Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
The commitment to ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable trading relationships for farmers and workers in the food production and distribution process. For example, adopting food product fair trade practices to support social equity and meet consumer demand for ethically sourced products.
safety cab: A protective cab fitted to a tractor to prevent injury to the driver if the tractor turns over. Farmers benefit from safety cabs as they provide crucial protection, reducing the risk of injuries during tractor operations.
productive agriculture: Same as intensive agriculture. Helpful content: Intensive agriculture focuses on maximizing yields from a given area of land. By using advanced technologies, improved crop varieties, and efficient management practices, farmers can increase production while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Various bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause mastitis in dairy cows. Common mastitis pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. For instance, identifying mastitis pathogens through milk testing to implement targeted treatment and prevention strategies.
phosphatide: A fat that contains phosphorus, found in seeds. Understanding the nutritional composition of seeds helps in formulating balanced animal feeds.
Hagberg falling number: The falling time in seconds in the Hagberg test. Understanding and utilizing Hagberg falling numbers allows farmers to improve their wheat’s market value by ensuring it meets industry standards.
potassium sulphate: A fertilizer made from the muriate of potash. It contains about 50% potash and is used by potato growers and market gardeners. Formula: K2SO4. Also called sulphate of potash. Helpful content: Potassium sulphate is particularly beneficial for crops sensitive to chloride, such as potatoes. Its use can enhance crop quality and yield, supporting efficient and sustainable farming practices.
International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases: An organization established at Nairobi, Kenya in 1974. Abbr ILRAD. Farmers benefit from research on animal diseases.
The process of producing milk from dairy cows, involving feeding, milking, and herd management. Milk production is essential for the dairy industry. For example, optimizing milk production through proper nutrition and health care for dairy cows.
The tools and processes used to update and secure software applications and systems in food production and distribution, including patch deployment, testing, and monitoring. For example, using food product patch management systems to address vulnerabilities and ensure software security.
discipline: The ability to control behavior by using rules or guidelines. Discipline is important for maintaining productivity and safety on the farm. Farmers should establish clear rules and guidelines for farm operations and ensure that all workers follow them. Implementing proper training and supervision practices will aid in maintaining discipline and achieving farm goals.
Country Stewardship: Country stewardship noun countryside stewardship. Implementing country stewardship practices promotes biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
Leader-Follower System: The leader-follower system is a system of grazing where priority is given to a group of animals (the leaders) and the crop is later grazed by a second group of animals (the followers). So first-year heifers might be followed by second-year heifers. Implementing the leader-follower system can optimize pasture use and improve livestock health.
A numerical rating used to evaluate the amount and distribution of muscle in livestock. Muscling score is an important trait in judging livestock quality. For example, assessing the muscling score of beef cattle to select animals with high meat yield.
incorporation: The process of introducing chopped straw, green manure, etc., into the soil as it is being ploughed. Helps farmers improve soil structure and fertility.
Cruciferae: Cruciferae /kru: s?f?ri:/ noun former name for Brassicaceae. Cultivating crucifer crops provides nutritious vegetables for markets.
neck collar: a leather band put around the neck of a horse or cow, to hold the animal in a stall. Neck collars are used to restrain and manage livestock safely and humanely. Proper use of neck collars can help prevent injuries, ensure animal comfort, and facilitate routine tasks like feeding, milking, or veterinary care. Farmers can benefit from using well-designed neck collars that fit properly and are made from durable materials. This ensures effective livestock management, improves animal welfare, and enhances overall farm productivity.
separate concentrate feeding: A winter feeding system for livestock in which the animals are allowed free feeding of roughage and concentrates are fed separately in restricted quantities. Abbr SCF. Farmers benefit from using separate concentrate feeding systems for efficient and consistent livestock nutrition.
physiological disorder: A non-infectious condition in plants caused by environmental factors such as nutrient deficiency, water stress, or temperature extremes. Managing physiological disorders in crops ensures healthy growth and high yields.
habitat action plan: A detailed description of a specific habitat together with the detailed actions and targets proposed for conserving it. Abbr HAP. Implementing habitat action plans can help farmers contribute to biodiversity conservation, which can improve ecosystem health and resilience on their land.
Contractor: Contractor noun company or person who carries out contract work for a farmer. Engaging with contractors provides specialized services and expertise for farm operations.
herringbone parlour: A type of milking parlour with no stalls and where the operator works from a central pit. The cattle stand side by side at an angle on each side of the central pit. Using herringbone parlours improves milking efficiency and cow comfort.
smallholder: a person who farms a smallholding. Supporting smallholders promotes local food production, economic stability, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Lambing Pen: A lambing pen is a pen in which a ewe is kept when giving birth to lambs. Using lambing pens can provide a safe and controlled environment for ewes during lambing, improving outcomes for both mothers and offspring.
A public sale where dairy cattle and dairy products are sold to the highest bidder. Dairy auctions are used to buy and sell livestock and goods. For example, attending a dairy auction to purchase high-quality cows for a dairy farm.
halothane gene: A recessive gene found in some breeds of pigs which affects the animals susceptibility to stress and can lead to porcine stress syndrome. Understanding genetic traits like the halothane gene allows farmers to select for healthier, more resilient livestock.
source: to get materials or products from a particular place or supplier. It was time people started buying food more ethically, said Mr Mitchell, to give them a sense of pride in their region. The extra work needed to source from multiple small suppliers was well worth it. [Farmers Weekly]. Sourcing materials and products ethically ensures sustainability and supports local economies.
toxicological: Referring to toxicology. Understanding toxicological principles can help farmers manage risks associated with pesticides, chemicals, and other toxic substances.
Chocolate Spot: A fungal disease of winter beans caused by Botrytis cinerea or Botrytis fabae. Managing chocolate spot involves using appropriate fungicides and cultural practices to protect crops and ensure healthy yields.
Hebridean sheep: A rare breed of small black sheep of Scandinavian origin. The fleece is jet-black in color, and the animals have one pair of horns curling downwards and another pair almost upright. Raising Hebridean sheep can provide farmers with a unique and valuable breed known for its hardiness and quality wool.
A frozen dairy dessert made from milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. Ice cream is enjoyed worldwide for its creamy texture and variety of flavors. For instance, producing premium ice cream with natural ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
stubble turnips: quick-growing types of turnip sown into cereal stubble and grown as catch crops. Properly managing stubble turnips ensures efficient use of land and resources, supporting farm productivity and sustainability.
The strategies and practices used to manage and reduce pest populations in agriculture, including biological, chemical, and cultural approaches. For example, implementing integrated pest management to minimize pest damage and reduce reliance on pesticides.
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