April 2, 2025
D

Distribution

distribution: The spreading of something over an area. Proper distribution of seeds, fertilizer, or pesticides is important for achieving uniform application and optimal results. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and techniques for effective distribution. Understanding the benefits and applications of distribution will aid in effective crop and soil management.

D

Downy Mildew

downy mildew: A disease (Peronospora brassica) that causes white bloom on the undersurface of leaves, most damaging to Brassica seedlings. Managing downy mildew involves using resistant plant varieties, practicing crop rotation, and applying appropriate fungicides.

C

Challenge Feeding

Challenge Feeding: The process of feeding dairy cows with concentrates to provide extra nourishment. Using challenge feeding helps farmers maximize milk production and maintain cow health during peak lactation periods.

W

Welfare Of Farmed Animals Regulations 2000

Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations 2000: A piece of legislation which sets out guidelines for the humane treatment of animals on farms, including separate schedules on the treatment specific types of animals such as laying hens, cattle, or pigs. Complying with these regulations can improve animal welfare and farm practices.

D

Down Breeds

Down breeds: Breeds of short-wooled sheep, giving wool of a creamy colour; the sheep have dark faces and legs and are hornless. They are found in hilly areas and include the Southdown, Hampshire Down, Dorset Down, and Suffolk. Down breeds are prized for their meat and wool production.

G

Gestation Period

gestation period: The period from conception to birth when a female mammal has live young in her womb. Knowledge of the gestation period is crucial for managing breeding programs and ensuring the health of pregnant livestock.

H

Hay-Sweep

hay-sweep: An implement used to collect hay from swaths and carry it to a stack. Using a hay-sweep improves the efficiency of hay collection, reducing labor costs and time.

N

Natural

natural: adjective referring to nature, or produced by nature not by humans. Natural materials and methods often align with sustainable farming practices, promoting environmental health and resource conservation. Farmers can benefit from using natural fertilizers, pest control methods, and materials, reducing reliance on synthetic inputs and minimizing environmental impact. This approach can improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and attract consumers who prioritize sustainably produced goods, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and profitable farming operation.

N

NFU

NFU: abbreviation for National FarmersÂ’ Union. The National Farmers’ Union advocates for farmers’ rights and interests, providing a unified voice in policy discussions and negotiations. Membership in the NFU offers farmers access to valuable resources, including legal advice, market information, and training programs. By participating in the NFU, farmers can influence agricultural policies, stay informed about industry trends, and benefit from collective bargaining power, ultimately strengthening their farm businesses.

F

Fumigation

Fumigation: Disinfection by means of gas or fumes that penetrate into cracks and holes, a process that is probably more efficient than spraying or scrubbing. Properly managing fumigation practices ensures effective pest control and farm hygiene.

F

Frugivore

Frugivore: An animal that mainly eats fruit. Many bats and birds are frugivores. Understanding frugivore behavior supports biodiversity and ecological balance on farms.

S

Spray Irrigation

spray irrigation: a system of irrigation using sprinklers which are located along a boom. Some booms rotate and can distribute water over a large circular area. Using spray irrigation ensures efficient water distribution, promoting healthy crop growth and sustainable water use.

C

Contact Insecticide

Contact Insecticide: Contact insecticide noun a substance such as DDT that kills insects which touch it (NOTE: DDT is now banned in many countries because of its toxicity and ability to accumulate in the environment). Using contact insecticides helps control pests and protect crops.

S

Secondary Substances

secondary substances: Chemical substances found in plant leaves, believed to be a form of defence against herbivores. Farmers benefit from understanding secondary substances to improve crop protection and resistance.

I

ICO

ICO: International Coffee Organization – an international organization set up to stabilize the international market in coffee by holding buffer stocks to offset seasonal differences in production quantities. Provides market stability for coffee farmers.

R

Rural Inspectorate Wales

Rural Inspectorate Wales: The organization that is responsible for administering CAP schemes in Wales. Abbreviation: RIW. The RIW supports farmers by ensuring compliance with agricultural regulations and promoting best practices.

L

Leaseholder

Leaseholder: A leaseholder is a person who holds a property on a lease. Being a leaseholder allows farmers to use land or facilities for a specified period, supporting agricultural activities.

Calf Diarrhea

A common health issue in calves, often caused by infectious agents or nutritional factors. Calf diarrhea can lead to dehydration and poor growth. For instance, treating calf diarrhea with fluids and medications to restore health and prevent complications.

E

Ecological Diversity

ecological diversity: A variety of biological communities that interact with one another and with their physical and chemical environments. Ecological diversity benefits farmers by creating resilient ecosystems that support sustainable agriculture.

P

Primary Industry

primary industry: An industry dealing with raw materials such as coal, food, farm produce, or wood. Helpful content: The primary industry forms the backbone of agricultural economies. Farmers engaged in primary production need to adopt efficient practices and innovations to remain competitive and sustainable.

R

Radnor

Radnor: A breed of small hill sheep similar to the Welsh Mountain. Offers farmers a hardy breed option well-suited for rough terrains, enhancing farm productivity and wool/meat quality.

K

Kainite

kainite: Kainite – a potash fertilizer, made of a mixture of potassium and sodium salts, with sometimes magnesium salts added, used mainly on sugar beet and similar crops. Helps farmers improve soil fertility and crop yields.

F

Flood

Flood: A large amount of water covering land that is usually dry, caused by phenomena such as melting snow, heavy rain, high tides, or storms. Managing flood risks and implementing flood control measures help protect farmland and infrastructure.

B

Bivouac

bivouac: A temporary camp without tents or cover, used especially by soldiers or mountaineers. Farmers might use bivouacs during remote or seasonal farm operations.

C

Crp

CRP: CRP abbreviation Conservation Reserve Program. Engaging with the Conservation Reserve Program supports environmental conservation and sustainable land use practices.

E

Embryo

embryo: An organism that develops from a fertilized egg or seed, e.g., an animal in the first weeks of gestation or a seedling plant with cotyledons and a root. (NOTE: After eight weeks an unborn baby is called a fetus.) Understanding embryo development is essential for farmers in breeding and crop production.

T

Toleration

toleration: The ability to tolerate something, or the act of tolerating something. Implementing practices that enhance toleration of environmental stresses can improve farm sustainability.