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.

New UTV series to explore Lough Foyle countryside
New UTV series to explore Lough Foyle countryside

A brand new series featuring the history, natural environment and cultural heritage of the Foyle catchment area, is set to...

Online seminar series to examine the science behind NI’s ammonia woes
Online seminar series to examine the science behind NI’s ammonia woes

A series of three lunchtime webinars will explore the science behind Northern Ireland’s agricultural woes with ammonia. Run by the...

NI farmers warned All-Ireland PGI ‘may not be practical’
NI farmers warned All-Ireland PGI ‘may not be practical’

Officials are claiming it “may not be practical” to include Northern Ireland in plans for Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status...

RSPB NI calls for legally-binding conservation targets
RSPB NI calls for legally-binding conservation targets

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in Northern Ireland (RSPB NI) is calling for legally-binding targets to restore nature...

2 NI beef processors secure access for US export
2 NI beef processors secure access for US export

Two Northern Ireland processors are among four UK agri-food businesses that are officially eligible to export local beef to the...

ABP Angus Youth Challenge to run semi-finals as virtual event
ABP Angus Youth Challenge to run semi-finals as virtual event

More than 60 teenagers from 14 schools across Northern Ireland are set to compete in this year’s semi-final of the...

UK fined more than €3.5 million for failure to make progress eradicating TB
UK fined more than €3.5 million for failure to make progress eradicating TB

The European Commission has fined the UK at least €3.5 million over the last two years for a lack of progress...

Fears PGI could prevent NI farmers from using term ‘Irish grass-fed beef’
Fears PGI could prevent NI farmers from using term ‘Irish grass-fed beef’

Northern Ireland beef farmers could object to the Republic’s application for PGI status for Irish grass-fed beef should it insist...

NI farmers warned increase in ‘nomad’ cattle could knock carcase prices
NI farmers warned increase in ‘nomad’ cattle could knock carcase prices

Farmers in Northern Ireland have been warned against importing ‘nomad’ cattle for finishing amid concern it may affect carcase prices....

Co. Antrim farmer airlifted to hospital after bull attack
Co. Antrim farmer airlifted to hospital after bull attack

A man has been airlifted to hospital after he was attacked by a bull in Broughshane, Co. Antrim. The incident happened...

4,000 eligible farmers still to apply for NI’s Covid-19 support fund
4,000 eligible farmers still to apply for NI’s Covid-19 support fund

Almost 4,000 farmers have still not responded to claim their share of Northern Ireland’s agricultural Covid-19 support money. Agriculture Minister...

Slurry buffer zones to increase in NI from next month
Slurry buffer zones to increase in NI from next month

New slurry spreading restrictions are set to come into force in Northern Ireland in just two weeks, with the spreading...

Virtual farm walk to focus on carbon-neutral beef farming
Virtual farm walk to focus on carbon-neutral beef farming

The fourth ‘Focus on Farmers’ Virtual Farm Walk & Discussion will look at innovative ways farmers can profit from environmental...

Decision made on NI side of ‘critical’ North-South Interconnector
Decision made on NI side of ‘critical’ North-South Interconnector

Planning permission has been granted in Northern Ireland for the “critical” North-South Interconnector. The £200 million cross-border initiative will link...

Clandeboye Estate launches £2 million expansion to quadruple production
Clandeboye Estate launches £2 million expansion to quadruple production

Northern Ireland’s only yoghurt maker, Clandeboye Estate, has announced it will invest over £2 million to expand its yoghurt business...

Irish Guild of Agricultural Journalists elects new president
Irish Guild of Agricultural Journalists elects new president

Northern Ireland agricultural journalist Richard Halleron has begun a three-year term as president of the Irish Guild of Agricultural Journalists....

RHASS launches fundraising campaign to ‘save’ Royal Highland Show
RHASS launches fundraising campaign to ‘save’ Royal Highland Show

The 2021 Royal Highland Show (RHS) may only proceed with external financial support, as directors warn the Covid-19 pandemic has...

MP appeals to farmers to speak out if supermarkets are abusing their power
MP appeals to farmers to speak out if supermarkets are abusing their power

Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, has called on the government to protect small dairy farmers from “predatory” supermarkets. Loder...