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
May, 14 2026This season has delivered some of the strongest-looking oilseed rape (OSR) crops we’ve seen for a while, with strong autumn establishment, good spring growth, and plenty of ‘corner-to-corner’ flowering. A combination of kinder establishment conditions, leftover nitrogen residues, and more considered cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) husbandry has helped set crops up well. The key now is not to […]
Robert Gazely
Apr, 13 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 covers safe use of abrasive wheels, an outline of workplace requirements, manual handling, and what health surveillance is and when it might be required. We […]
Charlie Ireland
Apr, 10 2026Livestock Manager Opportunity in North Norfolk: Lead a Progressive Organic Farming Enterprise Are you an experienced Livestock Manager looking to take the next step in your career? An exciting opportunity has arisen in North Norfolk to lead and shape the future of a large-scale, forward-thinking farming business. A Unique Role in a Diverse Farming Operation […]
Phoebe Eglington
Mar, 24 2026The Farming Profitability Review led by Minette Batters, examined the financial, structural, environmental, and policy-related challenges for UK agriculture, outlining 57 actionable recommendations in response. Commissioned by DEFRA in April 2025, the review highlighted increasing economic pressures, rising production costs, volatile markets and ongoing policy uncertainty that has left many farmers questioning the future viability […]
Tim Isaac
Mar, 18 2026LENs is introducing a farmer training programme for the East of England and Yorkshire. The development is part of its commitment to provide more support for farmers participating LENs. Following a competitive tender, LENs appointed Ceres Rural, an experience-led farming consultancy, to develop and deliver training and support materials, designed to equip farmers with a […]
Beth Speakman
Mar, 12 2026Sustainable Farming Incentive Defra has recently announced the impending release of new application windows for the Sustainable Farming Incentive, (SFI) to offer grant funding to horticultural and agricultural businesses for the deliverance of environmental benefit. The preliminary round opens in June (for businesses of under 50ha), before expanding to larger businesses in September. This presents […]
Greg Clark
Feb, 24 2026Ceres Rural is advising farmers and land managers to take early note of emerging changes to the 2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), following announcements made at the NFU Conference, which signal a marked shift in both the structure and financial framework of the scheme. Current indications suggest that the 2025 SFI offer will be limited […]
Edward Hutley
Feb, 19 2026Harvest labour shortages and management pressure are nothing new — but the consequences of getting it wrong have never been higher. Our Harvest Support Programme is designed to give you reliable, capable people on farm, without adding to your workload at the busiest time of year. Delivered by Ceres Rural, this service removes the hassle […]
Ben Bates
Feb, 17 2026Ceres Rural has submitted a detailed response to Defra’s public consultation on contractual practice in the UK combinable crops sector. Drawing on insights from supporting over 1,100 farmers and landowners, our submission explores key issues around fairness, transparency and bargaining power within grain contracts. It highlights grower perspectives on market dynamics, contract clarity, negotiation ability, […]
Robert Gazely
Jan, 21 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 covers safe battery charging, key points from the HSE Annual Report, COSHH regulations, and why reporting near misses can build a proactive safety culture. We […]