OUR THOUGHTS
From time to time, our experienced consultants take a moment to reflect on recent work, policy news or industry trends. Read what they have to say below and don’t forget, if you’d like to receive updates from us, including news and insights, business updates, and Ceres Publications, subscribe to mailing list.
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Anna Bromley
Nov, 03 2026Farmers and agronomists have access to more digital tools and data than ever before. From farm management software and satellite imagery to weather stations, crop monitoring platforms, disease forecasting tools and artificial intelligence. There is no shortage of technology promising to make farming more efficient and precise, but having access to more information does not […]
Alex Hall
Nov, 02 2026A four-week window for your own idea Anglian Water’s Farming Innovation Grant opened on 1st November and closes on 29th November 2026. It is a short window, and it rewards applicants who have already thought about what they want to try. This is the scheme’s seventh round. Over the previous six it has supported 260 […]
Andrew Atkinson
Oct, 30 2026Diversification can provide farming businesses with an opportunity to make better use of existing land, buildings and infrastructure, while developing additional income streams. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Opportunities range from relatively low-investment options such as container storage and dog walking fields to larger projects including rural offices, tourism, leisure facilities and renewable energy. The […]
Charles Garrard
Oct, 21 2026For years, the agricultural quality of a development site was a footnote in the planning process. That is no longer the case. Local planning authorities across England are asking harder questions about what is being built on, and they increasingly want evidence rather than assertion. The result is that Agricultural Land Classification, or ALC, has […]
Louise Petrakas
Oct, 16 2026So many options, not enough time Farmers looking to farm more sustainably have no shortage of support to choose from. Grants, discounted tools, green finance, carbon assessments, soil reviews, farm walks and environmental markets are all on offer, from a growing number of providers. The difficulty is knowing which of it applies to your farm. […]
Toby Eve
Oct, 14 2026Drones are becoming an increasingly visible part of the agricultural technology landscape. Their potential extends well beyond aerial photography. Used correctly, drones can help farmers and advisers identify variation, investigate problems more quickly and make better-informed decisions. However, the value of any new technology depends on whether it solves a genuine problem, fits existing work […]
Robert Gazely
Oct, 14 2026Each quarter, we update you on industry news, topical issues, and safety alerts with the aim of supporting you in achieving best practice on your farm or estate. This edition begins with a special article on fertiliser storage and the requirements of NAMOS regulations. It then looks at the hazards of, and best practice for, […]
Louise Petrakas
Oct, 13 2026Ceres Rural is hosting four free on-farm training days this November and December as part of the Landscape Enterprise Networks (LENs) Farmer Training Programme. Whether you are already involved with LENs or not, the days are designed for anyone interested in regenerative farming, natural capital and environmental markets. Each event is led by specialists from […]
Andrew Atkinson
Oct, 12 2026Diversification is now part of the conversation on most of the farms we work with. With the phasing out of direct payments and ongoing pressure on margins, many farm businesses are looking at what else their land and buildings could be doing. The ideas are rarely the problem. Most landowners can name a corner of […]
Sam Clegg
Sep, 24 2026RPA inspections and compliance checks are a routine part of Countryside Stewardship (CS), Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Capital Grant agreements. Whilst being selected for a site visit can sometimes feel daunting, inspections are not uncommon and are an established part of scheme administration. Taking a proactive approach to record-keeping throughout the year can help ensure that, if […]