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.

Neck Rot

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 20, 2012May 25, 20242

neck rot: a disease affecting bulb onions during storage. The onions become soft and begin to rot from the stem downwards. Managing neck rot is essential for maintaining the quality and marketability of stored onions. Farmers can benefit from implementing proper storage practices, such as controlling temperature and humidity, to prevent the onset of neck rot. Regular monitoring and the use of resistant varieties can also reduce losses. Effective management of neck rot ensures higher product quality, reduces waste, and improves profitability for onion producers.

Farm Equipment

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 19, 2012May 24, 20240

Machinery and tools used in farming operations. Farm equipment includes tractors, plows, harvesters, and irrigation systems. For instance, using a combine harvester to efficiently harvest grain crops.

Berrichon Du Cher

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 18, 2012May 25, 20242

Berrichon du Cher: A French breed of sheep now imported into the UK. Raising Berrichon du Cher sheep can enhance genetic diversity and improve flock productivity.

Biological Oxygen Demand

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 18, 2012May 25, 20242

biological oxygen demand: Another term for biochemical oxygen demand. Monitoring biological oxygen demand helps farmers manage water quality and prevent pollution.

Environmental Tax

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 17, 2012May 25, 20242

environmental tax: Same as ecotax. Understanding environmental taxes helps farmers adopt practices that protect the environment and comply with regulations.

Calf Castration

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 17, 2012May 24, 20240

The removal of testicles in male calves to prevent breeding and reduce aggressive behavior. Calf castration is commonly performed in livestock management. For example, castrating male calves to raise them as steers for meat production.

Aleurone

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 16, 2012May 25, 20241

aleurone: A protein found in the outer skin of seeds. Understanding aleurone helps farmers manage seed quality and nutrition.

Translaminar Fungicide

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 16, 2012May 25, 20242

translaminar fungicide: A fungicide that is absorbed into a plants system through its leaves. Using translaminar fungicides can provide effective disease control and protect crop health.

Rangeland Management

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 13, 2012May 24, 20240

The practice of managing rangelands to optimize forage production, animal health, and ecological sustainability. Rangeland management includes grazing strategies, vegetation monitoring, and soil conservation. For instance, implementing rotational grazing to maintain rangeland health and productivity.

Reafforestation

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 11, 2012May 25, 20242

reafforestation: The planting of trees in an area which was formerly covered by forest. Reafforestation helps farmers restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and contribute to carbon sequestration.

Thiamine

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 10, 2012May 25, 20242

thiamine: Vitamin B1, found in yeast, cereals, liver, and pork. Ensuring adequate thiamine in livestock diets can prevent deficiencies and improve overall health and performance.

Kyloes

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 9, 2012May 25, 20240

Kyloes: Kyloes – a breed of small long-horned shaggy Highland cattle. Helps farmers manage and breed hardy cattle for meat production.

Preserve

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 8, 2012May 25, 20242

preserve: 1. To protect something from damage or decay. 2. To stop food from changing or rotting. Helpful content: Preserving produce through methods like pickling, fermenting, and freezing allows farmers to add value and reduce post-harvest losses. These techniques can open new market opportunities and increase farm income.

Feedlot Management

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 7, 2012May 24, 20240

The practice of overseeing and managing the operations of a feedlot. Feedlot management includes feeding, health care, and marketing of livestock. For instance, managing a feedlot to ensure cattle are fed properly and meet market weight requirements.

Gallus

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 6, 2012May 25, 20242

Gallus: The Latin name for the domestic chicken. Knowledge of Gallus is essential for poultry farmers in breeding and managing chickens effectively.

Exposure

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 4, 2012May 25, 20240

exposure: The harmful effect of having no protection from the weather. Suffering from exposure after spending a night in the snow. Understanding exposure risks helps farmers protect crops and livestock from environmental harm.

Cucumber

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 4, 2012May 25, 20242

Cucumber: Cucumber noun a creeping plant (Cucumis sativus) with long green fleshy fruit, used as a salad vegetable COMMENT: Cucumbers are native to India, and are used as a cooked vegetable in oriental cooking; they are a major glasshouse crop. Cultivating cucumbers provides nutritious vegetables for markets.

Access

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 1, 2012May 25, 20242

access: A place of entry, or the right of entry, to somewhere. Ensuring proper access to fields and facilities is important for farm operations and safety.

Drainage Systems

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 31, 2012May 24, 20240

Structures and methods used to remove excess water from agricultural land. Proper drainage helps prevent waterlogging and soil erosion. For example, installing tile drainage systems in fields to improve soil conditions for crops.

Food Product Smart Sensors And Actuators

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 30, 2012May 24, 20242

The technologies and devices that use sensors and actuators to monitor and control processes in food production and distribution, improving efficiency and quality. For example, using food product smart sensors and actuators to automate temperature control and ensure product freshness.

Beak Trimming

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 29, 2012May 25, 20241

beak trimming: Cutting off a birds beak to prevent injury to other birds by pecking. Understanding humane beak trimming practices ensures the welfare of poultry in close conditions.

Mange

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 28, 2012May 25, 20241

mange: a skin disease of hairy or woolly animals, caused by mites, including Sarcoptes, the itch mite. Managing and preventing mange is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock, reducing mortality rates and ensuring better economic outcomes for farmers.

