Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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): 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 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): 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.
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: 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: A rotten egg, an egg which produces no chick. Identifying addled eggs helps farmers manage their poultry flocks effectively.
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: Pesticides and fertilizers developed for agricultural use. Proper use of agrochemicals is essential for farmers to manage pests, diseases, and soil fertility.
intensively: Using intensive farming methods. Helps farmers adopt intensive farming techniques.
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): 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: 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: A group of animals kept for breeding purposes. Maintaining healthy breeding flocks ensures high-quality offspring and herd productivity.
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: 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: 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.
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: 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: 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.
The approaches used to promote and sell agritourism experiences, including branding, advertising, and consumer education. For example, developing agritourism marketing strategies to increase visitor awareness and demand for farm experiences.
The insurance products designed to protect agritourism businesses from financial losses due to accidents, injuries, and other liabilities. For example, purchasing liability insurance for agritourism operations to safeguard against potential risks and ensure financial stability.
Cats Faces: Same as field pansy. Managing field pansy involves using appropriate weed control measures to protect crops and maintain healthy fields.
Green Revolution: The Green Revolution was the development of new cereal plants in the 1960s that gave high yields and increased food production, especially in tropical countries. Adopting Green Revolution techniques helps farmers increase productivity and food security.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development: An international intergovernmental association set up in 1961 to coordinate the economic policies of member nations. Abbr OECD. The OECD provides valuable economic data and policy recommendations that can help farmers stay informed about global market trends and make strategic decisions. Engaging with OECD resources can support farm business planning and improve competitiveness.
The practices and strategies used to care for and manage dairy cattle, including feeding, health care, and breeding. Effective dairy herd management is essential for productivity and profitability. For example, implementing comprehensive dairy herd management plans to ensure optimal milk production and cow health.
Schwarzkopf: A breed of German sheep found mainly in Hesse and Westphalia. Farmers benefit from raising Schwarzkopf sheep for their hardiness and efficient meat and wool production.
enrichment: The increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon compounds or other nutrients in water, especially as a result of sewage flow or agricultural run-off, which encourages the growth of algae and other water plants. Understanding enrichment helps farmers manage nutrient runoff and protect water quality.
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