Industry Intelligence

As fertiliser markets enter a new season, volatility driven by Middle East tensions and shifting global supply chains is reshaping expectations. Historical data shows nitrogen prices typically rise mid-season, reinforcing the case for early procurement. AI modelling suggests wheat and urea prices may climb further, while widening price ratios between feed wheat and ammonium nitrate highlight the growing importance of Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE). This article explores the trends, risks, and strategic considerations shaping fertiliser decisions for 2025.

As growers look ahead to the next season, this article explores how to realign rotations after recent disruptions, select profitable break crops, and navigate variety choices amid evolving disease pressures. It also examines the future of SFI-supported options and offers practical strategies for successful oilseed rape establishment in the face of flea beetle risk. Grounded in current field observations and trial insights, this piece provides timely guidance for building resilient, profitable cropping plans.

Warmer seasons and milder winters are fuelling a rise in pest pressures—particularly aphids—across UK arable fields. With the breakdown of key disease resistance genes like Yr15 and uncertainty over fungicide availability, growers face mounting challenges. This article explores the latest Rothamsted survey data, emerging Yellow Rust strains, and practical steps farmers can take to stay ahead of evolving threats.

Ceres research have recently endorsed the latest AHDB management strategies for oilseed rape (OSR) in relation to cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB). This document details the strongest set of CSFB management strategies to date to help reserve OSR growth, an important break crop in the UK. This strategy document provides farmers and growers with a […]

Our second Agronomy Club focused on crop and business updates (including pest/disease pressures and yellow rust), forward planning (including nitrogen pricing trends and future prospects, rotational planning and varietal choices from evidence so far) and OSR establishment. The session then allowed for discussions between members on relatable topics and concerns. This is the second of a series of monthly Agronomy Clubs, held on the third Thursday of every month for Ceres Research members.

The UK Chancellor has unveiled the Government’s latest Spending Review, outlining departmental budgets for 2026/27 to 2028/29. Within the constraints of tight fiscal rules, the Chancellor has prioritised capital investment, especially in social housing and infrastructure. £39 billion has been allocated over the next decade for social housing, while new transport projects will have implications […]

This month's digest includes:
• Funding opportunities such as the Farming Technology Fund and Anglian Water training support
• Key information regarding industry news on trade deals, the dry spring and bluetongue virus
• Latest reports on SFI, CS etc uptake and open consultation on BNG
• Ceres Research upcoming events including the June date for Agronomy Club

Our first Agronomy Club focused on weather impacts, nitrogen and rotations. This is the first of a series of monthly Agronomy Clubs, held on the third Thursday of every month for Ceres Research members. These webinars are designed to help aid your decisions and plan for upcoming agronomy, powered by the latest scientific data.

This month's digest includes:
• On The Farm Day roadshow success!
• Ceres Group responds to the Land Use Framework consultation
• Key information regarding; policy and regulation, industry news, science and innovation and the latest reports published
• Ceres Research Events - including a reflection on our first Agronomy Club & a save the date for our Winter Conference!