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.

Scorching summer sunshine makes lettuce too hot to handle
Scorching summer sunshine makes lettuce too hot to handle

The soaring summer temperatures are causing havoc for the UK’s leafy salad growers. In the last week alone a record...

Glastir derogation granted as hot weather continues
Glastir derogation granted as hot weather continues

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed the Welsh Government’s agreement for derogations to be allowed where certain Glastir...

UFU granted judicial review to challenge DAERA CAP appeals decision
UFU granted judicial review to challenge DAERA CAP appeals decision

High Court has granted permission for a judicial review into a decision made by Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture (DAERA) to...

Silage 2018: Your 3-point plan to head off potential shortages
Silage 2018: Your 3-point plan to head off potential shortages

Livestock farmers concerned about shortfalls of silage for winter feeding, should keep regular tabs on stocks and be prepared to...

New strategy director appointed at AHDB Beef & Lamb
New strategy director appointed at AHDB Beef & Lamb

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has appointed Will Jackson as the new Sector strategy director for Beef &...

Scottish farm vehicle theft bill halves in just 3 years
Scottish farm vehicle theft bill halves in just 3 years

Tractor and quad theft costs in Scotland have fallen by almost half in the three years since key stakeholders joined...

NFYFC clay pigeon shooting national finals get under way today
NFYFC clay pigeon shooting national finals get under way today

Hundreds of young farmers are expected to take part in the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ (NFYFC) clay pigeon...

Ammonia becoming sticking point in planning again
Ammonia becoming sticking point in planning again

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) says ammonia is fast becoming a “major stumbling block” for the future development of agriculture...

Farmers advised to make long-term water plans as temperatures continue to soar
Farmers advised to make long-term water plans as temperatures continue to soar

AHDB is reminding farmers and growers to review their water usage and take steps to build resilience into their long-term...

Derogation granted for Scottish pig plant closed by CO2 shortage
Derogation granted for Scottish pig plant closed by CO2 shortage

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has granted a temporary derogation allowing pigs from the Brechin plant to be processed at a...

Irish cross-country train hits herd of cows
Irish cross-country train hits herd of cows

A cross-country train has been involved in a collision with a herd of cows in Co. Offaly, Ireland on Thursday....

Distinctive blue ‘belle’ gets outing at Comber spud festival
Distinctive blue ‘belle’ gets outing at Comber spud festival

Among the tractors taking over the square in Comber, Co. Down last weekend was a rather distinctive blue ‘belle’. The blue...

Millennials could ‘hold the answer’ for horticulture’s labour woes
Millennials could ‘hold the answer’ for horticulture’s labour woes

Work needs to start now to inspire young people to take up careers in horticulture and reduce agriculture’s reliance on...

How do you make an arable enterprise financially sustainable?
How do you make an arable enterprise financially sustainable?

It’s the million dollar question – just how do you make an arable enterprise financially sustainable? AHDB farmer Mark Chandler...

More than 1,600 EU vets so far respond to second RCVS Brexit survey
More than 1,600 EU vets so far respond to second RCVS Brexit survey

Over 1,600 EU-qualified veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses have already responded to a second survey by the Royal College of...

CO2 shortage: Union calls for pig and poultry sectors to be prioritised
CO2 shortage: Union calls for pig and poultry sectors to be prioritised

NFU Scotland (NFUS) president Andrew McCornick has written to Secretary of State Greg Clark asking that the pig and poultry processors...

Government ‘exploring options’ for including shooting in 2022 Games
Government ‘exploring options’ for including shooting in 2022 Games

Sports Minister Tracey Crouch has confirmed that the Government is “exploring the potential” of including shooting in the 2022 Commonwealth...

22-year-old sheep and dairy man named first Scottish Young Farmer of the Year
22-year-old sheep and dairy man named first Scottish Young Farmer of the Year

The Scottish Association of Young Farmer Clubs (SAYFC) announced the winner of the hotly-contested inaugural Young Farmer of the Year...