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
Jul, 20 2026Ceres Rural is delighted to be recruiting for a range of roles on behalf of one of the UK’s leading dairy farm businesses. Based in the Midlands, this progressive farming operation manages a fully housed, robotically milked herd and works closely with a leading veterinary school and research partners. The business is committed to high […]
Robert Gazely
Jul, 20 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 Farm Safety Week 2026, the risks faced by older people in agriculture, fuel bowser and transport guidance, and the launch of Farmers Aid. We […]
Carol Atkins
Jul, 15 2026An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced and proactive live-in couple to manage and maintain a beautiful private country residence in rural Hertfordshire. This varied, hands-on role combines housekeeping, property and grounds maintenance, animal care, driving, and support for the owners’ lifestyle and entertaining requirements. Flexibility is essential, as the position will include some […]
Phoebe Eglington
Jul, 13 2026Farming Roadmap 2050 – What DEFRA’s Long-Term Vision Means for Farmers Following the publication of Minette Batters’ Farming Profitability Review and the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP25) earlier this year, DEFRA has now set out its own long-term vision for agriculture through the Farming Roadmap 2050. The roadmap sets out the Government’s long-term vision for […]
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 […]
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, […]