Justin McCarthy became CEO of the Irish Farmers Journal in January 2014, having been appointed Editor of the paper in March 2013. Previously, Justin had held the position of Livestock Editor with the Irish Farmers Journal since August 2005.

Having graduated with a Hons Degree in Agricultural Science in 2000, he spent almost two years working with ABP in Shrewsbury learning all aspects of the red meat processing sector. In 2004 he was awarded a Nuffield Farming Scholarship and travelled throughout Europe and New Zealand researching Profitable Beef Production from the Suckler herd.

On completion of his scholarship he took up the role as Beef Specialist with Teagasc. During this time, he coordinated the Teagasc/Dawn Meats Partnership in the West of Ireland.