2025 highlighted the need to plan for volatility, rather than relying on “average” years. Soil type and rotation diversity emerged as critical factors—farms with robust soil structure and varied rotations showed greater resilience and yield stability. 

The data also showed that higher yields are not simply a function of greater spend—management, site-specific decisions, and independent advice are key. Tailoring input strategies to crop potential, benchmarking costs, and embracing innovation where possible will be essential for maintaining and/or improving margins in 2026. 

As we turn the page to 2026, UK farm businesses face a landscape shaped by volatility, innovation and the need for ever-greater resilience. 

So, where to start?  

It is sometimes easy to forget in the non-stop world of farming to find time for goal setting. However, the reality is:  

• Farming is a complex business 

• You are the driver of that business  

• And you need direction just as much your business 

Below is a framework to help you plan for the year ahead with clarity, and set some goals for arable farmers in 2026. 

1. Reflection

The past year has reinforced the importance of honest reflection. It is important that this step is reflection, rather than self-criticism. Distinguish between the controllable and uncontrollable factors. Ask yourself: 

• What went well on the farm this year? 

• What was out of my control? (e.g. weather, policy changes, prices) 

• What did I handle better than last year? 

• What challenged me most? 

• Where did I make progress that I didn’t acknowledge? 

Define what success is to you  

It is important to have a clear direction or vision for farm business planning for 2026 – as well as for yourself. This might be: 

• A farm that runs profitably without you working every hour 

• Any borrowing is under control 

• More diverse income streams 

• A tidy yard and working infrastructure 

• Time for family 

• A profitable business that can be handed on 

 2. Accept that you can only focus on a few key changes each year 

Despite the many competing demands and tasks on farm, typically there is only time to focus on a couple of changes each year to understand their impact. Ask yourself, “If I could only make real progress on two things this year, what would they be?”. 

3. Set goals

Set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—for all areas of the business, from cropping and livestock to finance and personal development. Practical examples could include: 

• Professional development: Attend 1 event or webinar a month to learn more about a particular subject, or aim to host a farm walk by the end of the year. 

• Grain sales review: Hold a 30–60 minute grain sales strategy review each month, recording decisions and next actions. 

• Crop trial: Plan and run a nitrogen or fungicide trial on one wheat field with your agronomist, keeping an eye on factors throughout the season that might influence the results and reviewing these post-harvest. 

Having clear and ‘SMART’ goals will help you with your direction and ultimately give you greater clarity and attention to detail to contribute towards marginal changes that all add up. A 1% tweak might not look like much on its own, but each 1% can stack up over time and lead to meaningful progress for your business by the year’s end. 

4. Review regularly  

Communicate and review your goals regularly, ensuring they remain relevant as the season unfolds. 

The Ceres AgriStrategy Conference 2025 echoed these themes, urging arable businesses to: 

• Plan for extremes, not averages 

• Strengthen soils and diversify rotations 

• Share data and benchmark performance 

• Embrace innovation, from biologicals to digital tools, to accelerate adaptation. 

Looking ahead 

Ceres Research will continue to support its members with technical, economic, and policy insights throughout 2026. Members have access to a variety of resources such as expert-led Agronomy Club sessions that focus on upcoming agronomy and tailored benchmarking, networking opportunities, and up-to-date digital tools—helping members stay competitive and well-prepared in an evolving agricultural landscape. 

Find out more about our Ceres Research Membership here.

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