Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
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.
Four Tooth Sheep: A sheep that is 1821 months of age. Properly managing four tooth sheep ensures their health and productivity.
self-contained herd: A dairy herd which breeds its own replacements, the calves being kept and reared. Farmers benefit from maintaining self-contained herds for biosecurity and consistent herd quality.
The weight of an animal at full physical development. Mature weight varies by breed, sex, and management. For instance, estimating the mature weight of dairy cows to determine feed requirements and breeding potential.
trichinosis: A disease caused by infestation of the intestine by larvae of roundworms or nematodes, which pass round the body in the bloodstream and settle in muscles. Pigs are usually infected after eating raw swill. Proper management of trichinosis can prevent outbreaks and ensure livestock health.
stoma: a pore in a plant, especially in the leaves, through which carbon dioxide is taken in and oxygen is sent out. Each stoma in a leaf is surrounded by a pair of guard cells, which close the stomata if the plant needs to conserve water. (NOTE: The plural is stomata.) Properly managing stomata ensures efficient gas exchange and healthy plant growth, supporting better yields.
The approaches used to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in agriculture, including crop insurance, diversification, and hedging. For example, developing risk management strategies to protect farm income and reduce vulnerability to adverse events.
acreage reduction program: An American federal program under which farmers are only eligible for subsidies if they reduce the acreage of certain crops planted. Understanding this program helps farmers manage their planting strategies to optimize financial support.
refrigerated lorry: A special lorry which carries produce under refrigeration. Using refrigerated lorries allows farmers to transport perishable goods over long distances while maintaining quality.
The current value of livestock or agricultural products, determined by supply and demand. Market price affects profitability and production decisions. For instance, monitoring market prices to plan the sale of beef cattle and optimize returns.
Clostridial Disease: A disease caused by Clostridium, such as pasteurellosis. Preventing clostridial diseases involves using appropriate vaccines and biosecurity measures to protect livestock health.
Low-Input Farming: Low-input farming or lower input farming is a system of farming based on restricted use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Implementing low-input farming practices can support sustainable agriculture and reduce environmental impact.
Lifting Unit: A lifting unit is a pair of wheels or a triangular-shaped share, used on a harvester to lift the roots and pass them to the main elevator. Also called lifter. The roots are lifted by being squeezed out of the ground in between the two wheels. The distance between the two wheels or shares can be adjusted to suit the size of the crop. The wheels should be set quite close together at the bottom when harvesting small roots. The wheels run at an angle to each other so that their rims lie close together when in the soil and farther apart at the top. Using lifting units can enhance the efficiency of harvesting root crops.
The total greenhouse gas emissions associated with dairy production and processing, including methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. For example, measuring dairy carbon footprint to identify opportunities for emissions reduction and improve sustainability.
The process of creating balanced diets for livestock by combining various feed ingredients. Feed formulation ensures animals receive the necessary nutrients for growth and production. For example, formulating a feed mix for dairy cows to maximize milk yield.
deadly nightshade: A poisonous plant (Atropa belladonna) sometimes eaten by animals. Farmers should be vigilant about the presence of deadly nightshade on their land to prevent livestock poisoning. Proper identification and removal of this plant are essential for maintaining animal health. Educating farm workers and implementing safety measures can reduce the risk of accidental ingestion.
stripe rust: same as yellow rust. Managing stripe rust ensures healthy wheat crops, preventing yield losses and maintaining quality.
The methods and processes used to produce butter and ghee from cream, including churning, heating, and clarifying. For example, producing butter and ghee for culinary and baking applications.
The planning and hosting of events and workshops on farms, including festivals, cooking classes, and agricultural demonstrations. For example, organizing on-farm events and workshops to engage with visitors and diversify farm income.
The skill of presenting and handling livestock in a show ring, including grooming, leading, and displaying animals. Showmanship is judged in livestock competitions. For instance, training in showmanship to improve performance and success in livestock shows.
woolsorters disease: Woolsorters disease, or anthrax, is a serious bacterial infection. Farmers must be vigilant in monitoring livestock for signs of anthrax to protect animal and human health.
egg eating: A form of behavior by intensively housed poultry in which birds eat their own eggs. It may be due to eggs being broken because of thin shells. Managing egg eating behavior helps farmers reduce losses and improve egg quality.
Country Code: Country code /k?ntri k??d/ noun a voluntary code of conduct for people spending leisure time in the countryside, which indicates how to respect the natural environment and avoid causing damage to it. Understanding the country code supports sustainable tourism and environmental protection.
nitrogen compound: a substance such as a fertilizer containing mostly nitrogen with other elements. Nitrogen compounds are essential for providing plants with the nitrogen they need for growth and development. Farmers can benefit from using nitrogen compounds in their fertilization programs to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity. Understanding the different types of nitrogen compounds and their release patterns helps farmers make informed decisions about fertilizer application, ensuring optimal nutrient availability for crops and minimizing environmental impact.
X chromosome: The X chromosome is a chromosome that determines sex. Understanding genetics helps farmers in breeding programs to improve livestock and crop varieties.
The systematic collection and maintenance of records related to dairy herd management, including production, health, and breeding information. For example, maintaining detailed dairy herd records to monitor performance and make informed management decisions.
hydrated lime: A substance produced when burnt lime is wetted. It is a mixture of calcium oxide and water, used to improve soil quality. The lime is in powder form, having been burnt to break it down from large lumps. Also called slaked lime. Using hydrated lime improves soil fertility and supports healthy crop growth.
Ordnance Survey: An agency which generates accurate mapping data for Great Britain. Abbr OS. Access to accurate mapping data can help farmers with land planning, management, and compliance. Farmers can benefit from using Ordnance Survey maps for precision agriculture, resource management, and infrastructure development.
A business organization owned and operated by dairy farmers to collectively market and sell milk and dairy products. For example, joining a dairy cooperative to benefit from shared resources and marketing efforts.
The practice of growing crops in greenhouses to control environmental conditions and optimize plant growth. Greenhouse farming allows for the production of high-value crops and off-season growing. For instance, cultivating flowers and vegetables in a greenhouse to meet market demand.
topper unit: A unit forming part of a two- or three-stage system, with a chopper and blower unit. Utilizing topper units can enhance processing efficiency and product quality.
The educational initiatives and resources that provide employees with the knowledge and skills to protect against cyber threats and ensure security in food production and distribution. For example, offering food product cybersecurity training programs to enhance awareness and reduce the risk of security incidents.
by