March 31, 2025
N

NFU

NFU: abbreviation for National Farmers’ 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.

Beef Jerky

A dried, seasoned meat product made from lean cuts of beef. Jerky is a popular snack known for its long shelf life and rich flavor. For example, producing beef jerky for retail sale in various flavors and styles.

R

Rust

rust: A fungal disease that gives plants a reddish powdery covering. Managing rust is crucial for protecting crop health and ensuring high-quality yields.

P

Parthenais

Parthenais: A breed of cattle originating in France. It produces calves for a suckler herd and is known for easy calving and high growth rate. Selecting cattle breeds like Parthenais improves herd productivity and reduces calving complications.

Input Costs

The expenses associated with dairy farm operations, including feed, labor, equipment, and veterinary care. Input costs impact farm profitability. For instance, reducing input costs through efficient resource management to enhance dairy farm profitability.

C

Conservation Tillage

Conservation Tillage: Conservation tillage noun a farming method which aims to plough the soil as little as possible, to prevent erosion, save energy, and improve biodiversity. Implementing conservation tillage practices promotes soil health and sustainable agriculture.

P

Progeny Test

progeny test: The evaluation of the breeding value of an animal or plant variety by examining the performance of its progeny. Helpful content: Progeny testing provides valuable insights into genetic traits and breeding potential. Farmers can use this information to make informed decisions about breeding programs and improve herd or crop quality.