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Welcome to our Insights
Each month, we bring you the latest updates on agricultural policy and regulation, industry news, science and innovation, and relevant publications for useful insights. Stay up to date with changes in policy, catch up on significant industry news, discover cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs, and access valuable publications to help you make informed decisions.
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Dr Dannielle Robb
Sep, 07 2026This month’s digest covers The Big Chalk, Farmers Aid App, Multiple Water Funds & the third 2026 AHDB harvest report. It also includes key updates on SFI Windows, the Drought Package & Capital Grants, latest innovations including the Beneficial Insects Guide & Phosphate Stewardship Hub, and monthly crop watch and market snapshots.
Dr Dannielle Robb
Sep, 07 2026Each month, we update you on fuel prices which relate to our industry in order to help you benchmark and forecast your costs. This information is part of our endeavour to ensure we support you, our members, in the effective day-to-day running of your rural businesses.
Dr Dannielle Robb
Aug, 24 2026Will oilseed rape establish this autumn? With many growers still waiting for meaningful rainfall after a prolonged dry summer, drilling decisions are becoming increasingly difficult. In this article, we explore why soil moisture matters more than drilling date, how much rain may be needed to trigger successful establishment, and what realistic growth targets look like if drilling is delayed. We also cover variety choice, seedbed preparation, fertiliser placement in dry conditions, and the practical considerations that could influence establishment success this autumn.
Dr Dannielle Robb
Aug, 21 2026The potential loss of flufenacet continues to dominate conversations around autumn weed control. While UK approvals currently remain in place, the industry's direction of travel is clear: growers need to start understanding what life after flufenacet could look like. We discuss not only alternative products, but also a fundamental question: are current herbicide strategies always delivering the best balance between grassweed control and crop performance?
Dr Dannielle Robb
Aug, 04 2026This month’s digest covers the drought, ADOPT trial opportunities, Farmer Collaboration Fund, Multiple Water Funds & the first 2026 AHDB harvest report. It also includes updates on SFI, CSHT, & Capital Grants, latest innovations including the Ceres Innovation Group, a new project on Wheat Dwarf Virus, Variable Rate, precision-engineered crops, and potential new biological insecticide for CSFB and the new Pea & Bean Crop Development Benchmarks.
Dr Dannielle Robb
Aug, 03 2026Each month, we update you on fuel prices which relate to our industry in order to help you benchmark and forecast your costs. This information is part of our endeavour to ensure we support you, our members, in the effective day-to-day running of your rural businesses.
Dr Dannielle Robb
Jul, 23 2026Catch crops can be one of the most effective tools for reducing nitrate losses, protecting water quality and maintaining living roots in the soil. However, research and farm observations suggest that maximising nitrogen capture is not always the same as maximising nitrogen availability for the following crop. In a dry season, where microbial activity and residue breakdown may be slower than normal, balancing nitrogen capture with nitrogen release becomes even more important. Our latest article explores the evidence behind different catch crop species, why bigger isn't always better, and the practical management decisions that can influence performance in the rotation.
Dr Dannielle Robb
Jun, 22 2026As temperatures soar and rainfall remains limited, which poses the greater threat to wheat yield: drought or heat stress? This article explores the science behind both, alongside the implications for late-season disease pressure and crop resilience.
Dr Dannielle Robb
Jul, 01 2026Each month, we update you on fuel prices which relate to our industry in order to help you benchmark and forecast your costs. This information is part of our endeavour to ensure we support you, our members, in the effective day-to-day running of your rural businesses.
Dr Dannielle Robb
Jun, 25 2026It's a symptom that is raising plenty of questions this season. Is it potassium deficiency, phosphorus deficiency, BYDV, or simply a crop under stress? We explore the science behind anthocyanins, drought-driven senescence and what these unusual flag leaf symptoms could be telling us about crop health. We also revisit last year's discussion on pink straw and nutrient lock-up, including reports that dry conditions can leave significantly more potash in straw than normal, with implications and action points for nutrient offtake, straw value and nutrient replacement planning.
