April 3, 2025
R

Rake

rake: An implement with a handle, a crossbar with several prongs, used for pulling hay together or for smoothing loose soil to form a seedbed. Rakes help farmers manage hay and prepare seedbeds efficiently.

G

Guaranteed Prices

guaranteed prices: Guaranteed prices are a feature of national agricultural policy where producers are guaranteed a minimum price for their produce. Understanding guaranteed prices helps farmers plan production and ensure economic stability.

C

Coppice

Coppice: Coppice /k?pis/ noun an area of trees which have been cut down to near the ground to allow shoots to grow which are then harvested. The shoots may be used as fuel or for making products such as baskets or fencing. verb to cut trees down to near the ground to produce strong straight shoots Coppiced wood can be dried for use in wood-burning stoves. Compare pollard COMMENT: The best trees for coppicing are those which naturally send up several tall straight stems from a bole, such as hazel and sweet chestnut. In coppice management, the normal cycle is about five to ten years of growth, after which the stems are cut back. Thick stems are dried and used as fuel, or for making charcoal. Thin stems are used for fencing. Cash aid under the set-aside scheme could be used for short-rotation energy coppicing. Implementing coppicing practices provides sustainable wood production and enhances forest management.

C

Contamination

Contamination: Contamination /k?ntmin ei?(?)n/ noun 1. the action of making something impure the contamination of the water supply by runoff from the fields 2. The state of something such as water or food which has been contaminated and so is harmful to living organisms The level of contamination is dropping. Preventing contamination ensures product safety and protects consumer health.

D

Disclimax

disclimax: The most stable community of plants and animals that an area can support, occurring as a result of disturbance. Understanding disclimax is important for managing ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity. Farmers should implement sustainable land management practices to support stable and resilient plant and animal communities. Understanding the factors contributing to disclimax will aid in developing effective conservation and management strategies.

Soil Arthropods

Invertebrate animals, such as insects and spiders, that live in the soil and contribute to soil health. Soil arthropods play a role in decomposing organic matter, cycling nutrients, and improving soil structure. For example, promoting the presence of soil arthropods to enhance soil biodiversity and support sustainable farming practices.

F

FISS

FISS: Abbreviation for Food Industry Sustainability Strategy. This strategy promotes sustainable development across the food supply chain, helping farmers adopt practices that protect the environment and ensure long-term productivity.

M

Mecoprop

mecoprop: a commonly used herbicide, mostly used to control weeds in cereal and grass crops, that is found as a contaminant of water. Abbr MCPP, CMPP. Understanding the application and effects of mecoprop can help farmers manage weed infestations more effectively, ensuring better crop health and yields.

S

Studded Roller Feed Drill

studded roller feed drill: a type of external force feed seed drill in which fluted rollers are replaced by rolls with studs or pegs. It is suitable for drilling most types of seed. Using studded roller feed drills ensures accurate seed placement and optimal crop establishment, supporting productive agriculture.

E

EPA

EPA: Abbreviation for 1. Environmental Protection Act 1990 2. Environmental Protection Agency. Understanding EPA regulations helps farmers comply with environmental standards and adopt sustainable practices.

M

Metabolism

metabolism: the chemical processes of breaking down or building up organic compounds in organisms. Metabolism covers all changes which take place in the body: the building of tissue (anabolism), the breaking down of tissue (catabolism), the conversion of nutrients into tissue, the elimination of waste matter and the action of hormones. Understanding metabolism can help farmers manage livestock nutrition and health more effectively, ensuring better growth and productivity.

P

Porcine Spongiform Encephalopathy

porcine spongiform encephalopathy: A brain disease which has been induced in pigs experimentally. Abbr PSE. Helpful content: Understanding and preventing PSE is important for maintaining pig health and ensuring food safety. Research and biosecurity measures can help mitigate the risk of this disease in pig populations.

O

Oestrous Cycle

oestrous cycle: The pattern of reproductive activity shown by most female animals, except most primates. Understanding the oestrous cycle is crucial for effective livestock breeding. Farmers can benefit from monitoring and managing the oestrous cycle to improve reproductive success and increase herd productivity.

O

Outfall

outfall: A pipe from which sewage, either raw or treated, flows into a river, lake, or the sea. Also called outfall sewer. Managing outfalls is crucial for preventing water pollution and protecting environmental health. Farmers can benefit from implementing proper waste management practices to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

P

Pomegranate

pomegranate: A semi-tropical tree (Punica granatum) native to Asia, but now cultivated widely. The fruit are round and yellow, with masses of seeds surrounded by sweet red flesh. Helpful content: Pomegranates are valued for their health benefits and market potential. Farmers can benefit from growing this crop by implementing best practices for cultivation, pest control, and post-harvest handling to ensure high-quality fruit.

G

Gluten

gluten: Gluten is a protein found in some cereals which makes a sticky paste when water is added. It affects the quality of the bread made from it. The gluten content of flour influences dough elasticity and bread softness. Knowing the gluten content can help farmers grow suitable cereal varieties for specific baking needs, improving marketability.

P

Precision Drill

precision drill: A seed drill which sows the seed separately at set intervals in the soil. Helpful content: Precision drills ensure accurate seed placement, leading to uniform crop stands and efficient use of resources. This technology can enhance yields and reduce seed wastage, benefiting overall farm productivity.

T

Technical Committee

Technical Committee: A committee appointed by the UK government in 1965, which reviewed the welfare of animals kept under intensive livestock husbandry systems. Understanding the recommendations of such committees can help farmers implement best practices for animal welfare.