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.

Metaldehyde ban a ‘big blow’ to British farmers and growers
Metaldehyde ban a ‘big blow’ to British farmers and growers

The banning of Metaldehyde is “hugely disappointing” and likely to put British farmers and growers at a major disadvantage internationally,...

Milk contracts consultation ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity for sector
Milk contracts consultation ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity for sector

The upcoming consultation on the introduction of mandatory milk contracts with minimum standards could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the...

NFUS members encouraged to give views on immigration consultation
NFUS members encouraged to give views on immigration consultation

Scottish farmers are encouraged to join the discussion as the UK Government considers how its new immigration framework will shape...

Metaldehyde to be banned outdoors by 2020
Metaldehyde to be banned outdoors by 2020

Metaldehyde, a pesticide used to control slugs in a range of crops and in gardens, is to be banned for...

Farming making money from the newest crop – farm data
Farming making money from the newest crop – farm data

Farms generate a huge amount of data and this volume is growing exponentially. However, generating insights and value from this...

Funding change for the Scottish Dairy Hub to take effect in 2019
Funding change for the Scottish Dairy Hub to take effect in 2019

From February 4, 2019, NFU Scotland will replace AHDB as one of the funders of the country’s Dairy Hub, with...

Grahams Nicki leads Red Ladies sale at 20,000gns
Grahams Nicki leads Red Ladies sale at 20,000gns

A strong year of pedigree Limousin sales closed with a robust trade at the Red Ladies Derby and Weaned Calf...

Grower feedback wanted on changes to seed potato standards
Grower feedback wanted on changes to seed potato standards

British seed growers are being asked to share their feedback on potential changes to the scope of the Safe Haven...

Less frequent TB testing to incentivise strengthened biosecurity
Less frequent TB testing to incentivise strengthened biosecurity

Farmers who have managed to stay clear of bovine TB for at least six years will be able to revert...

Farmer tried to fake TB test by injecting animals with diesel
Farmer tried to fake TB test by injecting animals with diesel

A farmer from Ceredigion, Wales, has admitted interfering with a TB test and accepted a caution. The herdsman also admitted to...

Sheep heads found along Derbyshire trail
Sheep heads found along Derbyshire trail

Police in Derbyshire are appealing for information after two sheep heads were found dumped on the Stockley Trail. The two-mile...

Official veterinarian struck off for falsifying slaughterhouse certificates
Official veterinarian struck off for falsifying slaughterhouse certificates

The Disciplinary Committee of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has directed the registrar to strike off a former...

New MLCSL owner proposes independent scrutiny of carcase classification
New MLCSL owner proposes independent scrutiny of carcase classification

The new owner of carcase classification body MLCSL has pledged to safeguard consistency, transparency and independence through the formation of...

Scotch Beef Christmas push set to reach 2.4 million consumers
Scotch Beef Christmas push set to reach 2.4 million consumers

More than 2.4 million Scottish consumers will be given inspiration to choose Scotch Beef PGI as the perfect festive choice...

Three in the running for NFUS top spots
Three in the running for NFUS top spots

Three candidates will contest the two vice presidential positions at the National Farmers’ Union Scotland AGM in February. Martin Kennedy,...

Political deadlock risks farmers’ income, warns HCC chairman
Political deadlock risks farmers’ income, warns HCC chairman

Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) chairman, Kevin Roberts has warned that a potentially bright future for Wales’s...

Regional agronomy events to start the New Year
Regional agronomy events to start the New Year

To integrate applied technical research with on-farm practice, AHDB will start 2019 with a road-show of arable agronomy events taking...

Warmer winters threaten UK blackcurrant farming
Warmer winters threaten UK blackcurrant farming

Warmer winters may not provide sufficient chilling for blackcurrants in the UK, delaying the start of the growing season and...