October 8, 2024
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Stoneleigh

Stoneleigh: the home of the National Agricultural Centre and proposed site for the National Museum of Food and Farming. Engaging with agricultural centers like Stoneleigh provides farmers with resources and support for sustainable agricultural practices.

Cattle Lactation

The period during which a cow produces milk following calving. Lactation cycles are managed to maximize milk yield and cow health. For instance, monitoring lactation cycles to ensure continuous milk production and reproductive efficiency.

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Malted Meal

malted meal: a brown wheat flour mixed with flour made from barley. Understanding the uses of malted meal can help farmers diversify their products and find new market opportunities.

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Natural Environment Research Council

Natural Environment Research Council: NERC is a group that carries out research and training in the environmental sciences. Abbr NERC. The Natural Environment Research Council provides farmers with access to cutting-edge research and training in environmental science and sustainable agriculture. By leveraging NERC’s resources, farmers can adopt innovative practices that improve resource use efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance farm productivity. Staying informed about the latest scientific advancements helps farmers address climate change challenges, protect natural resources, and maintain a competitive edge in the agricultural sector.

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Grain

grain: Grain is the seed of cereal crops such as wheat or maize. Understanding grain production and storage helps farmers maximize yields, ensure quality, and meet market demands.

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Grazing Cycle

grazing cycle: A grazing cycle is the length of time between the beginning of one grazing period and the next. Managing grazing cycles optimizes pasture use, preventing overgrazing and promoting regrowth.

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Scrapie

scrapie: A brain disease of sheep and goats. Affected animals twitch, then suffer intense itching and thirst. They become extremely thin, and death follows. It is a notifiable disease. Farmers benefit from preventing scrapie to protect livestock health and prevent economic losses.

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Domestication

domestication: The action of domesticating wild animals or plants. This process has transformed agriculture by enabling the cultivation of crops and breeding of animals that provide food, labor, and other resources necessary for human societies.

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Durum

durum: A type of wheat grown in southern Europe and the USA and used in making semolina for processing into pasta. Latin name: Triticum durum. Durum wheat is prized for its high protein content and strong gluten, essential for pasta production.

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National Canine Defence League

National Canine Defence League: former name for Dogs Trust. The National Canine Defence League (now Dogs Trust) focuses on the welfare of dogs, including those on farms. Farmers can benefit from the organization’s expertise in dog training, behavior, and health care. Ensuring the well-being of farm dogs can improve their effectiveness in managing livestock and providing security. Collaboration with Dogs Trust can also help farmers address issues such as stray dog control and promote responsible dog ownership, contributing to a safer and more productive farming environment.

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Activate

activate: To start a process or to make something start working. Pressing this switch activates the pump. Understanding activation processes is important for farmers to operate machinery and equipment efficiently.

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Taproot

taproot: The thick main root of a plant which grows straight down into the soil. Understanding taproot systems helps farmers in selecting crops suitable for various soil conditions and improving soil health.

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Deflocculation

deflocculation: A state in which clay particles repel each other instead of sticking together. Deflocculation may occur when clays are worked in a wet condition or if the soil becomes saline. Managing soil structure and salinity is crucial for preventing deflocculation. Farmers should implement practices like gypsum application, proper irrigation management, and organic matter addition to maintain soil structure and fertility. Understanding soil properties can help farmers choose appropriate management strategies.

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Cotonou Agreement

Cotonou Agreement: Cotonou Agreement /k?t?nu ? gri:m?nt/ noun an agreement reached in 2000 between the European Union and the ACP states. It updates the Lomé Convention, guaranteeing free access to markets for both the EU and the ACP states. Understanding the Cotonou Agreement helps farmers navigate international trade and market access.

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Purebred

purebred: Referring to an animal which is the offspring of parents which are themselves the offspring of parents of the same breed. Helpful content: Raising purebred animals can enhance genetic consistency and performance in livestock. Farmers can benefit from breed-specific traits that improve productivity and market value.

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Fumigant

Fumigant: A chemical compound that becomes a gas or smoke when heated and is used to kill insects. Properly managing fumigants supports effective pest control and farm hygiene.

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Glasshouse

glasshouse: A large structure made of glass inside which plants are grown, especially commercially or for scientific purposes. Using glasshouses allows farmers to extend the growing season and produce high-value crops out of season.

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Milking Machine

milking machine: a machine which imitates the sucking action of a calf, used to extract milk from the cow’s udder. It uses a pulsator mechanism to apply pressure to the teats, causing the release of the milk. The milk is then passed into a collecting jar or may pass by pipeline to a large tank. Proper use and maintenance of milking machines can ensure better milk quality and yield, contributing to farm profitability and sustainability.

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Multipurpose Breed

multipurpose breed: a breed of animal such as the Large White pig which can be used for various purposes, e.g. milk production, draught or meat production. Understanding the characteristics and uses of multipurpose breeds can help farmers optimize their livestock production and marketability, ensuring better profitability.

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Invertebrate Pests

invertebrate pests: Pests such as grain mites and storage insects such as saw-toothed beetles and the grain weevil, which cause considerable damage to crops in tropical or warm temperate areas. Helps farmers identify and control invertebrate pests.