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.

LMC aiming for ‘sustainable funding model for the future’

Beef

LMC aiming for ‘sustainable funding model for the future’

The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) has kickstarted a campaign to highlight the key role played by the organisation in...
NI AERA Committee chair: Food security ‘now a political priority’

N.Ireland

NI AERA Committee chair: Food security ‘now a political priority’

A leading politician has called on Westminster to introduce a fuel subsidy for farmers in Northern Ireland with immediate effect...
Next phase of NI Bovine Genetics Project launched

N.Ireland

Next phase of NI Bovine Genetics Project launched

The next phase of the Bovine Genetics Project (BGP) in Northern Ireland has been announced. A new online livestock genetics portal and the eagerly-awaited cattle genotyping scheme were both launched today (Wednesday,...
Is forage maize a good spring cropping option on arable farms?

N.Ireland

Is forage maize a good spring cropping option on arable farms?

Co. Down arable farmer, Allan Chambers, dedicates one third of his 360ac farm to forage maize production on an annual...
Can cool, dry spring conditions coalesce to boost winter cereal yields?

N.Ireland

Can cool, dry spring conditions coalesce to boost winter cereal yields?

Co. Down cereal grower, Allan Chambers believes that cool, dry weather conditions at this time of the year can boost...
First early potatoes expected to be in NI shops by mid-June

N.Ireland

First early potatoes expected to be in NI shops by mid-June

Wilson’s Country is confirming that the first early potatoes will be in shops across Northern Ireland by the middle of...
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...