Research Membership

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

Ceres Research has launched a new membership service for arable farmers who want to benefit from the latest independent and technical advice. Developed to deliver timely, data-driven solutions for progressive farmers and related businesses, the new service will combine regular agronomic, economic and political insights with field-based reviews and events. That makes it suitable for […]

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!

With a dry start to spring, this publication explores how shifting historical weather patterns are shaping crop performance, what we might expect in the future and what lessons we can draw from drier regions around the world to implement into our own farming systems here in the UK. The publication also introduces a new opportunity for Ceres Research Members to share their own experiences—promoting discussion and helping shape future strategies for resilient farming.

Watch this insightful training session where we delve into the fundamental concepts of data analysis and statistics. This is part of our quarterly training series of webinars, aimed to enable our members to make data-driven decisions, optimise farming practices, and ultimately enhance their productivity and sustainability.

In this month's Digest:
- Crucial deadlines for revenue claims under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme & Environmental Stewardship, the Government's consultation on the Land Use Framework, and Defra's national action plan for pesticides
- Approval of a new insecticide for controlling aphids and the approval of the Lower Thames Crossing
- Strategies to increase grassland resilience to drought and new ideas for better environmental management
- AHDB Climate Change Adaptation report and the Innovation & Research Caucus report on UK Agri-tech