November 1, 2024
M

Mixed Grazing

mixed grazing: a grazing system where more than one type of animal grazes the same pasture at the same time. Mixed grazing regimes provide a range of sward lengths which are attractive areas for birds to nest and feed and encourage regeneration of grassland and moorland areas. Understanding mixed grazing can help farmers optimize their livestock management practices, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

O

Oryza

Oryza: The Latin name for rice. Rice cultivation can provide farmers with a staple crop that has high market demand. Farmers can benefit from understanding best practices for rice farming, including water management, pest control, and harvesting techniques, to maximize yields and profitability.

D

Distance

distance: The amount of space between two points. Understanding distance is important for planning farm operations, planting, and irrigation. Farmers should use appropriate tools and techniques to measure distances accurately and optimize farm layout. Understanding the benefits of accurate distance measurement will aid in effective farm management and productivity.

F

Flail Forage Harvester

Flail Forage Harvester: A type of forage harvester that uses a high-speed flail rotor. The cut crop passes through a vertical chute and is discharged into a trailer. Using a flail forage harvester ensures efficient harvesting and feed preparation.

R

RCVS

RCVS: Abbreviation for Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. This organization supports farmers by ensuring high standards of veterinary practice, contributing to animal health and welfare.

B

Bacteria

bacteria: Microscopic organisms that can be beneficial or harmful. Farmers need to understand bacterial roles in soil health and livestock diseases to promote beneficial bacteria and mitigate harmful ones.

P

Plough Body

plough body: The main part of the plough, consisting of the frog, mouldboard, share, and landside. Helpful content: Understanding the components of a plough body helps farmers maintain and repair their equipment, ensuring efficient and effective soil cultivation. Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of ploughs and improve field performance.

A

Amoeba

amoeba: A single-celled organism found in water, wet soil, or as a parasite of other organisms. The plural is amoebae. Managing amoeba infections helps farmers protect livestock health.

D

Digestibility Value

digestibility value: The amount of digestible organic matter in the dry matter of plants. Abbr D value. Understanding the digestibility value is important for evaluating the nutritional value of animal diets. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop highly digestible and nutritious diets for their livestock. Implementing proper dietary practices will enhance the productivity and welfare of livestock.

L

Ley Farming

Ley Farming: Ley farming is a farming system in which fields are left to pasture in rotation. Strictly speaking, ley farming is a system where a farm or group of fields is cropped completely with leys which are reseeded at regular intervals; alternatively, any cropping system which involves the use of leys is called ley farming. Ley farming is an essential part of organic farming. Pasture land is fertilized by the animals which graze on it, and then is ploughed for crop growing. When the land has been exhausted by the crops, it is put back to pasture to recover. Implementing ley farming can enhance soil fertility and support sustainable agriculture.

L

Landscape Manager

Landscape Manager: A landscape manager is somebody such as a farmer or landowner who is responsible for the way land is used and looked after. Many farmers find themselves as landscape managers, required to maintain the countryside in an aesthetically and environmentally pleasing condition for the predominantly urban population to enjoy. Managing landscapes effectively enhances environmental sustainability and public enjoyment.

B

Bid

bid: An offer to buy something at a certain price. Farmers need to understand bidding processes to effectively participate in auctions and purchase livestock or equipment.

S

Self-Feed Silage

self-feed silage: A feeding system where stock feed from silage, the amount of silage available being centrally controlled. Farmers benefit from using self-feed silage systems for efficient and consistent livestock feeding.

H

Hide

hide: The skin of an animal, which is important commercially both in its raw state and as leather. Properly managing and processing hides can provide additional income for farmers.

H

Homogenized Milk

homogenized milk: Milk which is made more digestible by breaking up the fat droplets into smaller particles which are evenly distributed through the liquid. Using homogenized milk processes ensures milk quality and consumer satisfaction.

C

Compound Feed

Compound Feed: Compound feed noun a type of animal feed made up of several different ingredients, including vitamins and minerals, providing a balanced diet. Compound feed is usually fed to animals in the form of compressed pellets. Utilizing compound feed ensures balanced nutrition and optimal health for livestock.

S

Stook

stook: several (usually twelve) corn sheaves gathered together in a field to form a small pyramid. Also called shock. Properly managing stooks ensures efficient drying and storage of grain, supporting farm productivity.

C

Cocksfoot

Cocksfoot: Cocksfoot /k?ksf?t/ noun a perennial grass (Dactylis glomerata). A high-yielding, deep-rooting grass, which is resistant to drought and sometimes used in pasture. Growing cocksfoot helps farmers manage pasture health and ensure forage availability.

M

Marine Flora

marine flora: the plants that live in the sea. Understanding marine flora can help farmers engaged in mariculture manage their resources more effectively, ensuring better productivity and environmental sustainability.

P

Peck

peck: A measure of capacity of dry goods, equal to a quarter of a bushel or two gallons. Pecks are used as a measure of grain. verb to pick up food with the beak. Using traditional measures like pecks helps in understanding historical agricultural practices and trade.

D

Detritivore

detritivore: An organism which feeds on dead organic matter and breaks it down into simple chemicals, e.g., a fungus or bacterium. Also called detrivore, scavenger. Detritivores play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and soil health. Farmers should encourage the presence of detritivores in their soil through practices like adding organic matter, reducing chemical inputs, and maintaining soil moisture. Healthy populations of detritivores can improve soil structure, fertility, and plant growth.

H

Hypomagnesaemia

hypomagnesaemia: A condition caused by a lack of magnesium in the bloodstream that makes animals shiver and stagger. Cattle may be affected shortly after being turned out onto spring pastures after having wintered indoors. Also called grass staggers. Preventing and managing hypomagnesaemia ensures the health and productivity of livestock.

L

Lambing Percentage

Lambing Percentage: Lambing percentage refers to the number of live lambs born per hundred ewes. Monitoring lambing percentage helps farmers assess the productivity of their flock and make informed breeding decisions.

F

Farrand Test

Farrand Test: A method for determining the alpha amylase content of milling wheat. The amount of alpha amylase enzyme present in wheat is important for making bread. Excessive alpha amylase in flour results in poorer loaves. This test helps farmers and millers ensure the quality of their wheat.

E

Eradication Area

eradication area: An area from which a particular animal disease is eradicated, usually involving the slaughter of infected animals. Managing eradication areas helps farmers prevent the spread of diseases and protect livestock health.

M

Mealworm

mealworm: the larva of various beetles of the genus Tenebrio that infests and pollutes grain products. Managing mealworm infestations can help farmers protect their grain products and ensure better storage and marketability.