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.

EU Food Safety Authority raises health concerns over chlorpyrifos
EU Food Safety Authority raises health concerns over chlorpyrifos

The pesticide chlorpyrifos does not meet the criteria required by legislation for the renewal of its approval in the European...

Time to plan for autumn farm rent reviews
Time to plan for autumn farm rent reviews

Farm tenants need to plan ahead for tackling autumn farm rent reviews, the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) is warning. Traditionally,...

Welsh farmers urged not to miss out on pesticide disposal scheme
Welsh farmers urged not to miss out on pesticide disposal scheme

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is urging farmers to make use of a free and confidential pesticide disposal scheme....

Scotland-wide search for the trainee who goes the ‘Extra Mile’
Scotland-wide search for the trainee who goes the ‘Extra Mile’

The search is on to find this year’s top meat industry trainee who goes above and beyond showing true dedication...

Water levels at Whaley Bridge brought down 6m
Water levels at Whaley Bridge brought down 6m

Water levels continue to fall as the operation to pump away water from Toddbrook Reservoir in Whaley Bridge continues. An...

Night drone patrols enlisted to crack down on illegal field butchery
Night drone patrols enlisted to crack down on illegal field butchery

Police in Northamptonshire are now using thermal imagery drones to keep an eye on livestock overnight as an investigation into...

£2.5 million boost for farmers working on environmental projects
£2.5 million boost for farmers working on environmental projects

A fourth national round of the Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund has opened for applications. The £2.5 million fund is expected...

Cost of rural crime hits £50 million in the UK
Cost of rural crime hits £50 million in the UK

The cost of rural crime has hit a seven-year high in the UK, reaching a staggering £50 million last year...

Parliamentary sub-committee in disagreement with ‘meat words’ ban for veg
Parliamentary sub-committee in disagreement with ‘meat words’ ban for veg

A Parliamentary sub-committee has raised concerns about an EU proposal to ban the use of words like “sausage” and “burger”...

New chairman appointed for RHASS Board
New chairman appointed for RHASS Board

The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has announced Lothian farm manager William (Bill) G. Gray, as its...

Contractor’s widow turned mental health champion honoured with top Welsh award
Contractor’s widow turned mental health champion honoured with top Welsh award

Inspirational agricultural contractor’s widow turned mental health champion, Emma Picton-Jones has been presented with a special award by the Farmers’...

Propofol developer announced as RCVS Fellowship Day speaker
Propofol developer announced as RCVS Fellowship Day speaker

The developer one of the most common anaesthetic drugs has been announced as the guest speaker at this year’s Royal...

Carrot growers review trials of linuron alternatives 
Carrot growers review trials of linuron alternatives 

Plant disease experts and growers gathered in Yorkshire to review treatments currently being trialled on carrot and parsnip crops following...

Somerset farmer raises £24,000 for RABI with 3,000-mile cycle
Somerset farmer raises £24,000 for RABI with 3,000-mile cycle

A Somerset farmer who made it his mission this summer to cycle 3,000 miles across Canada in just 30 days,...

QMS calls for nominations for 2 major Scottish farming awards
QMS calls for nominations for 2 major Scottish farming awards

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is calling for nominations for two prestigious Scottish livestock farming awards – AgriScot Scotch Beef Farmer...

Flood-stricken Dales farmers urged to register for support
Flood-stricken Dales farmers urged to register for support

Flood-stricken farmers in the North East have been urged to report the level of damage on their farm with the...

UK research could pave way to crops that need less fertiliser
UK research could pave way to crops that need less fertiliser

A UK research collaboration has made advances in plant science which could ultimately pave the way for more nutrient-efficient cereal...

Yorkshire breeder to judge 2019 Baileys Champion Cow
Yorkshire breeder to judge 2019 Baileys Champion Cow

Former Holstein UK president and Yorkshire breeder Peter Waring has been unveiled as the 2019 judge for one of Ireland’s...