We are a group of experienced journalists and PR consultants, specialising in agriculture and the rural sector. Subjects covered range from technical livestock articles to detailed arable or horticultural features. We also have expertise in farm machinery and equipment, consumer-facing articles and business topics. We are all members of the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists (BGAJ), which provides opportunities for professional development through training, networking events and awards. Whatever your media needs, we can fulfil them.
Agri-hub Team
Olivia Cooper – Founder of Agri-hub. Olivia is an award-winning journalist and PR consultant, specialising in rural and agricultural business promotion. She is a regular contributor to Farmers Weekly, Farmers Guardian, and other specialist publications. She is former chair of the BGAJ and is an accredited CIPR practitioner.
A life-long motor racing enthusiast, from April to September Olivia can be found on the UK hillclimb scene. In 2021, she travelled to Braga, Portugal to race as part of Team GB in the FIA European Hillclimb Masters and was crowned Masters Ladies’ Champion. She lives in Devon with her husband and teenage twins, who are now learning the hillclimb ropes.
Contact: [email protected] or 01392 840009
Twitter: @OliviaCoop1227 LinkedIn: Olivia Cooper
Ruth Wills – Ruth joined the team in 2018 with a degree in Rural Business Management. Living on a dairy farm, livestock is at the heart of her journalistic interests. Supporting British farmers by helping tell their stories has seen her become a 2021 IFAJ Young Leader, travelling to Kentucky to attend and report from the Alltech ONE Conference.
Keeping her company at her home office is 2.5 year old Huntaway cross, Freddie. Ruth has grown a social media following as a talented content creator, her feeds often feature delicious feasts, coastal views, and of course, dairy cows.
“I love my job because every day is different and completely unique – no two days are the same,” says Ruth. “One day I could be writing about arable rotations, the next I’m brainstorming social media content for a client, and then out on farm the day after.
“The thing about agriculture is that it is always changing and evolving – there are always new things to learn. I’ve also been lucky enough to travel with my job, which has been incredible; because farming is present in every country worldwide, the possibilities are endless.”
And teamwork inspires our ambitions as individuals, adds Ruth. “We have a wonderful, supportive team at Agri-hub and I feel very lucky to work alongside such talented people (who bring biscuits).”
Contact: [email protected] or 07772 889080
Twitter: @farmerruth LinkedIn: Ruth Wills
Natalie Noble – Natalie joined the team in 2019 with previous careers in veterinary nursing and animal nutrition. Working from the office – but on farm when possible – she enjoys connecting with the industry and its communities through journalism and PR. Natalie is passionate about British farming and showcasing the opportunities for young people; alongside Ruth she joined the NFU’s Farmers for Schools programme in 2022. She is incredibly proud of the success of the Dirt & Discovery initiative that, in partnership with NFU Education and the Cereals Event, hosted 60 school students from areas lacking access and career pathways into agriculture.
Outside of work, she enjoys exploring on her paddleboard. She can also talk your ear off about flowers and is enjoying the challenge of taking on her first allotment.
Working in ag-media is so fulfilling, says Natalie. “I’m extremely passionate about British farming and there is no better way to learn, listen, and communicate on matters that are important to UK growers and producers – and the wider public.”
Seeing agriculture from different perspectives and in different parts of the world also adds to the variety of work, she explains. “I find it very exciting to be out on farm, seeing how and what can be learnt – it’s also interesting to learn how culture and history has influenced farming practices and rural communities.
“And it’s great being a part of a supportive and fun team; sharing our experiences and achievements, it benefits both us and our clients too.”
Contact: [email protected] or 07776 234994 Twitter: @Natalie_Agri LinkedIn: Natalie Noble
Danusia Osiowy – Danusia joined the team in June 2023, bringing with her the experience of a long-standing career in farming media.
Leading the features desk at Farmers Guardian, she knows a good story. Her repertoire at the magazine also includes a solid standing in commercial campaigns and event organisation, co-launching both the widely celebrated British Farming Awards and one of farming’s largest online agricultural events #Farm24. She has also spearheaded several charity fundraising initiatives, and led educational and career campaigns, including the award-winning Tractor Factor. Based near Preston, Danusia is well-placed to cover activities in the North of England, as well as the client base across the UK and Europe.
