Farm Management

Welcome to the Ceres Rural Farming Update, 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. A ‘PLUS‘ version of this publication is now available to Ceres Research members, which takes a deeper dive into the key topics covered. […]

As 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 […]

With 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 […]

Introducing 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 […]

Strengthening Our Presence Across East Anglia Ceres Group has recently opened a new office in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, further strengthening our presence across East Anglia, including Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. This expansion reinforces our commitment to supporting landowners, rural businesses and property clients across the East of England. The region has long been a […]

Livestock 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 […]

The 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 […]

Welcome to the Ceres Rural Farming Update, 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. For a printer-friendly version, click here. Please consider the environment before printing this publication. A ‘PLUS‘ version of this publication is now available to […]

Ceres 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, […]