Downy
by downy: Referring to something such as plumage that is very soft. Downy feathers provide insulation and are important for the survival of young birds.
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.
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.
Transmissible Gastro-Enteritis
transmissible gastro-enteritis: A very infectious disease, which mainly affects very young pigs. Abbr TGE. Recognizing and managing transmissible gastro-enteritis can prevent outbreaks and protect pig health.
Campden And Chorleywood Food Research Association (Ccfra)
Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA): A company that carries out research and development for food producers and suppliers. Collaborating with research associations like CCFRA can help farmers adopt innovative practices and improve food production processes.
Companion Animal
Companion Animal: Companion animal noun an animal that is kept for company and enjoyable interaction, rather than for work or food. Managing companion animals involves providing proper care, nutrition, and healthcare.
Common Agricultural Policy (Cap)
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): A policy framework set by the European Union to regulate agricultural markets and support farmers. Understanding CAP helps farmers navigate regulations, access subsidies, and optimize farm management.
Fish Farm Labor Management
The practices and strategies used to recruit, train, and manage fish farm workers, including labor laws and safety regulations. For example, implementing fish farm labor management practices to ensure a productive and safe working environment.
Plum Pox
plum pox: A viral disease affecting plums, damsons, and peaches. The fruit has dark blotches, ripens prematurely, and is often sour. Helpful content: Early detection and management of plum pox are crucial to prevent crop losses. Farmers should implement integrated pest management strategies to control the spread of this disease and maintain orchard productivity.
Addled Egg
addled egg: A rotten egg, an egg which produces no chick. Identifying addled eggs helps farmers manage their poultry flocks effectively.
Defoliate
defoliate: To make the leaves fall off a plant, especially by using a herbicide or as the result of disease or other stress. Defoliation can be a management tool or a sign of plant stress. Farmers should monitor crops for signs of disease or environmental stress and take appropriate actions to mitigate defoliation. Using defoliants judiciously can help manage crop canopies and improve harvest efficiency. Regular scouting and timely interventions will ensure healthy crop growth and productivity.
Agrochemicals
agrochemicals: Pesticides and fertilizers developed for agricultural use. Proper use of agrochemicals is essential for farmers to manage pests, diseases, and soil fertility.
Intensively
intensively: Using intensive farming methods. Helps farmers adopt intensive farming techniques.
Rotary Cultivator
rotary cultivator: A mounted or trailed machine with a shaft bearing a number of L-shaped blades. Rotary cultivators are used for stubble-clearing, seedbed work, and general land reclamation and cleaning. Using rotary cultivators improves soil preparation and crop establishment.
Caseous Lymphadenitis (Cla)
Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA): A disease of sheep and goats caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, with symptoms including swollen lymph nodes and abscesses. Preventing CLA involves regular testing, culling infected animals, and maintaining biosecurity measures.
Perpetual-Flowering
perpetual-flowering: Referring to a variety of plant which bears flowers more or less all year round. Growing perpetual-flowering plants ensures continuous flower production, meeting market demands for ornamental plants.
Breeding Flock
breeding flock: A group of animals kept for breeding purposes. Maintaining healthy breeding flocks ensures high-quality offspring and herd productivity.
Sale Barn
A facility where livestock are auctioned and sold, often featuring pens, chutes, and auction rings. Sale barns are important venues for livestock transactions. For example, using a sale barn to auction and sell cattle to buyers in the region.
Mangel
mangel: a plant similar to sugar beet, but with larger roots. Mangel is mainly grown in southern England as a fodder crop. Also called mangold. Varieties of mangels include Globes, Tankards (oblong-shaped), Longs and Intermediates. Mangels contain less than 15% dry matter and are normally harvested before maturity and dried off in a clamp. Growing mangels can provide a valuable fodder crop for livestock, especially in regions with suitable climates.
Agricultural Revolution
Agricultural Revolution: The changes in agriculture which transformed Britains countryside in the 18th and 19th centuries. Knowledge of the Agricultural Revolution helps farmers appreciate historical developments and innovations in agriculture.
High-Density Grazing
A grazing system where a large number of livestock are concentrated in a small area for a short period before moving to a new area. High-density grazing helps improve soil health and forage utilization. For instance, using high-density grazing to enhance pasture productivity.
Organic Farming
organic farming: A method of farming which does not involve the use of artificial fertilizers or pesticides. Organic farming emphasizes sustainable practices that improve soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance. Farmers can benefit from organic certification to access premium markets and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs.
Homologous Pair
homologous pair: A pair of chromosomes in a diploid organism that are structurally similar and have the same arrangement of genes, although they may carry different alleles. Understanding homologous pairs aids in genetic research and breeding programs.