Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
The study of soil properties, formation, and management, including its physical, chemical, and biological aspects. Soil science helps guide sustainable land use and agricultural practices. For example, researching soil properties and management practices to improve soil health and support sustainable crop production.
The process of promoting and selling agricultural products, including market research, advertising, and distribution strategies. Effective marketing can help farmers reach more customers and increase sales. For example, a farmer might use social media to advertise fresh produce.
A primal cut of beef obtained from the back, known for its tenderness and high-quality steaks. Loin cuts include T-bone, porterhouse, and sirloin. For example, producing T-bone steaks for premium markets and special occasions.
The practices and procedures used to keep agricultural machinery and equipment in good working condition. For example, performing regular farm equipment maintenance to ensure reliability and efficiency during planting and harvesting.
The fat within muscle tissues, contributing to marbling and meat quality. For example, selecting cattle with high intramuscular fat to produce well-marbled beef.
seedbed wheels: A set of wheels bolted onto the front of a tractor which will give even compaction and a uniform sowing depth. Farmers benefit from using seedbed wheels for precise and efficient planting.
The study of the economic principles applied to the production and distribution of food and fiber. It covers topics such as market trends, resource use, and the impact of agricultural policies. An example would be analyzing the economic impact of a new trade policy on corn exports.
The bulbourethral glands of cattle, often used for medicinal purposes. For example, producing beef bulbourethral gland for pharmaceutical and health applications.
blueberries: Small, round blue fruits of a shrub. Growing blueberries provides nutritious fruit for fresh markets and processing.
self-pollination: The pollination of a plant by pollen from its own flowers. Compare cross-pollination. Farmers benefit from growing self-pollinating plants for reliable and consistent fruit set.
NABIM: abbreviation for National Association of British and Irish Millers. NABIM represents the interests of millers and provides valuable information on grain quality standards and market trends. Farmers can benefit from NABIM’s resources by understanding the specific quality requirements for milling grains, enabling them to grow crops that meet industry standards. This can lead to better market opportunities, higher prices for quality produce, and stronger relationships with buyers. Staying informed about industry developments through NABIM can also help farmers adapt to changing market demands and improve their competitiveness.
variant CJD: A form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease which was observed first in the 1980s, especially affecting younger people. Understanding and preventing variant CJD can protect livestock health and public safety.
An infection of the udder in dairy cows, causing inflammation and affecting milk production. Mastitis is a major concern for dairy farmers. For instance, implementing mastitis prevention and treatment protocols to maintain udder health and milk quality.
The provision of high-quality customer service to address inquiries, resolve issues, and ensure customer satisfaction. For example, implementing food product customer service excellence to enhance the customer experience and build long-term relationships.
The overall proportion and symmetry of livestock, affecting their appearance and functionality. Balance is an important trait in judging livestock quality. For instance, selecting cattle with balanced conformation to ensure optimal performance and market appeal.
The process of selecting and mating dairy cattle to produce offspring with desirable traits. Dairy breeding aims to improve milk yield, health, and longevity. For example, using genetic selection to enhance the productivity and health of dairy cows.
A genetic evaluation tool used to predict the performance of an animal’s offspring based on its genetic traits. EPDs are essential for making informed breeding decisions. For instance, using EPDs to select bulls with desirable traits for breeding programs.
The methods and processes used to produce ice cream from milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings, including mixing, freezing, and packaging. For example, operating an ice cream production facility to produce high-quality ice cream in various flavors.
partly mixed ration: A winter feed for livestock which combines total mixed ration and separate concentrate feeding, by mixing some concentrates with the roughage and keeping the rest aside as additional feed for higher-yielding animals. Abbr PMR. Using partly mixed rations ensures balanced nutrition for livestock, improving health and productivity.
The practice of ensuring the health and safety of workers in agricultural settings. Occupational health includes measures to prevent injuries, illnesses, and exposure to hazards. For example, providing safety training and protective equipment to farm workers to reduce the risk of accidents and health issues.
propagation: The production of new plants. Helpful content: Successful propagation involves understanding plant biology and environmental conditions. Farmers can enhance plant growth and survival rates by optimizing propagation methods and providing proper care.
acceptable daily intake: The quantity of a substance such as a nutrient, vitamin, additive or pollutant which a person or animal can safely consume daily over their lifetime. Understanding acceptable daily intake levels helps farmers ensure the safety of their produce for consumers.
The pathways and strategies used to sell and distribute food products to consumers, including direct sales, wholesalers, and retailers. For example, exploring food product distribution channels to expand market reach and increase sales.
diploid: Referring to an organism that has two matched sets of chromosomes in a cell nucleus, one set from each parent. NOTE: Each species has a characteristic diploid number of chromosomes. Understanding diploid organisms is important for managing breeding and genetic improvement programs. Farmers should work with geneticists and breeders to develop effective breeding strategies that enhance the productivity and resilience of their livestock and crops. Knowledge of genetics will aid in optimizing breeding programs and improving farm performance.
ACP states: Lomé Convention. Knowledge of trade agreements such as the Lomé Convention helps farmers understand international market opportunities for their products.
tetracycline: An antibiotic used against various bacterial diseases. Proper use of tetracycline can help manage and treat bacterial infections in livestock, ensuring animal health and productivity.
disconnect: To take a device to pieces to look at the components. Proper disconnection practices are important for maintaining equipment and ensuring safety. Farmers should use appropriate techniques and tools for disconnection and follow manufacturer guidelines. Understanding the benefits and applications of proper disconnection will aid in effective equipment maintenance and farm operations.
Crops planted to serve as barriers that reduce wind speed and protect soil from erosion. Windbreak crops help improve microclimates and protect other crops. For example, planting tall grasses or shrubs as windbreaks along field edges to reduce wind erosion and enhance crop growth.
slink calf: a calf born early, before the normal period of gestation is complete. Managing slink calves ensures proper care and health, reducing losses and supporting farm productivity.
dry farming: A system of extensive agriculture, producing crops in areas of limited rainfall without using irrigation. Dry farming relies on moisture-conserving techniques and drought-tolerant crops to produce yields in arid regions.
The principles and practices that ensure the humane treatment and well-being of livestock, including housing, feeding, and handling practices. For example, adhering to animal welfare and ethics standards to ensure ethical and sustainable livestock production.
by