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.
Filter by:
Louise Penn
Jul, 10 2026More than 200 landowners, farmers, property and planning professionals gathered at Lamport Hall Estate this week in what Ceres Group has described as a strong vote of confidence in Northamptonshire’s rural economy and future growth prospects. The event followed the opening of Ceres Group’s Northampton office earlier this year and brought together so many to […]
Tim Isaac
Jul, 07 2026As part of the Ceres Innovation Group, we’re sharing monthly reflections on the innovations, technologies and ideas shaping agriculture. The aim isn’t simply to highlight new products, but to explore where they may add value in practical farming systems and where further evidence is needed before widespread adoption. Breeding Continues to Move Forward While much […]
Edward Hutley
Jul, 01 2026With many farming businesses reassessing labour, machinery investment and risk exposure, Contract Farming Agreements (CFAs) continue to evolve. Most farmers will be familiar with the structure, but fewer have first-hand experience of how they operate in practice and where independent oversight can add value. Following the latest quarterly review cycle, we spoke to Edward Hutley, Partner at […]
Tim Isaac
Jun, 30 2026Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies Fund (ADOPT) is part of Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme, with the aim to fund on-farm trial and demonstration projects to improve adoption of new ideas or solutions in the agricultural sector relating to improving productivity, resilience and/or sustainability and progression towards net zero farming. Grants are available for project […]
Robert Gazely
Jun, 25 2026With a UK heatwave currently pushing temperatures well above seasonal norms, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of health, safety and wellbeing across rural businesses. While extreme heat may feel short-lived, hotter summers are becoming more frequent. With harvest 2026 approaching, now is the time to ensure teams are prepared to work safely during […]
Louise Penn
Jun, 25 2026Introducing Fields of the Future, a new podcast for farmers who want to get the most out of their farm businesses and unlock their agricultural potential. Each episode brings together voices from across the industry – farmers, agronomists, researchers, and innovators – to share independent, science-led insights that matter in the field. Whether you’re looking for […]
Dan Matthews
Jun, 18 2026As growers continue to review rotations and look for alternatives to traditional break crops, interest in specialist and alternative crops is growing. Challenges associated with oilseed rape establishment, particularly the ongoing impact of cabbage stem flea beetle, have prompted many businesses to reassess their rotational options. While beans, peas and other pulse crops remain important break crop choices, […]
Rosie Uden
Jun, 17 2026With the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI 2026) now underway, farmers across England are facing a more competitive and more restrictive scheme than in previous years. While payment reductions and new limits have rightly attracted attention, recent clarification from Defra has also provided greater certainty in several important areas.  For many businesses, the focus is now shifting […]
Tim Isaac
Jun, 01 2026This month marks the launch of the Ceres Innovation Group, a joint initiative between Ceres Research and Ceres Rural, focused on identifying, testing, and rolling out new ways of working in agronomy and farm management. At Ceres Research, our focus is clear: bridging the gap between innovation and on-farm adoption. We work with farmers, agronomists, and Ag Innovators to […]
Sophia Slater
May, 27 2026The Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) fund has now been extended for a further three years and will now run until March 2029. So far the fund has allocated £4.5 million to over 170 projects. FiPL is available in National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), National Parks and the Broads. The programme funds one‑off projects that: Support […]