Richard Halleron

Richard Halleron

News Correspondent

Richard Halleron is an agricultural chemist by background. He is a past chairman of the Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science and has also served as Chairman of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists in Northern Ireland.

Opinion: What lies ahead for McLenaghan’s UFU presidency?

N.Ireland

Opinion: What lies ahead for McLenaghan’s UFU presidency?

John McLenaghan assumes the presidency of the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) at a time of significant challenge for farming in...
How does a new cross-border project plan to create ‘climate-friendly’ beef?

N.Ireland

How does a new cross-border project plan to create ‘climate-friendly’ beef?

Underpinning the new cross-border project researching “climate-friendly beef” is the recognition that economic and environmental sustainability must be achieved in equal...
The significance of LMC’s farm quality assurance logo

N.Ireland

The significance of LMC’s farm quality assurance logo

The Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (NIBL FQAS) logo has a public recognition rating of over...
‘A cost of farming crisis is emerging’ in UK – consultant

N.Ireland

‘A cost of farming crisis is emerging’ in UK – consultant

Retail food prices are set to strengthen considerably over the coming months, but this may not translate into better farm...
Environmental impact of English farms decreasing – study

Environment

Environmental impact of English farms decreasing – study

England’s farms have reduced their impact on the environment over the past decade, according to Rothamsted Research. This conclusion has...
Opinion: UFU’s William Irvine leaves a legacy for good

N.Ireland

Opinion: UFU’s William Irvine leaves a legacy for good

William Irvine can look back on his six years as an Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) office bearer with tremendous satisfaction....
NI agriculture ‘15% financially worse off’ than a year ago – FFA

N.Ireland

NI agriculture ‘15% financially worse off’ than a year ago – FFA

Agriculture in Northern Ireland is 15% financially worse off than a year ago, according to Farmers for Action (FFA). Two...
Bluetongue vaccination will not be required for Newry Show 2026

N.Ireland

Bluetongue vaccination will not be required for Newry Show 2026

Newry Show Society has taken the decision not to make bluetongue vaccination a mandatory requirement for cattle and sheep entering...
Global demand and ‘weather worries’ driving world grain markets – AHDB

Arable

Global demand and ‘weather worries’ driving world grain markets – AHDB

The Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) is confirming that world grain markets are continuing to gather momentum. Recent days...
Calls for clarification on future support for NI private woodlands

N.Ireland

Calls for clarification on future support for NI private woodlands

Premier Woodlands’ managing director, John Hetherington has called for clarification on the future support schemes that will underpin private woodland...
Just Transition Commission to be established in Northern Ireland

N.Ireland

Just Transition Commission to be established in Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Assembly decision to approve legislation to establish a Just Transition Commission has been hailed by Minister for...
Early crop nutrient availability driver for forage maize production – PDA

N.Ireland

Early crop nutrient availability driver for forage maize production – PDA

The Potash Development Association (PDA) is advising that early crop nutrient availability will maximise forage maize final yields – particularly...
‘Serious contradictions’ in DAERA fertiliser and fuel supports – Sinn Féin

N.Ireland

‘Serious contradictions’ in DAERA fertiliser and fuel supports – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer has said ‘urgent clarity’ is needed regarding government support for fertiliser supply risks and rising...
Farmers meet senior NI political leaders to urge ‘action’ on costs

N.Ireland

Farmers meet senior NI political leaders to urge ‘action’ on costs

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has met directly with senior political leaders in Northern Ireland to seek “urgent action” on...
Small NI beef farms acutely exposed to bTB testing costs – report

N.Ireland

Small NI beef farms acutely exposed to bTB testing costs – report

Preparing for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) testing has a disproportionately higher impact on small beef farms, according to a recent report...
Study highlights potential for outdoor pig production in Northern Ireland

N.Ireland

Study highlights potential for outdoor pig production in Northern Ireland

A recent Agri-Food and Biosciences (AFBI) study has confirmed the potential for outdoor pig production in Northern Ireland. Pork raised...
Wheat futures continue to creep up

N.Ireland

Wheat futures continue to creep up

May 2026 wheat futures increased by £3/t in the seven days culminating on Friday (April 17), with the end-of-week price...
NI Assembly motion on producing biomethane from farm wastes welcomed

N.Ireland

NI Assembly motion on producing biomethane from farm wastes welcomed

The vice chair of the Northern Ireland Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) committee has welcomed the Assembly’s motion to...