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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Joe Pitt
Sep, 10 2024September Brings Key Decisions for Drilling As September begins, many farmers focus on post-harvest cultivations and drilling plans. Poor and variable yields remind us of last autumn’s wet conditions, tempting some to drill earlier. However, patience pays off—waiting until October helps control disease, barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), and grassweed. Why Early Drilling Increases Disease […]
Robert Gazely
Sep, 10 2024Each 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 explains the health and safety responsibilities in new farming arrangements. It identifies the hazards and safety precautions to adopt when hedge cutting and provides a […]
Huw Jenkins
Sep, 03 2024Summer has progressed quickly, bringing to a close the turbulent 2023/24 growing year. The hard work doesn’t stop once the combines are back in the shed however, and up and down the country our agronomists and farm managers are busy planning and preparing for the coming autumn drilling campaign. Following the year we have had, […]
Chloe Timberlake
Aug, 09 2024The update issued by Defra in early August includes important new information on the expanded Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2024 scheme, as well as some much-needed clarification and further detail. Ceres Rural farming consultant Chloe Timberlake picks out the main points:- 1. New Capital Items Six new capital items and funding towards two new plans […]
Beth Speakman
Aug, 08 2024
New Hall Wine Estate in Purleigh, Crouch Valley, Essex, has a central focus on sustainable innovation and maximising vine health and prosperity, whilst enhancing the ecology and biodiversity of the surrounding habitat of the vineyard. The family-run vineyard was seeking to enhance the biodiversity benefits achievable on all aspects of the land, including the land […]
George Catchpole
Jul, 12 2024Welcome to the Ceres Rural Farming Update July, a publication that provides independent insights on agricultural issues, from policy and grant funding, to administrative updates and key market information. Read the update here: Farming Update – July 2024. For a printer-friendly version, click here. Please consider the environment before printing this publication.
George Badger
May, 24 2024The details around the new Expanded SFI 2024 offer have been released, with applications open fully from 22nd July. Those wishing to apply sooner can fill out an expression of interest, and in the meantime, SFI 2023 applications can still be made online via the current system. New entrants and previous non-claimants of BPS can now […]
Alice Andrews
May, 14 2024A Challenging Start to Spring for Winter Wheat Spring has been tough for winter wheat crops. Soil temperatures have taken far longer to warm up because of excess water. Normally, at this time of year, soils would be around 12°C. In early May, they were only 9°C. On top of that, stressed crops have suffered […]
Robert Gazely
May, 03 2024The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) recently announced that they will stop routine farm inspections. They will still carry out investigative inspections triggered by major accidents, but their focus will now shift to occupational health issues. This move is highly concerning. The HSE’s own statistics show that between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2024, […]
Tim Isaac
Apr, 19 2024 It is often said that farming is facing the biggest period of change for a generation. There is a complex range of challenges and opportunities, with various interdependencies between them, which can make them difficult to navigate. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer or silver bullet, but doing nothing is clearly not a viable strategy. […]