Research Membership

The 2025 harvest has begun earlier than any year since 2006, with initial results showing encouraging yields for wheat and barley, despite regional variability. Protein levels in milling wheats are exceeding expectations, and early data suggests a more favourable season than last year. Read on for full yield ranges and quality insights to start harvest 2025 off.

Our Agronomy Club this month focused on harvest updates from the AHDB and within Ceres, cultivation strategies going into September, seed rates/diseases and home-saved seed, pre-emergence considerations and upcoming grant funding deadlines including notes on CS declarations. The session then allowed for discussions between members on relatable topics and concerns. This is the fourth of a series of monthly Agronomy Clubs, held on the third Thursday of every month for Ceres Research members.

This interactive dashboard provides a clear, regionally segmented view of weather trends across the UK. Members can explore annual and seasonal patterns in rainfall, temperature and sunshine hours from 1836 to the present, with rolling five-year averages offering context to long-term shifts and an improved understanding of the relationship between climate and on-farm performance.

This interactive dashboard provides a clear and visual comparison of 2025 crop yields across UK farms. It enables members to compare their farm’s average yields against anonymised regional and national datasets for a range of key combinable crops to support informed benchmarking activities. Use this tool to engage in meaningful comparisons, understand yield variability, and drive continuous improvement on-farm.

This month's digest includes:
• Funding opportunities such as the Farming Technology Fund and Anglian Water training support
• Key information regarding Animal Health & Welfare Pathway, Spending Review 2025, and muck-spreading rule changes
• Latest science on heatwaves, changes to ALC suitability under climate change and insights from India's AI farming
• Key reports on carbon pricing, the future of fertiliser, the water sector and regen ag
• Ceres Research member updates - including the recording of Agronomy Club on crop/business updates, forward planning and OSR establishment, details of July’s Agronomy Club and booking details for the Ceres Research AgriStrategy Conference.

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.

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