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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Robert Gazely
Mar, 09 2022Featured in the Farmers Weekly, our Health & Safety expert Robert Gazely has this advice for farmers. Farmers should remind themselves of the risks associated with handling seed and fertiliser bags ahead of the busy spring drilling and fieldwork window, advises rural consultancy Ceres Rural. The bags are large, heavy objects which can cause injury […]
Ben Bates
Jan, 14 2022The Farming Transformation Fund Improving Farm Productivity theme is designed to support investment that improves farm and horticulture productivity through use of robotic or autonomous equipment and the installation of slurry acidification equipment. The fund provides up to 40% grant support for eligible costs, with a minimum grant size of £35,000 and the maximum of […]
Charles Garrard
Jan, 13 2022The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Farmers can apply for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) next year. Defra has confirmed details of the first two soil standards and an annual animal health and welfare review. Charles Garrard explains what you need to know. So what can I expect from SFI? The first SFI standards will be […]
Robert Gazely
Jan, 13 2022DEFRA have reviewed Countryside Stewardship payment rates for revenue options. The new payment rates will apply from 1st January 2022 and are described by DEFRA as being “based on current costs.” For existing agreements beginning on or before 1st January 2022, where the new rate has: Increased, the new (higher) rate will be paid. Decreased, […]
Chloe Timberlake
Jan, 13 2022It might still be on a small scale, but there is plenty of interest in agroforestry and a desire among farmers and landowners to find out more. While it can be difficult to quantify the benefits, planting trees to boost biodiversity appeals to most, many are seeing the ability to generate income in the future […]
Edward Hutley
Dec, 13 2021Tim Isaac Joins Ceres Rural’s Expanding Team Ceres Rural, the independent rural consultancy launched earlier this year, continues to grow. The firm provides impartial advice to farmers and landowners across the south and east of England. Bringing Expertise to Saffron Walden Tim Isaac, formerly Knowledge Exchange Director at AHDB, has joined the team. Based at […]
Charles Garrard
Dec, 10 2021New Grant Channels Under the Agricultural Transition Plan The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund and the Farming Transformation Fund have launched, opening new grant channels under the Agricultural Transition Plan. First up is the Water Management theme of the Farm Transformation Fund. Next, the Farm Productivity and Adding Value themes will follow in the coming […]
Phillip Norden
Nov, 03 2021DEFRA Delays Farming Investment Fund Launch DEFRA has postponed the much-anticipated launch of the new Farming Investment Fund until later this month. This delay is frustrating and concerning because the scheme sits under the Agricultural Transition Plan. Farmers have every reason to feel disappointed that the firm dates for removing the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) […]
Jock Willmott
Aug, 23 2021Ceres Rural lead technical agronomist and Partner Jock Willmott recently spoke with Dr Aoife O’Driscoll to discuss the 2021 growing season and planning for the season ahead.
Tim Isaac
Jul, 23 2021
Free Farm Review for Farmers During Agricultural Transition Farmers planning changes for the Agricultural Transition period can get free advice and support from Ceres Rural. This is available through DEFRA’s Future Farming Resilience Fund, which opens in August. What Farmers Receive Farmers who apply successfully to Ceres Rural receive bespoke recommendations in a Farm Resilience […]