Adam Woods has been announced as the new editor of the Irish Farmers Journal (IFJ).
Mr Woods has been part of the publication’s senior editorial leadership team for the past decade, and served as deputy editor for the past two years.
From Ballyconnell in Co Cavan, he joined the Irish Farmers Journal in 2016 as beef editor, where he was responsible for shaping the technical and news coverage of both the Irish beef industry and the international beef sector.
Prior to joining, Mr Woods worked in advisory, research and specialist roles in Teagasc.
In a statement announcing his appointment, the publication said: “Adam brings considerable leadership and experience to the role of editor”.
“He has managed the editorial responsibilities of the paper for the past number of months, and his passion for quality editorial content has been clear to see each week in the Irish Farmers Journal,” the newspaper said.
“The recent exposé of Brazilian farming standards was an outstanding piece of investigative journalism led by Adam, while he has also continued to drive the digital transformation strategy for the Irish Farmers Journal,” it added.
His appointment comes after what the IFJ described as “an exhaustive selection process over recent weeks”, which has been ratified by the board of the Agricultural Trust – the independent media organisation that publishes the Irish Farmers Journal, The Irish Field, Irish Country Magazine and The Irish Garden publications.
The previous editor, Jack Kennedy, stepped down last autumn amid reports of tensions at the time with the board of the Agricultural Trust.
Rhe chief executive of the Agricultural Trust William Minchin said that Mr Woods’ appointment comes at an important time for the Irish Farmers Journal.
“His leadership and experience will be vital as we continue to evolve the print and digital strategies of the Irish Farmers Journal, while ensuring at all times that our editorial direction and content remain relevant to our core readership. I wish him the very best of luck in the role,” he said.
Mr Woods said he is “truly honoured to have been appointed Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal.
“As only the fifth editor of this publication in its near 80-year history, I’m keenly aware of the important role that the Irish Farmers Journal plays in shaping the technical direction of Irish farming, while simultaneously keeping our readers informed with the latest news, trends and analysis that is vital to how they run their family-farm business,” he stated.
