Howard Walsh, a long-time Member of the Guild, has retired from full-time employment as Farmers Guardian business editor after 42 years with the publication.
Howard started at Farmers Guardian in August 1970 as a reporter and went on to become machinery editor for many years. He has been business editor for the past decade and is one of the most respected journalists in the agricultural industry.
He has won numerous awards during this time, notably the Guild’s Netherthorpe Communicator of the YearAward, which he received from the Princess Royal at the Guild’s autumn lunch in 2011.
Howard will continue working for Farmers Guardianon a part-time basis, as well as pursuing other interests, including his pedigree Jacob sheep flock.
He says the biggest farming changes he has witnessed during his time at the publication was the growth in power of the supermarkets and the influence exerted by lobby groups.
Emma Penny, editor of Farmers Guardian says: “Howard has been a key part of the team for many years, and has been responsible for recruiting and mentoring many talented journalists. We will all miss him, but are very pleased he is working for us in a part-time capacity.”
Fellow Guild Member, news editor Ben Briggs, has been appointed to cover news and business; he will be joined by a new business reporter in the coming weeks.
In addition to his part-time role, Howard is available for freelance commissions on his main interests – business, beef, sheep, dairy and machinery. He has a new email address (j.walsh49@btinternet.com) but his mobile telephone number remains as published in the Year Book.
