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.

Industry urged to consider the potato of the future
Industry urged to consider the potato of the future

Maris Piper has been the most grown potato variety in Great Britain for over 20 years – but will it...

African Swine Fever risk shows ‘no signs of decreasing’
African Swine Fever risk shows ‘no signs of decreasing’

The risk of a highly infectious viral pig disease to UK herds shows “no signs of decreasing” according to the latest...

Gove urged to take step in to save small abattoirs
Gove urged to take step in to save small abattoirs

A total of 34 British agri-food organisations have joined forces to urge Defra’s Secretary of State, Michael Gove to take...

Scottish farmers turning off the choppers to help livestock neighbours
Scottish farmers turning off the choppers to help livestock neighbours

Arable farmers across the country have been turning off the choppers to help their neighbours with livestock. Ian Sands, chairman...

Proven young sires join rankings after index change
Proven young sires join rankings after index change

The new proven Holstein sire rankings, published this week, present a picture of stability, with little reranking amongst the front-runners and...

Groundbreaking research uncovers new wheat breeding tool
Groundbreaking research uncovers new wheat breeding tool

An international research team have uncovered previously hidden genetic secrets that give wheat its remarkable ability for local adaptation. The...

Emergency approval granted for Cuprokylt
Emergency approval granted for Cuprokylt

A breakthrough emergency authorisation for Cuprokylt has provided the only fungicide available to organic potato growers for the control of...

8,000 pigs culled as African Swine Fever confirmed in China
8,000 pigs culled as African Swine Fever confirmed in China

Mass pig culling has begun in China after African Swine Fever (ASF) has been confirmed in nearly 50 domesticated pigs....

Industry joins forces to seek sustainable soya sourcing
Industry joins forces to seek sustainable soya sourcing

British farming organisations have joined forces with other industries to try and ensure a sustainable future supply of soya to...

NPA convenes ‘pivotal’ industry meeting on tail biting
NPA convenes ‘pivotal’ industry meeting on tail biting

The National Pig Association (NPA) has convened a cross-industry meeting to discuss tail biting in response to increased levels of...

Horticulture specialist becomes youngest ever AHDB board member
Horticulture specialist becomes youngest ever AHDB board member

UK Ministers have appointed a new member of the board of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), who will...

Northern Ireland’s Top 100 sees a strong year for agri-food…but who made the cut?
Northern Ireland’s Top 100 sees a strong year for agri-food…but who made the cut?

Poultry firm Moy Park has retained its pole position as Northern Ireland’s biggest company for a seventh year in a row,...

Government ‘sees sense’ on Animal Welfare Bill
Government ‘sees sense’ on Animal Welfare Bill

The Countryside Alliance has welcomed the decision by the Government to separate the two parts of the draft Animal Welfare...

UK vet found illegally importing puppies struck off
UK vet found illegally importing puppies struck off

A vet convicted of illegally importing puppies has been struck off by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Greater...

Pig industry stalwart named as North-East farming hero
Pig industry stalwart named as North-East farming hero

Well-known Scottish pig producer, Kevin Gilbert, has been named this year’s ‘Unsung Hero’ at Turriff Agricultural Show. Kevin was selected...

‘Water bank’ launched to help drought-stricken farmers
‘Water bank’ launched to help drought-stricken farmers

A new service designed to help match farmers and growers who urgently need water with neighbouring farm businesses who have...

Gloucestershire alpaca could become pivotal TB test case
Gloucestershire alpaca could become pivotal TB test case

An award-winning alpaca breeder is battling the Government to keep her animal alive after it tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB). She argues that...

New welfare code for laying hens and pullets published
New welfare code for laying hens and pullets published

A new welfare code laying hens and pullets has been published as part of a programme of reforms to enhance the welfare...