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.

Welsh farm hitting the market could offer new entrant the perfect start
Welsh farm hitting the market could offer new entrant the perfect start

A small farm for sale in Wales could offer one young farmer a rare opportunity to get their foot on...

Report recognises white-tailed eagles predation of healthy sheep
Report recognises white-tailed eagles predation of healthy sheep

A report by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has acknowledged the impact large wild birds can have on agricultural businesses. The...

NFUS: New thinking needed over starter farms and agricultural letting
NFUS: New thinking needed over starter farms and agricultural letting

NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick and policy manager Jenny Brunton have called for a fresh approach to starter farms, arguing...

British pig industry antibiotic results show further reduction
British pig industry antibiotic results show further reduction

Pig industry leaders have welcomed the latest figures which show, that for the third year running, the sector has reduced its...

British cheese to be showcased in Florida
British cheese to be showcased in Florida

Premium cheese from the UK will descend on the American marketplace this week at a major dairy show in Florida....

24 first-time farmers to benefit from Scottish starter farms
24 first-time farmers to benefit from Scottish starter farms

Around 6,400ha of Scottish public sector land has been made available to support those who want to become farmers. The...

Auditors to scrutinise EU contribution to biodiversity in farming
Auditors to scrutinise EU contribution to biodiversity in farming

The European Court of Auditors has announced it will assess whether the EU’s agricultural policy does enough to help maintain...

UK unions take opposite stances over convergence money review
UK unions take opposite stances over convergence money review

Two of the UK’s farming unions have set out different arguments for how the country’s convergence money should be spent....

UK unions take opposite stances over convergence money review
UK unions take opposite stances over convergence money review

Two of the UK’s farming unions have set out different arguments for how the country’s convergence money should be spent....

Full judging team announced for 2019 UK Dairy Day
Full judging team announced for 2019 UK Dairy Day

Completing the final judging team at year’s UK Dairy Day cattle show are the judges for the Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey...

More than 1,000 to benefit from £7m Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme
More than 1,000 to benefit from £7m Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme

More than 1,100 Scottish upland sheep farmers are expected to benefit from payments worth around £7 million in the coming...

Migration Advisory Committee recommends adding veterinary to labour shortage list
Migration Advisory Committee recommends adding veterinary to labour shortage list

The latest UK Shortage Occupation List review recommends veterinarians are included, recognising the industry’s increasing difficulty filling roles. Around 95%...

AHDB launches new Monitor Farm near Canterbury
AHDB launches new Monitor Farm near Canterbury

Trying new methods, techniques and a desire to take on new challenges lay behind grower Will Smith’s decision to join...

UK farming unions urge new MEPs to engage with farming communities
UK farming unions urge new MEPs to engage with farming communities

Four of the main UK farming union presidents are calling on the UK’s new MEPs to listen to the views...

£30,000 awarded to woodchip bedding trial
£30,000 awarded to woodchip bedding trial

Four west Scotland farmers are trialling different kinds of woodchip as an alternative to straw for livestock bedding. The businesses...

Agricultural society offers hands-on learning for more than 1,000 children
Agricultural society offers hands-on learning for more than 1,000 children

The Border Union Agricultural Society welcomed more than 1,200 young people to engage in hands-on learning about farming at its...

World’s best animal health photos unveiled…here’s how to check them out
World’s best animal health photos unveiled…here’s how to check them out

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has published the long-awaited results of its fifth annual photography competition. The competition...

New MEPs must use ‘skill and diplomacy’ to avoid a No-Deal Brexit
New MEPs must use ‘skill and diplomacy’ to avoid a No-Deal Brexit

The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) is urging politicians from across the political spectrum to avoid knee-jerk reactions to the outcome...