October 7, 2024
C

Case

Case: An outer covering or a single occurrence of a disease. Properly managing cases of disease involves implementing biosecurity measures and providing appropriate veterinary care to protect livestock health.

G

Global Distillation

global distillation: The movement of persistent organic pollutants from warm tropical and subtropical regions to cooler higher latitudes via evaporation and condensation. Understanding global distillation helps farmers recognize and mitigate the impact of pollutants on their crops and environment.

L

Louse Disease

Louse Disease: Louse disease is an external parasitic disease of cattle. Severe infection leads to loss of condition, wasting, and anemia. Managing louse disease through proper treatment and prevention measures can protect cattle health and productivity.

H

Heft

heft: A group of mountain sheep which graze the same area in which they were born, although not kept in by fences. Managing hefted sheep helps maintain traditional grazing practices and supports sustainable land use.

D

Descending Aorta

descending aorta: The second section of the aorta as it turns downwards. Understanding animal anatomy, including the descending aorta, is important for livestock health and veterinary care. Farmers should work with veterinarians to monitor the health of their animals and address any cardiovascular issues promptly. Knowledge of animal anatomy can improve health management and disease prevention.

S

Skin

skin: the outer layer on an animal, fruit, or vegetable. Proper management of skin health in livestock and produce helps farmers maintain quality and market value, reducing losses and enhancing profitability.

N

Nucleus

nucleus: the central body in a cell, containing DNA and RNA, and controlling the function and characteristics of the cell. Understanding cell biology, including the role of the nucleus, helps farmers and researchers develop better breeding and crop improvement strategies. Knowledge of genetic principles and cellular functions can lead to advancements in plant and animal breeding, improving productivity, disease resistance, and overall farm performance. Farmers can benefit from adopting new technologies and practices based on cellular and genetic research to enhance their operations and sustainability.

S

Swing Plough

swing plough: a plough used in upland areas which is designed to swing from one side to the other when the tractor changes direction at the end of a furrow. Using swing ploughs ensures efficient soil preparation and crop establishment, supporting productive agriculture.

N

Nominated Service

nominated service: artificial insemination with semen from a named and tested male animal. Nominated services in artificial insemination provide farmers with access to high-quality, genetically superior male animals. This practice helps improve the genetic quality of livestock, enhancing traits such as productivity, disease resistance, and overall performance. Farmers can benefit from using nominated services to achieve specific breeding goals, increase herd or flock quality, and enhance farm profitability. Access to reliable genetic resources supports sustainable livestock production and long-term farm success.

T

Tine

tine: A pointed spike on a cultivator or harrow. Types of tine include rigid, spring-loaded, and spring. A sharp prong of a fork or rake. Proper use and maintenance of tines can enhance soil preparation and crop management.

P

Plant Breeder

plant breeder: A person who produces new forms of ornamental or crop plants. Helpful content: Plant breeders play a crucial role in agriculture by developing new plant varieties that are more resilient, productive, and suited to specific growing conditions. This innovation can help farmers improve crop performance and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

S

Staphylococcal Mastitis

staphylococcal mastitis: a condition of cows caused by several types of staphylococci especially when accompanied by stress resulting from liver fluke or cold conditions. Milk becomes watery and the cow has a high temperature. Proper management of staphylococcal mastitis ensures dairy cow health and milk quality, supporting farm productivity.

L

Lysine

Lysine: Lysine is an essential amino acid in protein foodstuffs, essential for animal growth. Understanding amino acids like lysine can help farmers formulate balanced animal feeds and manage livestock nutrition.

P

Propagate

propagate: To produce new plants by a technique such as taking cuttings, grafting, budding, or layering. Helpful content: Propagation techniques are essential for expanding plant stock and maintaining genetic diversity. Farmers can use these methods to produce high-quality plants and improve crop yields.

P

Productive Soil

productive soil: Soil which is very fertile and produces large crops. Helpful content: Maintaining productive soil involves proper fertilization, crop rotation, and organic matter addition. Healthy soil supports robust plant growth and high yields, contributing to overall farm success.

V

Value Added

value added: The difference between the cost of the materials purchased to produce a product and the final selling price of the finished product. In agriculture, value-added activities like butchering or milling can increase profitability for farmers.

C

Cross-Compliance

Cross-Compliance: Cross-compliance noun the setting of environmental conditions that must be met when developing agricultural support policies, especially in the European Union. Also called environmental conditionality. ‘While there is some evidence to suggest that farmers in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones are taking greater account of the value of manures it is becoming increasingly apparent that cross-compliance, and therefore the Single Payment Scheme, also requires farmers to make allowances for the nutrients in any organic matter applied.’ [Farmers Guardian]. Engaging in cross-compliance practices supports sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.