Syndrome
syndrome: a group of signs of a disease that occur together. Properly managing syndromes ensures effective disease control and livestock health, supporting farm productivity.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
The integration of trees and shrubs into pasture systems to provide shade, shelter, and additional forage for livestock. For example, adopting silvopasture systems to improve pasture productivity and enhance biodiversity.
neigh: a sound made by a horse. verb (of a horse) to make the characteristic sound of a horse. Compare bleat, grunt, low. Understanding the vocalizations of farm animals, such as a horse’s neigh, can help farmers monitor animal behavior and well-being. Recognizing these sounds aids in detecting signs of distress, illness, or changes in the environment that may require attention. Effective communication with and observation of animals can improve animal welfare, ensure timely interventions, and enhance overall farm management and productivity.
pink-eye pink-eye pink-eye: A disease of cattle and other animals, causing redness and discharge from the eye. Managing livestock health includes monitoring and treating diseases like pink-eye to prevent complications.
home-saved seed: Same as farm-saved seed. Using home-saved seed helps farmers reduce costs and maintain seed quality.
Policy Commission on Farming and Food: The Curry Report. Helpful content: The Policy Commission on Farming and Food provides recommendations for sustainable agriculture practices. Farmers can benefit from these guidelines to improve farm management, increase productivity, and enhance environmental stewardship.
The calculation and analysis of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with food products, including production, processing, transportation, and disposal, to identify opportunities for reduction. For example, measuring food product carbon footprints to develop strategies for reducing emissions and improving sustainability.
digestive system: The set of organs in the body associated with the digestion of food. Understanding the digestive system is important for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop balanced and nutritious diets that support the digestive system. Implementing proper dietary practices and monitoring digestive health will enhance the well-being and performance of livestock.
photoperiod: The number of hours of light in each 24-hour period. Managing photoperiods in crop production can enhance flowering and fruiting, leading to better yields.
outhouse: A farm building which is not attached to the main farmhouse, and may be used for storage or for keeping poultry. Proper management and maintenance of outhouses can improve farm efficiency and biosecurity. Farmers can benefit from using outhouses for organized storage, equipment housing, and livestock shelter.
plant passport: Passport for plants. Helpful content: Plant passports are essential for tracking the movement of plants and ensuring they are free from pests and diseases. This certification helps farmers comply with regulations and maintain the health of their crops during transportation and trade.
A storage area, typically in a barn, used to store hay bales. Hay lofts keep hay dry and accessible for feeding. For example, stacking hay bales in the loft to provide winter feed for livestock.
The quality of the air on and around dairy farms, affected by emissions and management practices. For example, monitoring and improving dairy air quality to ensure the health and well-being of livestock and workers.
Teschen disease: A virus disease of pigs caused by an enterovirus, causing fever, paralysis, and often death. It is a notifiable disease. Recognizing and managing Teschen disease is essential for maintaining herd health and preventing outbreaks.
The process of identifying female animals in estrus to optimize breeding timing. Heat detection methods include visual observation, electronic monitors, and hormone testing. For example, using heat detection aids to identify cows ready for insemination.
nature: 1. the characteristics that make someone or something what they are. 2. all living organisms and the environments in which they live. Living in harmony with nature means adopting practices that support ecological balance and sustainability. Farmers can benefit from understanding natural processes and working with them rather than against them. This can lead to healthier crops and livestock, reduced input costs, and a more resilient farming system. Embracing nature-based solutions can also enhance the farm’s environmental stewardship and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
The practices and strategies used to manage and reduce parasite infestations in livestock, including deworming and pasture management. For example, implementing parasite control measures to ensure healthy and productive animals.
The fluid produced by the mammary glands of cows, used for consumption and dairy products. Milk is a significant source of nutrition. For example, milking cows daily to produce milk for processing into cheese and yogurt.
nitrogen oxide: an oxide formed when nitrogen is oxidized, e.g., nitric oxide or nitrogen dioxide. Formula: NOx. Managing nitrogen oxide emissions is important for reducing air pollution and its associated health and environmental impacts. Farmers can benefit from adopting practices that minimize NOx emissions, such as optimizing fertilizer application, using nitrification inhibitors, and implementing conservation tillage. Reducing nitrogen oxide emissions supports environmental sustainability and enhances the farm’s reputation for responsible management.
Colony System: Colony system noun a poultry rearing system in which the hens are free to move around within a large confined space. Implementing colony systems improves poultry welfare and productivity.
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service: An organization which advises on employment disputes and rights in the workplace. Abbr ACAS. Farmers can benefit from ACAS guidance to resolve labor issues and maintain fair employment practices.
Coleoptile: Coleoptile /k?li?ptail/ noun a sheath which protects the stem tip (plumule) of a germinating grass seed as it grows to the surface. Understanding coleoptile development aids in seedling establishment and crop growth.
Lambing Season: Lambing season is the period of the year when a flock of ewes produces lambs, usually between December and January. The object is to produce lambs for the market when the price is highest, usually between February and May. Timing lambing season correctly can maximize profits for farmers.
The farming of aquatic organisms, such as fish, crustaceans, and plants, in controlled environments. This can include fish farms, shrimp farms, and seaweed cultivation. For instance, raising tilapia in tanks for food production.
agribusiness: A large-scale farming business run along the lines of a conventional company, often involving the processing, packaging, and sale of farm products. Farmers can learn from agribusiness practices to scale up their operations and improve efficiency.
Welsh half bred: A cross between a border Leicester ram and a Welsh mountain ewe. Managing crossbreeds like the Welsh half bred can improve livestock performance and productivity.
Poaceae: The grasses, which is a very large family of plants including bamboo and cereals such as wheat and maize. Former name Gramineae. Helpful content: Understanding the Poaceae family is essential for farmers growing cereal crops. Knowledge of grass biology and growth patterns can help optimize crop management and improve yields.