Grain Storage
by grain storage: Grain storage involves keeping grain until it is sold or used. Effective storage practices prevent spoilage, maintain quality, and ensure a reliable food supply.
Author: Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.
Alan Nafzger, Ph.D., is the esteemed Editor-in-Chief of FarmerCowboy.com and a renowned expert in agricultural policy. With a doctorate in political science and a lifelong dedication to farming, Alan brings a unique blend of academic expertise and practical farming experience to his role. His deep understanding of agricultural policy and its impact on farming communities has made him a trusted voice in the field.
Alan’s career is marked by a commitment to advancing agricultural knowledge and practices. As a professor, he has educated and inspired countless students, sharing his extensive knowledge of agricultural policy and its implications. His insights are rooted in a lifetime of hands-on farming experience, providing a practical perspective that complements his academic credentials.
At FarmerCowboy.com, Alan leads with a vision to provide reliable, insightful, and up-to-date information to the farming community. His editorial direction ensures that the content is not only informative but also relevant and beneficial to farmers and agricultural professionals. Alan’s leadership and expertise have solidified FarmerCowboy.com as a go-to resource for agricultural news and analysis.
Alan Nafzger’s blend of academic rigor, practical farming experience, and a passion for agricultural policy make him an invaluable asset to the agricultural community. His contributions continue to shape the future of farming, ensuring that it remains sustainable and productive for generations to come.
Existing Chemicals
existing chemicals: The chemicals listed in the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances between January 1971 and September 1981, a total of over 100,000. Compare new chemicals. Understanding existing chemicals helps farmers comply with regulations and manage inputs safely.
Feed Conversion Efficiency
Feed Conversion Efficiency: The number of kilograms of feed required to produce a kilogram of weight gain in an animal such as a pig. Abbr FCE, FCR. Improving feed conversion efficiency reduces feed costs and enhances farm profitability.
Calving Box
Calving Box: A special pen in which a cow is put to calve. Using a calving box helps ensure a controlled, safe environment for cows during calving, reducing stress and complications.
Supplement
supplement: something added in order to make something more complete; vitamin supplements. Properly managing supplements ensures optimal livestock nutrition and health, supporting productivity and well-being.
Severely Disadvantaged Area
Severely Disadvantaged Area: Land which is extremely poor and difficult to farm. Abbr SDA. Farmers benefit from receiving support and resources for farming in SDAs to ensure sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Louse
Louse: A louse is a small wingless insect that sucks blood and lives on the skin as a parasite on animals and humans. There are several types, the commonest being body louse, crab louse, and head louse. Some diseases can be transmitted by lice. Genus: Pediculus. (NOTE: The plural is lice.) Managing lice infestations through proper pest control measures can protect livestock health and improve farm productivity.
Calf Pneumonia
Calf Pneumonia: A disease caused by a virus, affecting dairy-bred and suckled calves. Preventing calf pneumonia involves good ventilation, vaccination, and early detection to reduce losses and improve herd health.
Southdown
Southdown: the smallest of the Down breeds of sheep. It has a compact body and a dense fleece of high-quality short wool. The Southdown is an early maturing breed and produces meat of high quality. Raising Southdown sheep provides farmers with a high-quality meat and wool breed, supporting farm profitability.
Polytunnel
polytunnel: A cover for growing plants, like a large greenhouse, made of a rounded plastic roof attached to semi-circular supports. Helpful content: Polytunnels extend the growing season, protect crops from adverse weather, and improve plant growth conditions. Farmers can use polytunnels to increase yield and quality of produce, especially in regions with challenging climates.
Technology
technology: The use of scientific knowledge to develop machines and techniques for use in industry. Staying updated with agricultural technology can improve farm efficiency and productivity.
Regulation
regulation: A rule made by a government or official body; a rule made by the Council of Ministers or the Commission of the EU, which has legal force in all member countries. Understanding regulations helps farmers comply with legal requirements and maintain farm productivity and market access.
Coppice Forest
Coppice Forest: Coppice forest, coppice wood noun woodland that has regrown from shoots formed on the stumps or roots of previously cut trees, usually cut again after a few years to provide small branches for uses such as fuel. Managing coppice forests provides sustainable wood production and enhances forest management.
Proximate Analysis
proximate analysis: A method of chemical analysis used on animal feedingstuffs, which measures the amounts of ash, crude fibre, crude protein, ether extract, moisture content, and nitrogen-free extract. Helpful content: Proximate analysis provides valuable information on feed composition. Farmers can use this data to formulate balanced diets and improve feed efficiency for livestock.
