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 our mailing list.
Filter by:
Dr Dannielle Robb
Oct, 29 2025Welcome 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 […]
Dr Dannielle Robb
Oct, 01 2025This month's digest includes:
• Autumn Budget dates, bluetongue restrictions & Big Chalk Project updates.
• Industry news including: CSHT opens, FETF update, Norfolk funding/advice offer, free Flood Management Training in Wales, ongoing ADOPT funding & new Farming Innovation Funding.
• Latest science on a review of farmland trees with IPM strategies & a comparison of pesticide runoff from tillage practices.
• Key reports on ELMs Annual Report, ELMs Test & Trial Results & the impact of ELMs, BNG and carbon credit markets on farm resilience.
Dr Dannielle Robb
Sep, 15 2025Key points: Evidence of Healthy Soils: Organic farming can improve soil health factors, especially soil biology. But do you need to go organic to reap these benefits? This report underscores practices that all farmers – organic or not – can consider in improving their soil, the key asset on any farm. Profitability Gap Narrows: While […]
Tim Isaac
Sep, 08 2025Introducing 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...
Dr Dannielle Robb
Sep, 02 2025This month's digest includes:
•The Big Chalk Project, Local Nature Recovery Strategies, draft legislation impacts from APR and BPR, Defra's Farming and Countryside user panel
•Industry news covering closure of Vivergo, web tool to predict slurry emissions, cancelled border checks on EU imports, ongoing ADOPT funding
•Latest science on cultivation methods over catch crop species, and good and bad weeds with precision agriculture
•Key reports on Ceres Group response to a Call for Evidence on private investment into nature recovery, England farming income values 2024, pig sector support and net zero tech outlook
•Upcoming Ceres Research events - including August's Agronomy Club recording and September sign up details, the AgriStrategy Conference (which includes 50% off for members).
Dr Alex Setchfield
Aug, 22 2025UPDATE AS OF 22/08/25: Following the news of glyphosate resistance reported in the UK earlier this year in January, 10 more Italian rye-grass samples from 8 farms were tested by ADAS. 3 of these farms have shown high risk of resistance. Offspring from these populations will now undergo further testing to confirm if they are […]
Dr Dannielle Robb
Aug, 11 2025The UK Government recently launched a call for evidence to explore how the private sector can play a greater role in nature recovery. This initiative sought views on two key areas: The role of government in enabling and growing private investment in nature. Opportunities to increase investment in environmental outcomes such as water quality, carbon […]
Dr Dannielle Robb
Aug, 13 2025Thinking about benchmarking your business? Start with clarity and consistency.
From choosing what matters most to your farm, to ensuring fair comparisons and understanding the full context behind the numbers—benchmarking is more than just data. Our top ten takeaways show how a focused approach and the right tools (like those in your Ceres Research Membership) can turn performance tracking into strategic progress.
Dr Dannielle Robb
Aug, 06 2025As we move through 2025, Ceres Research continues to make significant strides in agricultural research and knowledge exchange. Since January, we have been actively involved in various projects, conferences, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the agricultural sector by bridging the gap between the latest scientific research and what happens on farm. Here’s an update on […]
Dr Dannielle Robb
Aug, 05 2025Join us at the Ceres AgriStrategy Conference on Thursday 4th December. Are you ready to turn this year’s challenges into next season’s strategies? Hosted by Ceres Research and Ceres Rural, this one-day conference is your opportunity to: – Reflect on the 2025 harvest with expert insights – Explore sustainable rotations and input efficiency – Discover […]