Megan O'Brien

Megan O

News Journalist

Megan studied at the Technological University of Dublin where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She previously won the Science Foundation Ireland prize for work around agtech and food tech at the Student Media Awards. Megan comes from a rural background in Kildare and has a keen interest in agri-business and agtech, as well as sustainable agriculture.

Domestic milk intake down by 9m litres in February

Dairy

Domestic milk intake down by 9m litres in February

Domestic milk intake by creameries and pasteurisers in Ireland declined by nine million litres between January and February of this...
Minister ‘clearly not listening’ to farm orgs on sheep crisis

Sheep

Minister ‘clearly not listening’ to farm orgs on sheep crisis

Those advising the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue on the challenges facing the sheep sector are...
Eco-scheme opt-out rate falls as DAFM simplifies online application

CAP / Schemes

Eco-scheme opt-out rate falls as DAFM simplifies online application

The number of farmers choosing to opt-out of the Eco-scheme has fallen from 12% to 2% in the past week,...
DAFM must restore farmers’ confidence in Forestry Programme

Forestry

DAFM must restore farmers’ confidence in Forestry Programme

A number of forestry issues must be resolved if the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) wants to...
EU Nature Restoration Law ‘not achievable’ if funded by CAP

Environment

EU Nature Restoration Law ‘not achievable’ if funded by CAP

The targets outlined in the EU Nature Restoration Law will not be met if the measures involved are to be...
Questions raised on ACRES incentives for biodiversity

CAP / Schemes

Questions raised on ACRES incentives for biodiversity

Senator Timmy Dooley has questioned if the Agri-Climate Rural Environmental Scheme (ACRES) is disincentivising positive biodiversity practices on farms.  The...
Detailed maps of preferred route for Galway greenway released

Rural Life

Detailed maps of preferred route for Galway greenway released

Detailed satellite maps of the preferred route for the new Galway to Athlone greenway have been published by the project...
ACA: More farm advisors will be needed ahead of summer

CAP / Schemes

ACA: More farm advisors will be needed ahead of summer

More farm advisors and consultants must be recruited before the summer to help deal with the workload involved in the...
€45,800 announced for repairs to historic farm structures

Rural Life

€45,800 announced for repairs to historic farm structures

A total of €44,800 has been made available to carry out repairs on a number of historic farm houses and...
INHFA calls for ban on non-working dogs on hills and farmlands

Sheep

INHFA calls for ban on non-working dogs on hills and farmlands

The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers’ Association (INHFA) has called on the government to introduce legislation which would ban all...
What are the latest jobs up for grabs in the agri-food sector?

Agri-Business

What are the latest jobs up for grabs in the agri-food sector?

There are a number of exciting and interesting jobs up for grabs in the agri-sector at present and one of...
Roscommon farmers sought to take part in climate research

Rural Life

Roscommon farmers sought to take part in climate research

Farmers in Co. Roscommon are being asked to share why farming is important to them and give their opinions on...
Michael Healy Rae’s firm records almost €700,000 profit

Agri-Business

Michael Healy Rae’s firm records almost €700,000 profit

Gordon Deegan Accumulated profits at the plant hire firm owned by well-known independent Co. Kerry TD and farmer, Michael Healy...
Applications for deer hunting licences now open

Rural Life

Applications for deer hunting licences now open

Deer hunting licence application forms for the 2023/2024 season are now available on the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s (NPWS)...
TAMS 3 to open for animal welfare today

CAP / Schemes

TAMS 3 to open for animal welfare today

The Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) will open for animal welfare applications today (Thursday, March 23), the Minister for...
ACRES applicants to see their measures on agfood portal today

CAP / Schemes

ACRES applicants to see their measures on agfood portal today

All applicants to the Agri Climate Rural Environmental Scheme (ACRES) will be unblocked today (Thursday, March 23), meaning they will...
ACA: More state support is needed for farm advisory services

Agri-Business

ACA: More state support is needed for farm advisory services

Members of the Agricultural Consultants’ Association (ACA) are set to call for better supports for the farm advisory sector from...
DAFM confirms payment dates for CRISS and eco-scheme

CAP / Schemes

DAFM confirms payment dates for CRISS and eco-scheme

Advance payment dates for a number of schemes under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023-2027 have been confirmed by the...