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.

UK food retail prices set to increase significantly – expert

N.Ireland

UK food retail prices set to increase significantly – expert

Retail food prices in the UK look set to increase by 5% during 2025. Moreover, it’s a trend that looks...

First early potatoes in NI could be in shops by end of May

N.Ireland

First early potatoes in NI could be in shops by end of May

The first early potatoes grown in Northern Ireland could be ready for harvest by the end of May if weather...

Call for crop inputs in UK & Ireland to be independently trialled

N.Ireland

Call for crop inputs in UK & Ireland to be independently trialled

The head of Scottish Agronomy is calling for all crop inputs used within UK and Irish agriculture to be independently...

Dry weather turns focus to spring crops

N.Ireland

Dry weather turns focus to spring crops

The current dry spell is allowing tillage farmers get on with ground preparation work for the drilling of spring crops....

The significance of sulphur as a crop nutrient

N.Ireland

The significance of sulphur as a crop nutrient

Sulphur is an essential nutrient for all plants and animals. Its behaviour in the soil is very similar to that...

Canada’s wheat area set to rise 2.6% in 2025 – AHDB

N.Ireland

Canada’s wheat area set to rise 2.6% in 2025 – AHDB

The Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) is reporting that Canada’s wheat area is set to increase in 2025. The...

FFA: Concern for the future of UK farm subsidies

N.Ireland

FFA: Concern for the future of UK farm subsidies

Farmers for Action (FFA) spokesperson, William Taylor, is concerned that the current UK government may phase out all UK farm...

Mobile slurry separation service now available in Antrim

N.Ireland

Mobile slurry separation service now available in Antrim

Ballymena-based contractor, Jonathan Kirkpatrick, has recently invested in a mobile slurry separation system. He confirmed the growing demand for the...

1st Forestry Expansion Scheme offers issued for 2024/2025 in NI

N.Ireland

1st Forestry Expansion Scheme offers issued for 2024/2025 in NI

The first letters-of-offer linked to the 2024/25 Forestry Expansion Scheme (FES) in Northern Ireland have been confirmed. Offers under the...

SAP measures ‘win-win’ for everyone involved – Dairy Council NI

N.Ireland

SAP measures ‘win-win’ for everyone involved – Dairy Council NI

The significance of the new and evolving Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP) measures have been highlighted by Ian Stevenson, chief executive...

Winter wheat and barley receive first nitrogen in Downpatrick

N.Ireland

Winter wheat and barley receive first nitrogen in Downpatrick

Co. Down cereal grower, Allan Chambers, is confirming that his winter wheat and barley crops have received their first nitrogen...

The significance of spring potash applications

N.Ireland

The significance of spring potash applications

The Potash Development Association (PDA) is highlighting the need for all winter crops to receive adequate potash applications now, if...

New project launched to predict nutrient release from cover crops

N.Ireland

New project launched to predict nutrient release from cover crops

The role of cover crops has been well profiled in both the UK and Ireland as a means of improving...

Armagh Show recorded largest visitor number ever last year

N.Ireland

Armagh Show recorded largest visitor number ever last year

Armagh Show Society confirmed an attendance figure just short of 50,000 for its 2024 celebration of farming and food, making...

Wheat crops in Co. Down receive first nitrogen

N.Ireland

Wheat crops in Co. Down receive first nitrogen

Co. Down contractor, Andrew Gibson, has put first nitrogen applications on some winter wheat crops over recent days. “The crops...

UK malting premiums set to come under pressure

Arable

UK malting premiums set to come under pressure

The Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) is confirming a squeeze on malting premiums relative to feed barley prices. Figures...

Muir: Replacement farm buildings a priority

N.Ireland

Muir: Replacement farm buildings a priority

Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, Andrew Muir, referenced the issue of allowing farmers to invest...

Colin Smith reflects on 1st year as CEO at the LMC

N.Ireland

Colin Smith reflects on 1st year as CEO at the LMC

Colin Smith was appointed chief executive officer of the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) 12 months ago. He spoke to...