April 2, 2025
S

Sorghum

sorghum: a drought-resistant cereal plant grown in semi-arid tropical regions such as Mexico, Nigeria, and Sudan. Latin name: Sorghum vulgare. Growing sorghum provides farmers with a resilient crop suitable for dry conditions, supporting food security and economic stability.

A

ACOS

ACOS: Advisory Committee on Organic Standards. The guidelines provided by ACOS help farmers adhere to organic farming standards, ensuring the integrity and marketability of their organic products.

M

Mycelium

mycelium: the main part of a fungus, a mass of hyphae that grows underground or in wood. Understanding the role of mycelium can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

D

Deintensified Farming

deintensified farming: Farming which was formerly intensive, using chemical fertilizers to increase production, but has now become extensive. Extensification. Deintensified farming focuses on sustainable practices and reduced chemical inputs. Farmers should adopt practices like crop rotation, organic amendments, and integrated pest management to enhance soil health and productivity. Understanding the principles of deintensified farming can help farmers transition to more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

C

Creosote

Creosote: Creosote /kri?s??t/ noun a yellowish brown oily substance with a characteristic smell, derived from wood tar and formerly used as a wood preservative (NOTE: It is now banned in the European Union). Utilizing creosote provides effective wood preservation, though safer alternatives are now preferred.

S

Sickle

sickle: A curved knife-edged metal tool with a wooden handle, used for harvesting cereals. Farmers benefit from using sickles for manual harvesting and grass cutting.

D

Dipterous

dipterous: Referring to an insect such as a fly with two wings. Managing dipterous insects involves implementing proper pest control measures and monitoring techniques. Farmers should use integrated pest management practices to reduce the impact of dipterous insects on crops and livestock. Understanding the characteristics and behavior of dipterous insects will aid in developing effective pest management strategies.

Dairy Extension

Outreach programs and services provided by universities and research institutions to support dairy farmers with education, resources, and technical assistance. For example, participating in dairy extension programs to learn about new technologies and best practices.

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Straw Burning

straw burning: a cheap method of disposal of straw, which helps to control diseases. Properly managing straw burning ensures effective disease control while adhering to environmental regulations, supporting sustainable farming practices.

Apple Orchards

Plantations of apple trees cultivated for commercial fruit production. Managing an apple orchard involves tasks such as pruning, pest control, and harvesting. For example, an apple orchard might produce different varieties of apples for fresh consumption and cider production.

H

Hurdle

hurdle: A portable rectangular wooden frame used for temporary fencing for sheep. Using hurdles supports effective livestock management and flexible grazing practices.

R

Rain Gun

rain gun: A spraying device used for applying irrigation water, which it shoots out in a powerful jet. Rain guns help farmers efficiently irrigate large fields, ensuring crops receive adequate water.

Weight Gain

The increase in an animal’s weight over time, influenced by genetics, nutrition, and management. Weight gain is a key factor in livestock production. For example, maximizing weight gain in feedlot cattle to improve profitability.

E

ESA

ESA: Abbreviation for Environmentally Sensitive Area. Understanding ESA helps farmers adopt practices that protect sensitive environments and receive funding for conservation efforts.

G

Gangrene

gangrene: A condition in which tissues die and decay, as a result of bacterial action, because the animal has lost blood supply to the affected part of the body through injury. Serious rot affecting potato tubers. Caused by fungi, it spreads in storage. Recognizing and managing gangrene can prevent severe losses in livestock and crops.

D

Dag

dag: A tuft of dirty wool round the tail of a sheep. Regularly removing dags (a process called dagging) is essential for maintaining sheep hygiene and preventing flystrike, a condition where flies lay eggs in the dirty wool, leading to maggot infestations. Keeping sheep clean reduces the risk of disease and improves wool quality.

Q

Quality Assurance

quality assurance: The system of procedures used in checking that the quality of a product is good. Implementing quality assurance ensures that farm products meet high standards, enhancing consumer trust and compliance with regulations, thus benefiting farmers through better market access and reduced risk of product recalls.

P

Pastoralist

pastoralist: A farmer who keeps grazing animals on pasture. The people most affected by the drought in the Sahara are nomadic pastoralists. Supporting pastoralists helps maintain traditional farming practices and livelihoods.

G

Government Agencies

government agencies: Government agencies provide specialist advice for farmers, such as ADAS in the UK. Utilizing these resources helps farmers adopt best practices, improve efficiency, and comply with regulations.

Land Use Planning

The process of organizing and managing land resources to meet agricultural, environmental, and societal needs. Land use planning helps balance competing interests and promote sustainable development. For example, developing a land use plan to allocate areas for farming, conservation, and urban development.

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Standard

standard: something which has been agreed on and is used to measure other things by; a plant grown on a single long stem that is kept from forming branches except at the top; a type of fruit tree or rose tree where the stem is about two metres high, on top of which the head is developed; a large tree in a woodland. Using standard practices ensures consistency and quality in agricultural production, supporting market value and consumer trust.

G

Galloway

Galloway: A hardy breed of completely black hornless cattle, mainly reared for beef. The breed’s hardiness makes it suitable for less fertile land, providing a reliable source of beef.

C

Ca (Calcium)

Ca (Calcium): A metallic chemical element naturally present in limestone and chalk, essential for biological processes. In farming, calcium is vital for soil structure and plant health, promoting strong cell walls and aiding in nutrient absorption. Farmers use calcium amendments to correct soil pH and prevent nutrient deficiencies.

F

Floury

Floury: Soft and powdery, like flour. Floury potatoes are varieties that turn easily into flour when cooked. Growing floury potatoes provides a valuable food source and supports diverse crop production.

L

Loose-Box

Loose-Box: A loose-box is a stable for animals that are kept untied. A loose-box should have a hay rack, manger, water bowl, and tying rings. It should also have a grooved floor to make cleaning and drainage easier. Loose-boxes are also useful for housing sick animals. Using loose-boxes can enhance animal welfare and management.

S

Sprayer

sprayer: a machine which forces a liquid through a nozzle under pressure, used to distribute liquids such as herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and fertilisers. Using sprayers ensures efficient application of agricultural inputs, promoting healthy crop growth and better yields.

N

Non-Till

non-till: adjective same as no-till agriculture. No-till agriculture involves minimal soil disturbance, promoting soil health and reducing erosion. Farmers can benefit from adopting no-till practices to enhance soil structure, improve water retention, and reduce labor and fuel costs. No-till farming supports sustainable land management, increases resilience to climate change, and can lead to higher crop yields over time. Understanding and implementing no-till techniques can enhance farm sustainability and productivity.

D

Dartmoor

Dartmoor: A breed of large moorland sheep, white-faced with black spots, and a long curly fleece. Dartmoor sheep are known for their resilience and quality fleece. Farmers raising Dartmoor sheep should focus on proper grazing management, regular shearing, and health monitoring to maintain flock productivity. Marketing the unique characteristics of Dartmoor wool can attract premium buyers.