Black-And-White
black-and-white: A term describing Holstein-Friesian cattle. Raising black-and-white cattle provides high milk yield and efficiency.
Broadleaf Weed
broadleaf weed: A type of weed with wide leaves that competes with crops. Controlling broadleaf weeds ensures healthy crop growth and high yields.
Beef Seminal Vesicle
The seminal vesicles of cattle, often used for medicinal purposes. For example, producing beef seminal vesicle for pharmaceutical and health applications.
Parrot Mouth
parrot mouth: A malformation of the upper jaw of horses, preventing proper mastication. The condition prevents the horse from grazing. Early detection and management of congenital issues like parrot mouth improve animal welfare and productivity.
Food Product Penetration Testing Services
The services and techniques used to simulate cyber attacks on food production and distribution systems, identifying vulnerabilities and improving defenses. For example, conducting food product penetration testing to assess security posture and address potential weaknesses.
Drainage Ditch
drainage ditch: A channel to take away rainwater. Drainage ditches are essential for managing water on farmland, preventing waterlogging, and protecting crops.
Land Erosion Control
Land Erosion Control: Land erosion control is a method of preventing the soil from being worn away by irrigation, planting, or mulching. Implementing erosion control techniques helps farmers preserve soil quality and prevent land degradation.
Cull
Cull: Cull noun 1. killing a certain number of living animals to keep the population under control or to remove excess animals from a herd or flock deer cull, dairy cow cull the act of killing a certain number of deer or dairy cows 2. an animal that has been separated from the herd or flock and killed, usually because it is old or of poor quality verb to reduce the numbers of wild animals by killing them in a controlled way Deer may have to be culled each year to control the numbers on the hills. COMMENT: In the management of large wild animals without predators, such as herds of deer in Europe, it is usual to kill some mature animals each year to prevent a large population forming and overgrazing the pasture. Without culling, the population would seriously damage their environment and in the end die back from starvation. In the management of dairy cattle, animals are culled from herds to eradicate disease. Managing culls supports livestock health and population control.
Soil Health Management
The practices and strategies used to maintain and improve the health and fertility of soil, essential for sustainable agriculture. For example, implementing soil health management techniques to enhance crop productivity and reduce environmental impact.
Short-Day Plant
short-day plant: A plant that flowers as the days get shorter in the autumn, e.g. a chrysanthemum. Compare long-day plant. Farmers benefit from understanding short-day plants for effective crop planning and management.
Absorption
absorption: The process of taking in water, dissolved minerals, and other nutrients across cell membranes. Effective absorption is crucial for the healthy growth of crops.
Establishment
establishment: 1. The germination and emergence of seedlings. There was a good crop establishment. 2. A period when a newly seeded sward is becoming established. Successful establishment is crucial for farmers to ensure healthy crop growth and yield.
Dry Roughage
dry roughage: Dry bulky foodstuffs, e.g., hay or straw. Dry roughage provides essential fiber in the diets of ruminants, aiding in digestion and promoting overall health.
Nip Bar
nip bar: a bar fitted to moving mechanisms to prevent parts of the body from being drawn into the machine. Safety devices like nip bars are essential for protecting farm workers from injuries while operating machinery. Farmers can benefit from installing and maintaining nip bars on equipment, ensuring a safer working environment. Understanding and following safety protocols reduce the risk of accidents, enhance worker well-being, and contribute to a more productive and efficient farming operation.
Porcine Somatotropin
porcine somatotropin: A hormone administered to feeder pigs, which has been shown to increase feed efficiency, the ratio of lean meat to carcass weight, and market weight. Abbr PST. Helpful content: Using porcine somatotropin can enhance growth rates and feed conversion efficiency in pigs, leading to higher production yields and improved profitability for pig farmers.
Sharecropper
sharecropper: A tenant farmer who pays a part of his crop to the landlord as a form of rent. Farmers benefit from engaging in sharecropping for land access and cultivation opportunities.
Soil Horizon
soil horizon: a layer of soil that is of a different colour or texture from other layers. (NOTE: There are four soil horizons: the A horizon or topsoil containing humus; the B horizon or subsoil containing minerals leached from the topsoil and little organic matter; the C horizon or weathered rock; and the D horizon or bedrock.) Understanding soil horizons helps farmers manage land resources effectively, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Ultramicroscopic
ultramicroscopic: Too small to be seen with a light microscope. Understanding ultramicroscopic organisms can help farmers manage soil health and pest control effectively, improving crop yields and reducing losses.
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.