Outside of work, she enjoys cooking for her family, going to the theatre, and interior design. She is also nurturing her dream to open a care farm to help others in the future.
“Throughout my career I have met, and continue to meet, incredible farmers, families and fellow industry professionals,” she says. “Joining the Agri-hub team and being able to help them grow clients’ businesses through the power of editorial content and PR strategies is something I feel very passionate about.”
Contact: [email protected] or 07595 428177 Twitter: @FGDanusia LinkedIn: Danusia Osiowy
Lydia Wombwell –Joining the team in October 2024, Lydia is a welcome addition to the Exeter office.
Forging her new career – after travelling and working in New Zealand and Australia – she is a broad thinker with an extraordinary zest for British agriculture. She credits her participation on the BGAJ John Deere Journalism Training Course as invaluable in cementing her journalistic ambitions. “Spending time abroad really broadened my horizons,” says Lydia. “Returning to the UK, I became interested in agricultural journalism and met Ruth Wills at an event – she actually recommended the John Deere Journalism course to me.”
Hailing from Essex, she has a keen interest in arable farming and remains active within her home county’s Young Farmers organisation – albeit, from afar. When she’s not at work, she can be found running, enjoying a pint at the pub, or watching any equestrian activity – be that polo in the summer or point-to-point in the winter.
“I love my job so much already,” she says. “I can’t wait to learn more about all the different working parts of agriculture and communications. Since falling in love with farming, I’ve spent hours and hours reading farming magazines, so I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to write for the publishers that I owe a lot to.”
Contact: [email protected] or 07767 402019 LinkedIn: Lydia Wombwell
Amanda Cornforth-Smith – Working part-time from her family farm in North Yorkshire, Amanda joined the team in November 2024.
Having studied Journalism at the University of Sunderland, Amanda has built a diverse career in communications, and has a well-established background in journalism – including writing for Sky Sports News, and as a broadcast journalist.
She also has valuable experience and skills gained as an agri-environmental schemes adviser. And as a Farming Community Network (FCN) volunteer, her communication style is an asset at and away from the desk.
Outside of her Agri-hub hours, Amanda can be found on the farm with her family, and when she can, participating in her two other loves – rally driving and kick-boxing.
“I’m really excited to become part of the Agri-Hub team,” says Amanda. “The work is varied and so interesting, with lots of opportunities to cover intriguing stories for the farming press, as well as working alongside a range of clients. The team is fantastic to work with; they have made me feel so welcome. I hope I can bring some of my experience to the team and develop new skills and knowledge.”
Contact: [email protected] or 07535 948003 Twitter: @CornforthSmithA LinkedIn: Amanda Cornforth-Smith
Flossie Bebb – The newest member of our team, Flossie joins us after graduating with a Bachelors in plant science and a Masters in environment, culture and society.
Growing up on a mixed farm in mid Wales, she feels strongly about how farming knowledge and stories are passed down through generations in agriculture – with a personal appreciation of the farming knowledge her grandad and dad have shared with her. She is determined to help the agricultural industry feel heard and understood. “I’m excited to communicate agricultural matters in a creative and engaging way, while expanding my knowledge of the industry,” she says.
“It will be interesting to learn how the unique experiences of different farming families shape their lives and work. Plus, spending time out on farms and in an office of lovely people (and dogs) is just perfect.”
Flossie’s weekends are mostly spent outdoors; surfing, walking and growing her own veg to make tasty, nutritious meals for friends and family.
Contact: [email protected] or 07467 364638 LinkedIn: Flossie Bebb
Heather – Olivia’s family whippet, full of mischief – when not snoozing for 23 hours of the day – she has a pretty impressive turn of speed!
Queen of the office and morale booster extraordinaire, she is a coach potato of the very best sort. Heather became a mother in February 2022; the world is certainly a much better place for having more Heathers in it.
She loves a biscuit (who doesn’t) and very much dislikes squirrels (and cats).
Fern – Agri-hub’s newest four-legged recruit. Daughter of Heather, she is all kinds of fun with a good slosh of mischief.
When she’s not busy recreating Phar Lap’s greatest race, or impersonating an alligator, she’ll often be found in a full whippet-wrap with Heather, or blissing out having a proper cwtch with one of the two-legged team members.
She is a words of affirmation and physical touch girly – absolutely hates going more than five minutes without being loved on.