September 16, 2024
D

Dalesbred

Dalesbred: A local sheep of the Swaledale type. It has a white spot on either side of a black face, with a grey muzzle, and provides a long coarse fleece. Farmers raising Dalesbred sheep should focus on wool quality and animal health. Regular shearing, parasite control, and balanced nutrition are key to maintaining the productivity and profitability of the flock. The unique fleece of Dalesbred sheep can also be marketed to niche wool buyers for premium prices.

B

Background

background: A set of conditions always present in the environment. Understanding the background conditions, such as soil composition and climate, helps farmers make informed decisions about crop and livestock management.

O

On-Off Grazing

on-off grazing: A rotational grazing system. Implementing on-off grazing can improve pasture health and livestock nutrition. Farmers can benefit from understanding and applying rotational grazing practices to enhance forage availability, reduce soil erosion, and improve animal performance.

M

Masham

Masham: a crossbred type of sheep which results from a Wensleydale or Teeswater ram mated with a hill ewe of the Swaledale type and has black markings on the face and legs. The breed is an economical ewe with a good lambing average and a useful fleece. Raising Masham sheep can provide farmers with a versatile and productive breed, contributing to better income and farm sustainability.

P

Pekin

Pekin: A breed of table duck. It has buff-colored feathers and bright orange feet, legs, and bill. Raising breeds like Pekin can provide high-quality meat and eggs, meeting market demands.

I

ICM

ICM: Integrated crop management – an approach to growing crops that combines traditional good farm husbandry with reduction in the use of agrochemicals and considers the impact of farming practices on the environment. Benefits farmers by promoting sustainable practices.

N

Neck Rot

neck rot: a disease affecting bulb onions during storage. The onions become soft and begin to rot from the stem downwards. Managing neck rot is essential for maintaining the quality and marketability of stored onions. Farmers can benefit from implementing proper storage practices, such as controlling temperature and humidity, to prevent the onset of neck rot. Regular monitoring and the use of resistant varieties can also reduce losses. Effective management of neck rot ensures higher product quality, reduces waste, and improves profitability for onion producers.

O

Opening Bid

opening bid: The first bid at an auction. Understanding auction dynamics and setting competitive opening bids can help farmers maximize returns on livestock and produce sales. Farmers can benefit from participating in auctions to access broader markets and achieve better prices.

S

Spring-Tined Harrow

spring-tined harrow: a cultivator which has tines of spring steel which vibrate in the soil. This gives fast seedbed preparation. Using spring-tined harrows improves soil aeration and preparation, promoting healthy root growth and better crop yields.

V

Vine Crops

vine crops: Crops (Cucurbitaceae) such as cucumber, marrow, gourds, and melons, which are annuals and produce long trailing shoots and heavy fleshy fruit. Growing vine crops can provide nutritious and profitable produce.

M

Multicell

multicell: referring to crops that are planted in clusters of seeds, which are thinned to allow the strongest plants to develop. Understanding multicell planting can help farmers optimize their crop production and improve yields and sustainability.

G

Gamekeeper

gamekeeper: A person working on a private estate who manages it to provide wild birds and animals for shooting and hunting. Employing a gamekeeper can enhance the profitability and ecological balance of farm estates.

C

Cold Storage

Cold Storage: Cold storage noun the practice of keeping perishable produce in a refrigerated room or container, before moving it to market or to a retailer. The low temperature inhibits bacterial and fungal activity. Implementing cold storage preserves produce freshness and extends shelf life.

I

Indigenous

indigenous: Native to a place. There are six indigenous species of monkey on the island. Bluebells are indigenous to the British Isles. Helps farmers select crops and livestock suited to the local environment.

S

Soil Drainage

soil drainage: the flow of water from soil, either naturally or through pipes and drainage channels inserted into the ground. Proper soil drainage ensures healthy root growth and prevents waterlogging, promoting productive agriculture.

M

Margin Over Purchased Feed

margin over purchased feed: the amount of money received for produce such as per litre of milk, shown as a percentage above the amount spent in purchasing feed for the animals. Abbr MOPF. Understanding margin over purchased feed can help farmers manage their costs and improve profitability.

Reduced Tillage

A conservation tillage practice that minimizes soil disturbance while preparing the land for planting. Reduced tillage helps improve soil health, reduce erosion, and conserve moisture. For example, using reduced tillage methods to plant crops without turning over the entire soil surface.

N

Nature Reserve

nature reserve: an area where plants, animals, and their environment are protected. Establishing nature reserves on or near farms can provide critical habitat for wildlife, support biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem services. Farmers can benefit from collaborating with conservation organizations to create and manage reserves, promoting ecological balance and sustainability. Nature reserves can also offer opportunities for eco-tourism, educational programs, and community engagement, providing additional income and fostering a positive relationship between farmers and the public.

Pollination Services

Services provided by insects, birds, and other animals that facilitate the pollination of crops. Pollination services are crucial for the production of fruits, nuts, and seeds. For example, maintaining beehives near almond orchards to ensure effective pollination and high yields.

Cattle Milk Testing

The analysis of milk samples to assess quality, composition, and safety. Milk testing is essential for meeting regulatory standards and consumer expectations. For instance, conducting regular milk tests to monitor somatic cell count, fat, and protein levels.

E

Enzootic Disease

enzootic disease: An outbreak of disease among certain species of animals in a certain area. Compare epizootic disease. Managing enzootic diseases helps farmers protect animal health and prevent the spread of infections.

C

Conductivity

Conductivity: Conductivity /k?nd?ktiviti/ noun the ability of a material to conduct heat or electricity Because of the poor conductivity of air, heat is transferred from the Earth’s surface upwards by convection. Hydraulic conductivity, electrical conductivity. Understanding conductivity aids in soil and water management practices.

L

Leaching

Leaching: Leaching is the process by which a substance is washed out of the soil by water passing through it. Preventing leaching through soil management practices can preserve soil nutrients and protect water quality.

L

Limousin

Limousin: Limousin is a relatively hardy French breed of beef cattle, developed on the uplands around Limoges in central France. The cattle are red, with large bodies. Limousin bulls are used on dairy cattle producing a good crossbred calf. Raising Limousin cattle can provide farmers with high-quality beef and enhance farm profitability.

D

Doctor

doctor: A person who has a degree in medicine and practices as a physician. Understanding the role of doctors is important for managing human health and well-being. Farmers should work with medical professionals to ensure the health and safety of farm workers. Understanding the importance of healthcare and medical support will aid in promoting a healthy and productive farm environment.

L

Landowner

Landowner: A landowner is a person who owns land freehold, and may let it to a tenant or farm it himself. Owning land provides farmers with the opportunity to implement long-term agricultural strategies.

C

Cloning

Cloning: The reproduction of an individual organism by asexual means. Implementing cloning practices helps farmers propagate plants or livestock with desirable traits, enhancing productivity and quality.