Rachel Martin

Rachel Martin Profile Picture

Rachel Martin specialises in writing about agri-business, food production and dairying. Previously she worked as a business reporter at one of Northern Ireland’s biggest daily newspapers. In 2017, she was named one of IFAJ's 10 Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism. She is currently secretary of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists in Northern Ireland. When she’s not writing, Rachel can usually be found in the milking parlour at home in Co. Down with her family's 130 cows.

‘Rural Oscars’ are back and searching for the best in countryside business
‘Rural Oscars’ are back and searching for the best in countryside business

The Countryside Alliance Awards, also known as the ‘Rural Oscars’, are returning for their 14th year with nominations now open....

Dorset supply chain conference an opportunity for farmers to ‘up-skill’
Dorset supply chain conference an opportunity for farmers to ‘up-skill’

Agricultural industry experts will gather in Dorchester to discuss how producers are doing business and consider whether greater integration in...

Ayrshire farmer cheated out of thousands in machinery ‘ghosting’ scam
Ayrshire farmer cheated out of thousands in machinery ‘ghosting’ scam

Organisers of a rural crime conference have said cybercrime will be included in the event after an Ayrshire farmer was...

Finish line in sight for Lakeland-LacPatrick merger talks
Finish line in sight for Lakeland-LacPatrick merger talks

Merger talks between senior figures at Lakeland Dairies and LacPatrick are entering the final stages with details of the deal...

Help Welsh business prosper: NFU Cymru and CBI Wales make joint Brexit plea
Help Welsh business prosper: NFU Cymru and CBI Wales make joint Brexit plea

National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Cymru and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Wales have come together in a joint call...

Scottish Secretary welcomes migrant workers pilot – despite it only covering an 8th of the shortfall
Scottish Secretary welcomes migrant workers pilot – despite it only covering an 8th of the shortfall

A two-year pilot to allow non-EU migrant workers to work on farms, then return after six months, has been welcomed...

Trials shed light on take-all in barley
Trials shed light on take-all in barley

Recent trial results measuring the effect of inputs on crop health, nutrition, take-all incidence and severity, have shed light on...

Farmers sought for pioneering grass management programme
Farmers sought for pioneering grass management programme

Beef and sheep farms are needed for a new GrassCheck project which will help farmers across Great Britain improve management of...

New pilot scheme to bring 2,500 seasonal workers to UK farms
New pilot scheme to bring 2,500 seasonal workers to UK farms

A nationwide pilot to bring migrant workers to UK farms has been announced by the Home Secretary and Environment Secretary...

Cuts to Scotland’s LFASS payments ‘unacceptable’
Cuts to Scotland’s LFASS payments ‘unacceptable’

National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland has called for Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing to hold LFA support at current levels during...

New Livestock Information Programme ‘pivotal’ for UK farming
New Livestock Information Programme ‘pivotal’ for UK farming

The Government’s new Livestock Information Programme is going ahead and going to plan, according to an update made to key...

Scottish Government announces plans to create Animal Welfare Commission
Scottish Government announces plans to create Animal Welfare Commission

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s plans to establish a new Animal Welfare Commission to ensure...

Union to host drop-in session for ‘Steps to Change’ documents
Union to host drop-in session for ‘Steps to Change’ documents

National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland will today host politicians and researchers to discuss its ‘Steps to Change – A New...

Princess Royal talks cows, robots and grass on Lakeland Dairies visit
Princess Royal talks cows, robots and grass on Lakeland Dairies visit

HRH Anne, The Princess Royal, made many friends among Lakeland Dairies’ staff and suppliers as she opened the firm’s new...

Red Tractor telly advert to go live next week
Red Tractor telly advert to go live next week

UK farm assurance scheme Red Tractor will launch its first ever TV advertising campaign next week in a prime-time slot....

New ‘Jacuzzi in a bag’ system to allow growers to up yields while using less
New ‘Jacuzzi in a bag’ system to allow growers to up yields while using less

An award-winning high-yield farming system developed by a Cardiff University graduate is currently being trialled in Wales. Entrepreneur and Cardiff...

Westminster joins NFU to Back British Farming
Westminster joins NFU to Back British Farming

MPs are set to join the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and members of the public to show their support for...

Final call for sugar beet growers to claim their share of levy refund
Final call for sugar beet growers to claim their share of levy refund

National Farmers Union (NFU) Sugar and British Sugar are making a final call for eligible sugar beet growers to claim...