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.

DAFM ‘on track’ to meet 2022 afforestation licence targets

Forestry

DAFM ‘on track’ to meet 2022 afforestation licence targets

While it is unlikely that targets for the amount of land planted will be met this year, the Department of...
Exclusion of soft fruit growers in support scheme ‘unacceptable’

Horticulture

Exclusion of soft fruit growers in support scheme ‘unacceptable’

The exclusion of soft fruit growers from the Horticulture Exceptional Aid Scheme has been labelled “inexplicable” and “unacceptable” by the...
Hackett: Issue with TAMS-funded solar panels ‘must be looked at’

Environment

Hackett: Issue with TAMS-funded solar panels ‘must be looked at’

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Pippa Hackett has said that farmers should...
Call for clarity on funding of new bovine TB measures

Beef

Call for clarity on funding of new bovine TB measures

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) has called for clarity on how new bovine tuberculosis (TB) measures will...
Farmland: Hackett discusses forestry licences and solar PV supports

Rural Life

Farmland: Hackett discusses forestry licences and solar PV supports

This week’s episode of Farmland features a sit-down interview with Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and...
Students win €1,000 garden revamp in Big Grow competition

Rural Life

Students win €1,000 garden revamp in Big Grow competition

Students from in Pope John Paul II National School in Dublin have won their school a garden revamp worth €1,000,...
State’s inflationary measures should extend to TAMS grants

Agri Politics

State’s inflationary measures should extend to TAMS grants

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), has called for an explanation on why government inflationary measures for public works...
FAO: Wheat and poultry price indexes rose in May

Pig/Poultry

FAO: Wheat and poultry price indexes rose in May

The price of wheat and poultry rose in May this year (2022), despite a modest decline in world food commodity...
EU energy commissioner outlines Ireland’s potential for renewables

Agri Politics

EU energy commissioner outlines Ireland’s potential for renewables

Ireland “has huge opportunities to offer” when it comes to developing renewable energy sources according to the EU commissioner for...
Biocontrols ‘could lead to new food protection era’

Environment

Biocontrols ‘could lead to new food protection era’

Development of alternatives to traditional pesticides such as biocontrols is “essential, to maximise yields while minimising environmental damage”, according to...
Kathryn Thomas joins EU milk campaign as ambassador

Rural Life

Kathryn Thomas joins EU milk campaign as ambassador

Broadcaster Kathryn Thomas was announced as an ambassador for a new, EU funded, sustainable milk campaign at Bord Bia Bloom...
Chemical-free enterprise to host farm walk this weekend

Environment

Chemical-free enterprise to host farm walk this weekend

Farming for Nature (FFN) ambassador Kate Egan will host an afternoon walk on her 9ac “chemical-free farm” this Saturday (June...
Ireland’s employment rate in March was ‘highest on record’

Rural Life

Ireland’s employment rate in March was ‘highest on record’

Irelands employment rate has exceeded pre pandemic levels with 2,505,800 people in work during the first quarter of the year...
‘Raise a glass’ to Irish dairy farmers this World Milk Day – ICMSA

Dairy

‘Raise a glass’ to Irish dairy farmers this World Milk Day – ICMSA

World Milk Day, which takes place today (Wednesday, June 1) recognises “Ireland’s real national drink” the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’...
Concern among EU Green party members over CAP environmental impact

Environment

Concern among EU Green party members over CAP environmental impact

Many European Green Party members feel that the revised Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) heavily subsidises agricultural practices that are not...
Nolan: Farmers need to know their rights on unfair trading practices

Agri Politics

Nolan: Farmers need to know their rights on unfair trading practices

Major supermarkets are relying on a lack of awareness among farmers around their rights when it comes to unfair trading...
New Farm Family project to deliver free safety training

Rural Life

New Farm Family project to deliver free safety training

A new farm safety project ‘Farm Family CPD’ which will deliver online, multi-generational training free of charge, was launched today...
Love This Place campaign to focus on livestock worrying

Rural Life

Love This Place campaign to focus on livestock worrying

A new ‘Love this Place’ campaign, which launched today (Monday, May 30), will place a special emphasis on managing dogs...