SGM
by SGM: Standard Gross Margin. Farmers benefit from understanding and using SGM for financial planning and management in agriculture.
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.
Dieldrin
dieldrin: An organochlorine insecticide which kills on contact. It is very persistent and can kill fish, birds, and small mammals when it enters the food chain. It is banned in the European Union. Farmers should avoid using banned substances like dieldrin to prevent environmental contamination and legal issues. Understanding alternative pest control methods will help manage pests effectively while complying with regulations and protecting the environment.
Peri-Urban
peri-urban: On the edge of a built-up area. Managing peri-urban areas can provide opportunities for urban agriculture and enhance food security in cities.
Colloidally
Colloidally: Colloidally /k? l?id?li/ adverb colloidally dispersed particles particles which remain in suspension in a liquid. Using colloidally dispersed agrochemicals ensures even distribution and efficacy.
Myxomycete
myxomycete: a member of the class Myxomycetes, a slime mold. Understanding the role and management of myxomycetes can help farmers protect their crops and ensure better productivity.
Hedgelaying
hedgelaying: A traditional method of cultivating hedges, where tall saplings are cut through halfway and then bent over so that they lie horizontally and make a thick barrier. Practicing hedgelaying maintains dense, effective hedges that support wildlife and prevent livestock escape.
Calcium Phosphate
Calcium Phosphate: The main constituent of bones and bone ash fertilizer. Formula: Ca3(PO4)2. Using calcium phosphate fertilizers improves soil fertility and provides essential nutrients for plant growth, enhancing crop yields.
Beef Esophagus
The esophagus of cattle, often used in traditional dishes and for making pet food. For example, producing beef esophagus for culinary and specialty markets.
Five Freedoms
Five Freedoms: A set of guidelines considered when looking after the welfare of farm animals. The five freedoms are: freedom from hunger or thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, or disease; freedom to express normal behavior; and freedom from fear and distress. Adhering to these guidelines ensures ethical and humane treatment of livestock.
Adrenal Gland
adrenal gland: One of two endocrine glands at the top of the kidneys which produce adrenaline and other hormones. Understanding adrenal gland function helps farmers manage livestock health, especially under stress.
Food Product Certification And Standards
Official recognition that a food product meets specific standards for quality, safety, and sustainability, such as organic or fair trade certifications. For example, obtaining food product certification to market products as organic and attract health-conscious consumers.
Drill Coulter
drill coulter: A coulter that makes a furrow for sowing seed. Drill coulters are essential for precision planting, helping to create uniform seed rows and improve crop establishment.
Beef Processing
The series of steps involved in converting beef carcasses into consumable meat products. Beef processing includes slaughter, cutting, packaging, and preservation. For example, operating a beef processing facility to produce steaks, roasts, and ground beef.
Diamonds Disease
Diamonds disease: Referring to erysipelas, an infectious disease affecting pigs. Managing Diamonds disease involves implementing proper biosecurity measures, vaccination, and regular health monitoring. Farmers should work with veterinarians to develop effective disease management plans and prevent outbreaks. Understanding the signs and symptoms of Diamonds disease will aid in early detection and treatment, ensuring the health and productivity of the herd.
Mule
mule: 1. an animal which is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, usually used as a pack animal in rough terrain 2. a crossbreed between a Bluefaced Leicester ram and a Swaledale ewe. Understanding the characteristics and uses of mules can help farmers optimize their livestock production and marketability, ensuring better profitability.
Milk Processing And Pasteurization
The series of steps involved in converting raw milk into finished dairy products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt. Dairy processing includes pasteurization, homogenization, and packaging. For instance, operating a dairy processing plant to produce and distribute various dairy products.
Auction
A public sale where livestock, equipment, or goods are sold to the highest bidder. Auctions are commonly used in agriculture for buying and selling livestock. For instance, attending a livestock auction to buy cattle for a feedlot operation.
Forage Box
Forage Box: A large movable container used mainly to transport forage from a silo to a trough. Using forage boxes supports efficient feed transportation and livestock management.
Afforestation
afforestation: The planting of trees in an area or as a crop. This practice can improve soil quality, prevent erosion, and contribute to sustainable land management.
Land Reform
Land Reform: Land reform is a government policy of splitting up agricultural land and dividing it up between those people who do not own any land. Land reform policies can increase access to land and promote equitable agricultural development.
Subsistence
subsistence: the condition of managing to live on the smallest amount of resources including food needed to stay alive. Properly managing subsistence farming ensures food security and basic livelihoods for farmers.
Allelopathy
allelopathy: The release by one plant of a chemical substance that restricts the germination or growth of another plant. Managing allelopathic interactions helps farmers optimize crop rotations and soil health.
Cross
Cross: Cross verb to produce a new form of plant or animal from two different breeds, varieties, or species They crossed two strains of rice to produce a new strain which is highly resistant to disease. noun 1. an act of crossing two plants or animals made a cross between two strains of cattle 2. a new form of plant or animal bred from two different breeds, varieties, or species. Engaging in crossbreeding practices supports genetic diversity and crop or livestock improvement.
Tractor Vaporising Oil
tractor vaporising oil: A fuel formerly used in many tractors, now replaced by diesel oil. Abbr TVO. Understanding historical fuel use can provide insights into modern agricultural practices and equipment evolution.
Grain Storage
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.
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.