Analysis and Review

Will 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.

Introducing Fields of the Future, a 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 practical […]

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 […]

This interactive dashboard provides a clear and visual comparison of current and historic fuel prices. Select your product, enter your purchase price, and instantly see how you stack up.

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 […]

What is the Ceres Research Agronomy Club? If you’re looking for practical, independent insight to support your farming decisions, the Ceres Research Agronomy Club is designed with exactly that in mind. It’s a monthly online discussion forum that brings together farmers, agronomists, researchers and industry experts to explore the most relevant agronomy topics of the […]

Herbal leys and ryegrass-clover mixes can deliver similar yields, but evidence suggests herbal leys may offer greater resilience, mineral content and whole-system benefits under lower-input or drought-prone conditions. This report reviews where each option fits best, and what the research really says.

Our Define > Develop > Demonstrate pathway offers ag‑tech innovators a clear, evidence‑driven route from early R&D to farmer adoption, combining independent evaluation, rigorous on‑farm trials, and tailored knowledge‑exchange activities to generate credible data, showcase real‑world impact and accelerate market readiness.

The CFA Survey 2025 provides a comprehensive analysis of Contract Farming Agreements across the UK, drawing on data from over 100 farms. The report explores national trends in costs, returns, environmental scheme participation, and farm-level decision‑making, revealing tightening margins, increasing contractor charges and a significant shift toward land being taken out of production. With CFAs growing in complexity and the future of environmental schemes uncertain, the 2025–26 outlook highlights the need for carefully structured agreements and data‑driven planning.