led him to break one of the most prestigious records in shearing – the 9-hour strong wool ewe shearing record. His dedication and skill have also seen him represent England on the shearing stage, a testament to his commitment to the industry.

While Matthew often jokes that he’s “not right in the head” for choosing farming, his passion for the land and the wool industry speaks for itself. His proudest moment remains breaking a shearing record that many regard as one of the toughest in the world.

As a British Wool ambassador, Matthew is committed to promoting the benefits of wool, ensuring its value is recognised across the industry and beyond. He draws inspiration from successful people across all walks of life, using their drive and determination to fuel his own ambitions.