Hydropower
hydropower: Same as hydroelectric power. Utilizing hydropower provides a renewable energy source for farm operations.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
hydropower: Same as hydroelectric power. Utilizing hydropower provides a renewable energy source for farm operations.
The principles and practices used to select and arrange beehive locations for optimal health and productivity, including considerations for sun exposure, wind protection, and forage availability. For example, designing an apiary to provide a suitable environment for honeybee colonies.
tom turkey: A male turkey. Raising tom turkeys can provide high-quality meat and diversify poultry production on the farm.
palatability: The extent to which something is good to eat. Palatable feed encourages better livestock consumption and growth, improving overall health and productivity.
deep ploughing: Ploughing very deep into the soil, used when reclaiming previously virgin land for agricultural purposes. Deep ploughing can improve soil structure and root penetration for crops. Farmers should consider the benefits and potential drawbacks of deep ploughing, such as soil erosion and disturbance of soil life. Implementing deep ploughing as part of a broader soil management plan can optimize its benefits while minimizing negative impacts.
A young female dairy cow that has not yet calved. Dairy heifers are raised to join the milking herd. For example, managing dairy heifers’ nutrition and health to prepare them for their first lactation.
tuberculosis: An infectious disease caused by the tuberculosis bacillus, where infected lumps form in tissue and which affects humans and other animals. Cattle and pigs are more commonly affected than other species. It is a notifiable disease. Proper management of tuberculosis can prevent outbreaks and protect livestock and human health.
Suffolk: a breed of sheep developed from crosses between the now extinct Norfolk Horn ewes and the Southdown ram. It is a large quick-growing animal with a close short fleece and a black face which has no wool on it. Suffolk crosses perform well under a broad range of farming systems, being equally effective for over-winter storing and for intensive early lamb production. Properly managing Suffolk sheep ensures healthy growth and productivity, supporting farm profitability and sustainability.
The process of planning and allocating financial resources for farm operations. Farm budgeting helps farmers manage costs and plan for future expenses. For instance, creating a budget to estimate the costs of planting and harvesting crops for the coming season.
endocrine gland: A gland such as the pituitary gland which produces hormones introduced directly into the bloodstream. Understanding endocrine glands helps farmers manage livestock health and reproduction.
Trade Union Sustainable Development Advisory Committee: A forum for consultation on environmental issues between the Government and the main TUC-affiliated trade unions in the UK. Abbr TUSDAC. Engaging with such committees can provide farmers with support and resources for sustainable practices.
The methods and guidelines for sourcing food products and ingredients in a way that ensures ethical treatment of workers, environmental sustainability, and fair trade. For example, implementing food product ethical sourcing practices to support sustainable and responsible supply chains.
The practices and protocols used to remove unsafe or defective food products from the market, including communication and logistics. For example, establishing food product recall procedures to ensure swift and effective action in case of product safety issues.
Cotton Gin: Cotton gin noun a machine which separates the seeds from the cotton fibres. Utilizing cotton gins enhances cotton processing efficiency and product quality.
Flood Plain: A wide flat part of the bottom of a valley usually covered with water when the river floods. Managing flood plains supports agricultural productivity and environmental health.
novel crop: a non-traditional crop, e.g., miscanthus grown as an energy crop or evening primrose grown for supply to the pharmaceutical industry. Growing novel crops offers farmers opportunities to diversify their production and tap into emerging markets. By cultivating non-traditional crops, farmers can reduce dependency on conventional markets, explore new revenue streams, and enhance farm resilience. Understanding the specific requirements and market potential of novel crops helps farmers make informed decisions and optimize their farming operations.
The advanced technologies and platforms that use quantum computing to solve complex problems and optimize processes in food production and distribution. For example, exploring food product quantum computing systems to enhance data analysis and innovation.
overtopping: Cutting too much off the top of a plant when preparing it, such as when preparing sugar beet. Avoiding overtopping is important for maintaining plant health and maximizing yields. Farmers can benefit from understanding proper pruning and harvesting techniques to optimize crop performance.
blackcurrant: A small dark purple berry. Growing blackcurrants provides nutritious fruit for fresh consumption and processing.
high tunnel: A type of greenhouse that extends the growing season for crops. Using high tunnels can increase crop production and protect plants from adverse weather conditions.
prairie: A large area of grass-covered plains in North America, mainly without trees. Helpful content: Prairies are important for extensive agriculture and grazing. Understanding prairie ecosystems helps farmers manage land sustainably, promoting soil health and biodiversity while supporting livestock production.
disease: A condition caused by infection or by a defect of the body. Managing disease involves implementing proper biosecurity measures, vaccination, and regular health monitoring. Farmers should work with veterinarians to develop effective disease management plans and prevent outbreaks. Understanding the signs and symptoms of diseases will aid in early detection and treatment, ensuring the health and productivity of the herd.
Countryside Stewardship: Countryside stewardship noun the practice of altering farming practices to benefit wildlife and retain natural diversity. Abbr CSS. Implementing countryside stewardship practices promotes biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
Water Act 1989: An Act of Parliament which made it an offence to cause a discharge of poisonous, noxious, or polluting matter or solid matter to any controlled water under the responsibility of the National Rivers Authority. Controls are also in force to ensure that silage, slurry, and fuel oil installations are of adequate standard. Complying with the Water Act can protect water quality and prevent pollution on the farm.
brown planthopper: A pest that affects rice crops. Controlling brown planthoppers through integrated pest management protects rice yields and quality.
Finger and Toe: Same as club root. Managing this disease helps protect crop health and yields.
Compounder: Compounder /k?m pa?nd?/ noun a company which produces compound feed. Engaging with compounders ensures access to balanced animal feed for livestock nutrition.
beet cyst nematode: A nematode causing white cysts on beet roots. Implementing crop rotation and resistant varieties helps control beet cyst nematode infestations.
The guidelines and regulations for raising livestock organically, including the use of natural inputs and sustainable practices. For example, following organic livestock production standards to market meat, milk, and eggs as organic.
The process of rapidly cooling milk after milking to preserve its quality and prevent bacterial growth. Milk cooling is essential for maintaining milk safety and freshness. For instance, using bulk tanks with cooling systems to chill milk immediately after milking.
The management of interactions with regulatory agencies and adherence to regulations, ensuring compliance and smooth market entry. For example, working in food product regulatory affairs to navigate the approval process for new products and ensure compliance with standards.
The cleaning and disinfecting procedures used in dairy production and processing to prevent contamination and ensure safety. For example, maintaining dairy sanitation standards to ensure hygienic conditions in milking parlors and processing plants.
pillage pillage pillage: The act of robbing or plundering. Preventing and managing theft and vandalism ensures farm security and protects resources.
The process of moving milk from dairy farms to processing facilities, involving milk tankers, logistics, and quality control. For example, coordinating milk transportation to ensure efficient delivery and maintain milk quality.
Crop Standing: Crop standing noun herbage growing in a field before harvest. Understanding crop standing aids in managing crop yields and harvesting schedules.
The process of identifying female livestock in estrus (heat) to optimize breeding timing and improve reproductive success. For example, using estrus detection aids to identify cows ready for insemination.
integrated farm management: An approach to farming that combines the best of traditional methods with modern technology, to achieve high productivity with a low environmental impact. Helps farmers adopt sustainable farming practices.