We run an ongoing research programme that seeks to give agency to farmers to share what keeps them awake at night.
Understanding the full picture and recognising that behind every field and farm gate lies a complex web of risk, resilience, and responsibility will support better decisions in policy, communications, engagement and support.
If you want more details or want to use the data to support decisions in agriculture, please email hello@groundedresearch.co.uk
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Who are we and what is Five Bar Gate?
Grounded Research,
Grounded People.
Our business started on a farm, and we’ve been speaking with farmers for over 30 years. Our fieldwork team doesn’t need to build rapport — we’ve already got it. Most of us grew up in and around agriculture, and we know what matters to the people who live and breathe it every day.
Clients come to us because we deliver insight rooted in experience — from livestock health and machinery purchasing to carbon, farm finance, seed treatments, tree planting and water use. We combine in-depth qualitative methods (like interviews and focus groups) with robust quantitative surveys and statistical analysis to deliver evidence that decision-makers can rely on.
We’re proud to have worked with Defra, Bayer, NFU, Natural England, British Growers, RSPCA Assured, The Environment Agency and more
What is Five Bar Gate?
Five Bar Gate is our dedicated farmer research community. Launched in 2023, it’s already home to over 1,200 UK farmers and growing.
We started it because we knew the old ways of “researching” farming weren’t working. So we did something different.
Our approach:
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Farmers are paid for their time
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We only send relevant research invitations
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We work with farming charities to provide support when it’s needed
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We’re friendly, not pushy — and many of our members know us by name
Wherever possible, we share what happens as a result of the research we do together, because farmers deserve to see the impact their voices are having.
If you are a UK farmer, you can read more and sign up here.
Why our farmers say they join...
Managing 600 sheep and 300 cattle over 2000ac. Agriculture is my life, passion and career.
Sam
Farming is important to me because it's my livelihood and my life. It's part of everything I do. I would like to be part of the research to express my opinion and unique perspective.
Elsa
I come from a farming background and have been involved since a young age. I have learnt everything through working along side family members and I love to expand my knowledge and skills. I love how it’s such a hard working lifestyle and how rewarding it is at the same time.
Amy
I farm in East Yorkshire - taking over from my dad who recently passed away. I always find it is important to provide feedback to help shape the views of policy makers.
Rob
Farming is important to me as it is one of my main sources of income, we are arable and pedigree cattle (beef) farmers. Research is important as among other things we are at a critical point in farming where we need to increase our efficiency.
Emma
The way I and others farm have increasingly come under the scrutiny of the public and the pressures for nature recovery, Net zero, healthy sustainable food and public enjoyment of the great outdoors need the voices of the concerned parties from farming communities to be heard through all that noise in order that the needed trends towards our environmental goals do not smother the other needs of the economy and society in rural areas.
Laurence