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.

Angus cow-calf duo clinches Balmoral interbreed in ‘maternal masterclass’
Angus cow-calf duo clinches Balmoral interbreed in ‘maternal masterclass’

The Armour family has clinched this year's interbreed beef championship with a "terrific" mother and calf duo. It marked the...

Former department vet wins tribunal over ‘deleted’ livestock movements
Former department vet wins tribunal over ‘deleted’ livestock movements

A former vet within the Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Service Animal Health Group has won a landmark action against the...

Poots hopes Lord Deben can sway Executive on NI carbon targets
Poots hopes Lord Deben can sway Executive on NI carbon targets

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots is hoping a briefing from one of the UK's most senior advisors on climate matters will...

‘Technical solution’ found for NI/Scotland livestock trade issues
‘Technical solution’ found for NI/Scotland livestock trade issues

A "technical solution" is reportedly available for livestock trade issues between Britain and Northern Ireland, but would require political buy-in...

Balmoral 2021: Farmers urged to take time to save lives
Balmoral 2021: Farmers urged to take time to save lives

Visitors to this year's Balmoral Show are being urged to take the time to save lives by getting their Covid-19...

CAFRE alum working in the USA to speak at online event
CAFRE alum working in the USA to speak at online event

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) invites past and current Loughry Food students and staff to join...

CO2 shortage: Supermarkets say NI poultry farms were ‘days from crisis’
CO2 shortage: Supermarkets say NI poultry farms were ‘days from crisis’

Northern Ireland's agri-food chain was just days away from crisis, had the government not intervened to reinstate carbon dioxide (CO2)...

Extra £15.5 million funding for farming, Poots tells Balmoral showgoers
Extra £15.5 million funding for farming, Poots tells Balmoral showgoers

Northern Ireland’s farm businesses are set to benefit from an additional £15 million, Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced at...

Balmoral 2021: Subdued but upbeat atmosphere as the show must go on
Balmoral 2021: Subdued but upbeat atmosphere as the show must go on

There's a relaxed vibe around the thoroughfares as crowds gather at this year's postponed Balmoral Show. The show was pushed...

Sheep Breeders Round Table to include international ovine experts
Sheep Breeders Round Table to include international ovine experts

There are just seven weeks to go until the 2021 Sheep Breeders Round Table (SBRT). The online event takes place...

UK government strikes deal to reinstate CO2 production
UK government strikes deal to reinstate CO2 production

Reports have emerged this afternoon (September 21), claiming the UK government has struck a deal to reinstate carbon dioxide production....

Pork crisis: NI’s pig backlog to reach 24,000 by mid-October
Pork crisis: NI’s pig backlog to reach 24,000 by mid-October

The backlog of pigs to be slaughtered could reach as many as 24,000 in just a month, according to representatives...

Farmers For Action calls for trailer licences to be scrapped in NI
Farmers For Action calls for trailer licences to be scrapped in NI

Rural lobby group Farmers For Action has written to Northern Ireland's Infrastructure Minister calling for a decision made in Westminster...

New Agriculture and Land Use Alliance launches Countryside COP
New Agriculture and Land Use Alliance launches Countryside COP

The newly formed Agriculture and Land Use Alliance (ALA), will host the first-ever 'Countryside COP' event to showcase and inspire...

Calls for NI to invest in technology to reduce methane emissions from waste
Calls for NI to invest in technology to reduce methane emissions from waste

Lack of investment in Northern Ireland's waste infrastructure has left the industry emitting higher volumes of environmentally-damaging greenhouse gases, such...

Balmoral Show: New prize unveiled for NI’s top young beef handler
Balmoral Show: New prize unveiled for NI’s top young beef handler

Young beef exhibitors at this year's Balmoral Show will battle it out in the ring to be the first name...

MLAs to debate DAERA Climate Bill next week
MLAs to debate DAERA Climate Bill next week

Stormont politicians are expected to debate Northern Ireland's second proposed Climate Change Bill for the first time next week. "The...

Balmoral Show: Chance to win roan heifer in NI Air Ambulance raffle
Balmoral Show: Chance to win roan heifer in NI Air Ambulance raffle

Visitors to Balmoral Show next week will have the chance to win a roan heifer as part of a charity...