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.

Nitrite

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 24, 2013May 25, 20241

nitrite: 1. an ion with the formula NO2. 2. a chemical compound containing the nitrite ion, e.g., sodium nitrite. Nitrites are formed by bacteria from nitrogen as an intermediate stage in the formation of nitrates. Managing nitrite levels in soil and water is important for ensuring crop and livestock health. Farmers can benefit from regular testing and monitoring of nitrite concentrations, particularly in irrigation water and feed. Implementing practices that reduce nitrite accumulation, such as proper waste management and balanced fertilization, helps protect plant and animal health.

Monosomy

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 23, 2013May 25, 20241

monosomy: a chromosomal defect in which one chromosome of a pair is missing. Understanding and managing monosomy can help farmers improve breeding programs and genetic studies.

Deciduous

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 22, 2013May 25, 20242

deciduous: Referring to trees that shed all their leaves in one season. Beech, oak, and other deciduous trees. Deciduous trees can be beneficial in agroforestry systems, providing seasonal shade and organic matter. Farmers can integrate deciduous trees into their land management plans to improve biodiversity, soil health, and microclimate regulation. Understanding the growth patterns and benefits of deciduous trees can help optimize their use in farming systems.

Bind

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 22, 2013May 25, 20242

bind: To cut corn and tie it together in sheaves. Proper binding techniques help preserve crop quality and facilitate harvest.

Seedhead

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 21, 2013May 25, 20242

seedhead: The top of a stalk with seeds, either in a seedcase or separately attached to the stem. Farmers benefit from managing seedheads for seed collection and crop management.

Food Product E-Learning Platforms

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 18, 2013May 24, 20242

The online systems and tools used to deliver educational content and training for employees, including learning management systems (LMS), video tutorials, and interactive quizzes. For example, using food product e-learning platforms to provide accessible and flexible training options.

Succession

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 18, 2013May 25, 20242

succession: a series of stages, one after the other, by which a group of organisms living in a community reaches a stable state or climax. Properly managing ecological succession ensures sustainable land use and biodiversity on farms.

Market Gardener

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 18, 2013May 25, 20243

market gardener: a person who runs a market garden. Market gardeners play a crucial role in supplying fresh produce to urban areas, contributing to local food security and sustainable agriculture.

International

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 16, 2013May 25, 20243

international: Referring to more than one country. Helps farmers understand global agricultural practices and markets.

English Beef And Lamb Executive

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 15, 2013May 25, 20241

English Beef and Lamb Executive: An association providing market information for beef and lamb producers and suppliers. Abbr EBLEX. Farmers can benefit from EBLEX by accessing market information and support for beef and lamb production.

Farm-Saved Seed

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 14, 2013May 25, 20240

Farm-Saved Seed: Seed kept from the previous years harvest and replanted on the same farm. Also called home-saved seed. Using farm-saved seed can reduce costs and maintain local crop varieties.

Soil Series

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 14, 2013May 25, 20242

soil series: the classification of soils based on their similarities, used in soil mapping. (NOTE: Soil series are defined using a combination of three main properties: the parent material; the texture of the soil material and the presence or absence of material with a distinctive mineralogy; and the presence or absence of distinctive horizons.) Understanding soil series helps farmers manage land resources effectively, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Streptococcal

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 14, 2013May 25, 20242

streptococcal: referring to an infection caused by streptococci. Managing streptococcal infections in livestock ensures health and productivity, supporting farm profitability.

Food Product Customer Relationship Management (Crm)

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 12, 2013May 24, 20242

The strategies and tools used to manage interactions with customers, including data collection, communication, and relationship building. For example, implementing food product customer relationship management systems to enhance customer engagement and loyalty.

Vertical Farming

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 9, 2013May 25, 20242

vertical farming: A method of growing crops in vertically stacked layers. Vertical farming maximizes space use and can be practiced in urban areas.

Pipette Pipette Pipette

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 9, 2013May 25, 20241

pipette pipette pipette: A small tube used to measure and transfer liquids. Using pipettes in laboratory work improves precision and accuracy in research and development.

Drought Management Techniques

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 9, 2013May 24, 20242

The strategies and practices used to mitigate the impact of drought on agricultural production, including water conservation, crop selection, and irrigation management. For example, implementing drought management techniques to ensure crop survival and maintain productivity.

Hive

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 8, 2013May 25, 20242

hive: A box in which bees are kept. Maintaining hives ensures healthy bee colonies, supporting pollination and honey production.

Stirk

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 8, 2013May 25, 20242

stirk: a Scottish term for cattle, both male and female, under two years old. Properly managing stirks ensures healthy growth and productivity in cattle operations, supporting farm profitability.

Maximum Residue Level

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 6, 2013May 25, 20242

maximum residue level: the maximum amount of a pesticide that can remain in crops or foodstuffs under European Union regulations. Abbr MRL. Understanding and adhering to maximum residue levels can help farmers ensure the safety and marketability of their produce.

Royalty

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 5, 2013May 25, 20240

royalty: A payment made to plant breeders for the use of seed of registered plant varieties. Understanding royalty payments helps farmers access high-quality seeds and support plant breeding programs.

Milk Jug

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 5, 2013May 24, 20241

A large container used to store and pour milk, typically made of plastic. For example, using milk jugs for bulk sales and family-sized servings.

COGAP

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 4, 2013May 25, 20242

COGAP: COGAP abbreviation Code of Good Agricultural Practice. Following COGAP ensures sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.

Fresh

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 4, 2013May 25, 20242

Fresh: Not tinned or frozen. Properly managing fresh food production ensures high-quality products and consumer satisfaction.

