Caroline Allen

Caroline Allen Profile Picture

News Journalist

Caroline Allen is from a farming background in Co. Laois. She studied journalism at the College of Commerce, Rathmines, and lives outside Portlaoise.

Leenane farmer opts for twin wheels on his quad to avoid further heartache

Rural Life

Leenane farmer opts for twin wheels on his quad to avoid further heartache

“I don’t know anyone who has had a quad bike who hasn’t fallen off it.” That’s how a former IFA...
One in five now shop for gluten-free food. How does this impact Irish farming?

Other

One in five now shop for gluten-free food. How does this impact Irish farming?

One in five Irish people shop for gluten-free food regularly, according to new Bord Bia research. The gluten-free market in...
Roscommon lamb festival is a ‘cut’ above the rest

Rural Life

Roscommon lamb festival is a ‘cut’ above the rest

Sheep farmers across the west and midlands are being asked this week to select the best of their commercial ewe...
Macra reaches out to those in rural isolation

Rural Life

Macra reaches out to those in rural isolation

While many associate rural isolation with older age groups, young people can also be badly affected by this growing malaise,...
Anti-authority stance ‘contributing to farm accidents’

Rural Life

Anti-authority stance ‘contributing to farm accidents’

Additional risk assessments in slurry handling and harvesting will form part of the Health and Safety Authority’s (HSA’s) review of...
Safety device for quads under HSA consideration

Machinery

Safety device for quads under HSA consideration

A safety device for quads (or ATVS – All Terrain Vehicles), which have been associated with a number of on...
How do you manage the family farm if an elderly parent has dementia or is unwell?

Rural Life

How do you manage the family farm if an elderly parent has dementia or is unwell?

Few of us want to think about the possibility of losing our mental capacity or how our families would cope...
Coillte launches ‘risk-free’ private forestry initiative

Forestry

Coillte launches ‘risk-free’ private forestry initiative

Coillte has launched a private forestry partnership initiative. ‘Coillte Premium Partners’ has been presented as a new option for owners...
Growing appreciation for organic meat, producer reports

Rural Life

Growing appreciation for organic meat, producer reports

The farmer behind Coolanowle Organic Farm in Ballickmoyler who sells at five different markets, is seeing a spike in demand...
Killeshin dairy business takes on the big players

Agri-Business

Killeshin dairy business takes on the big players

Financed through personal and family resources, The Village Dairy is a David and Goliath-like success story. Based in Clonmore, Killeshin,...
CIT to host mobile device training for Irish farmers

Rural Life

CIT to host mobile device training for Irish farmers

There is a world of resources online for farmers who, in some cases, need training to fully avail of them,...
Wexford farm behind coveted chocolate creations

Rural Life

Wexford farm behind coveted chocolate creations

Last Tree Farm in Ferns, Co. Wexford, is the idyllic setting for Bean and Goose chocolate, which has chocoholics salivating...
Fractious Irish obsession with land laid bare in new museum

Rural Life

Fractious Irish obsession with land laid bare in new museum

Ireland’s long-contested relationship with land is documented in EPIC, the new Irish emigration museum in the Dublin docklands. The €15...
Solar farm company lodges Laois planning appeals

Environment

Solar farm company lodges Laois planning appeals

A solar company granted permission by Laois County Council to construct two solar farms has lodged appeals with An Bord...
Garda investigation underway into AEOS ‘irregularities’

CAP / Schemes

Garda investigation underway into AEOS ‘irregularities’

One agricultural consultant is understood to be the subject of a criminal investigation into suspected irregularities involving AEOS (Agri-Environment Options Scheme)...
Farmers warned about risk of skin cancer, even on cool days

Rural Life

Farmers warned about risk of skin cancer, even on cool days

Some farmers around the country have been left red-faced this week. And it’s all to do with the ‘faux pas’...