Selective Pesticide

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 2, 2013May 25, 20241

selective pesticide: A pesticide which takes toxic action against specific pests without affecting the growing crop. Farmers benefit from using selective pesticides to control pests without harming crops.

Cattle Ear Tagging

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 2, 2013May 24, 20240

The practice of attaching identification tags to the ears of cattle for management and record-keeping purposes. Ear tagging helps track individual animals’ health and production records. For instance, using ear tags to identify and monitor each calf in a herd.

Beef Top Round Steak

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 1, 2013May 24, 20240

A cut of beef obtained from the round, known for its leanness and versatility. Top round steak is commonly used for roasts, steaks, and ground beef. For instance, processing top round into eye of round roasts and ground beef.

Slaughterhouse

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 31, 2013May 25, 20240

slaughterhouse: same as abattoir. Proper management of slaughterhouses ensures humane treatment of animals and high standards of meat processing, maintaining quality and safety.

Podsolic

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 30, 2013May 25, 20242

podsolic: Referring to podsol. Helpful content: Knowledge of podsolic soils helps farmers implement soil management practices that enhance fertility and support sustainable agriculture. Understanding soil characteristics allows for better crop selection and nutrient management.

Virgin Land

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 29, 2013May 25, 20241

virgin land: Land which has never been cultivated. Utilizing virgin land for agriculture can open up new areas for production and diversify farm operations.

Cure

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 28, 2013May 25, 20241

Cure: Cure verb to preserve meat by salting or smoking COMMENT: Meat is cured by keeping in brine for some time; both salting and smoking have a dehydrating effect on the meat, preventing the reproduction and growth of microorganisms harmful to man. Utilizing curing techniques enhances meat preservation and product quality.

Embryo Transfer (Et)

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 27, 2013May 24, 20240

A reproductive technology that involves collecting fertilized embryos from donor cows and implanting them into recipient cows. ET is used to rapidly multiply desirable genetics. For example, using ET to produce multiple offspring from a high-quality donor cow.

Marram Grass

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 27, 2013May 25, 20242

marram grass: a type of grass planted on sand dunes to prevent them being spread by the wind. Latin name: Ammophila arenaria. Understanding the role of marram grass in soil stabilization can help farmers manage erosion and protect their land.

Fowl Sick

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 26, 2013May 25, 20242

Fowl Sick: Referring to land that has become infested with parasites due to being used for free-range hens for too long a period of time. Properly managing and rotating free-range areas help prevent fowl sick and maintain soil and poultry health.

Antibiotic

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 25, 2013May 25, 20242

antibiotic: A drug that stops the spread of bacteria or fungi. Proper use of antibiotics is vital for maintaining animal health and preventing disease outbreaks in livestock.

Agricultural Insurance

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 25, 2013May 24, 20242

Insurance products designed to protect farmers and agricultural businesses from financial losses due to events such as crop failure, livestock loss, and natural disasters. For example, purchasing agricultural insurance to safeguard against potential risks and ensure financial stability.

Traces

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 25, 2013May 25, 20242

traces: Side-straps or chains by which a horse pulls a cart or implement. Proper maintenance of traces can ensure the safety and efficiency of horse-drawn equipment.

Feeder

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 24, 2013May 25, 20240

Feeder: 1. Something which supplies or adds to something else of the same type. 2. A container from which livestock are fed. Proper use of feeders ensures efficient feeding and reduces waste.

Potassium Chloride

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 24, 2013May 25, 20242

potassium chloride: A colorless crystalline salt used as a fertilizer and in photography and medicine. Formula: KCl. Helpful content: Potassium chloride is a common and effective source of potassium for crops. Its proper application can improve soil fertility and support healthy plant growth.

Parameter

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 23, 2013May 25, 20241

parameter: 1. A factor that defines the limits or actions of something 2. A variable quantity or value for which a measurement is attempted, e.g., mean height. Understanding parameters helps in precision agriculture and data-driven decision-making.

Milk Bag

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 22, 2013May 24, 20241

A flexible plastic bag used to package and distribute milk, often used in Canada and other countries. For example, using milk bags to package and sell milk in bulk.

Bureau

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 22, 2013May 25, 20242

bureau: A government department or office. Understanding the role of agricultural bureaus helps farmers access resources and support.

FUW

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 22, 2013May 25, 20242

FUW: Abbreviation for Farmers Union of Wales. This union provides valuable resources and advocacy for farmers, supporting their interests and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Capping

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 21, 2013May 25, 20240

Capping: A hard crust that sometimes forms on the soil surface, caused by heavy rain or machinery. Managing soil to prevent capping involves minimizing soil compaction and maintaining proper soil structure for optimal plant growth.

Technology

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 20, 2013May 25, 20242

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.

Layer

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 19, 2013May 25, 20240

layer: A hen kept for egg production. Proper management of layers ensures high egg productivity and bird health.

Half Long

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 19, 2013May 25, 20240

Half long: A sheep produced by crossing a Cheviot ram with a Blackface ewe. Crossbred sheep like the Half long can combine traits of both breeds, leading to better adaptability and productivity.

Bush Beans

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 18, 2013May 25, 20242

bush beans: A type of bean that grows in a bushy form. Growing bush beans provides nutritious food and valuable crops for fresh markets and processing.

Agricultural Engineer

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 14, 2013May 25, 20241

agricultural engineer: A person trained in applying the principles of science to farming. Farmers rely on agricultural engineers to design and maintain machinery and systems that improve farm efficiency.

Low-Stress Handling

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 14, 2013May 24, 20240

Handling livestock in a calm and gentle manner to reduce stress and improve welfare. Low-stress handling techniques include using quiet movements and minimizing loud noises. For example, training staff in low-stress handling to improve cattle welfare and productivity.