Bunch

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 28, 2012May 25, 20242

bunch: A cluster of items, such as fruit or flowers. Proper handling of bunches supports product quality and marketability.

Timberline

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 27, 2012May 25, 20241

timberline: US same as treeline. Understanding the timberline helps farmers in planning land use and managing forested areas.

Laurics

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 26, 2012May 25, 20240

Laurics: Laurics or lauric oils are oils from palm seed and coconut. Producing lauric oils can add value to palm and coconut farming.

White Plymouth Rock

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 26, 2012May 25, 20242

White Plymouth Rock: A large heavy breed of table poultry. Raising White Plymouth Rock chickens can provide high-quality meat, enhancing farm profitability.

Seed Tree

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 25, 2012May 25, 20242

seed tree: A tree left standing when others are cut down, to allow it to drop seeds on the cleared land around it. Farmers benefit from managing seed trees for natural regeneration and sustainable forestry.

Food Product Storage And Inventory Management

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 25, 2012May 24, 20242

The practices and systems used to store and manage food products, ensuring quality and availability. For example, implementing food product storage and inventory management practices to maintain product freshness and optimize supply chain efficiency.

Cattle Weight

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 24, 2012May 24, 20240

The weight of cattle, typically measured in pounds or kilograms. Cattle weight is an important indicator of growth, health, and productivity. For example, weighing cattle regularly to monitor growth rates and adjust feeding programs.

Beef Wellington

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 23, 2012May 24, 20240

A gourmet dish made from beef tenderloin, mushroom duxelles, and puff pastry, often served at special occasions. For example, producing beef tenderloin for use in Beef Wellington recipes.

Ms

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 22, 2012May 25, 20241

MS: same as magnesium sulfate. Understanding the uses and effects of magnesium sulfate can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

Solar Dryer

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 21, 2012May 25, 20242

solar dryer: a device for drying crops using the heat of the sun. Using solar dryers provides farmers with a sustainable method for crop drying, reducing energy costs and preserving product quality.

Erode

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 21, 2012May 25, 20242

erode: To wear away gradually, or to wear something away. The hills have been eroded by wind and rain. Understanding erosion helps farmers adopt practices that protect soil health and prevent land degradation.

Waste Lime

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 20, 2012May 25, 20242

waste lime: Lime obtained from industrial concerns after it has been used as a purifying material. Using waste lime can improve soil pH and fertility, enhancing crop growth.

Nitrate

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 19, 2012May 25, 20242

nitrate: 1. an ion with the formula NO3. 2. a chemical compound containing the nitrate ion, e.g., sodium nitrate. 3. a natural constituent of plants. Beets, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli can contain up to 1mg/kg. Nitrates are a source of nitrogen for plants, essential for their growth and development. Farmers can benefit from understanding the role of nitrates in plant nutrition and applying nitrate fertilizers appropriately. Proper nitrate management ensures optimal crop growth, improves yields, and reduces the risk of environmental pollution from excess nitrates.

Condense

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 19, 2012May 25, 20241

Condense: Condense verb to make a vapour become liquid. Managing condensation processes ensures efficient water use and management on farms.

Acaridicide

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 18, 2012May 25, 20242

acaridicide: Same as acaricide. Effective use of acaridicides is essential for maintaining livestock health and preventing economic losses due to parasite infestations.

Beef Kidney Steak

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 16, 2012May 24, 20242

A cut of beef kidney, often used in traditional dishes such as steak and kidney pie. For example, producing beef kidney steaks for culinary and specialty markets.

Sulphur

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 14, 2012May 25, 20242

sulphur: a yellow non-metallic chemical element that is essential to biological life. It is used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid and in the vulcanisation of rubber. COMMENT: In the United Kingdom, the removal of sulphur from the atmosphere means that some crops such as oilseed rape are deficient and sulphur needs to be added to fertilisers. Understanding and using sulphur effectively supports soil fertility and healthy crop growth, enhancing farm productivity.

Amino Acid

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 14, 2012May 25, 20241

amino acid: A chemical compound which is a component of proteins. Proteins are first broken down into amino acids. Essential amino acids. Understanding amino acids helps farmers manage animal nutrition and health.

Offal

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 12, 2012May 25, 20240

offal: The inside parts of an animal, such as liver, kidney, or intestines, used as food. Offal is a valuable by-product that can be used to diversify farm income. Farmers can benefit from processing and marketing offal products to enhance profitability and reduce waste.

Caryopsis

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 12, 2012May 25, 20240

Caryopsis: A seed of cereals and grasses. Understanding the structure of caryopsis helps farmers in breeding and cultivating healthy cereal crops.

Flint

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 11, 2012May 25, 20240

Flint: A hard stone of nearly pure silica, found in lumps in chalk soils. Properly managing flint in soils helps prevent damage to farm machinery and improve soil workability.

Land Suitability

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 9, 2012May 25, 20240

Land Suitability: Land suitability is the suitability of land for a certain agricultural purpose. Land suitability is similar to land capability but defines its usefulness for a particular purpose. Suitability tends to emphasize the positive value of land, while capability emphasizes its limitations. Assessing land suitability helps farmers choose appropriate crops and farming methods.

Rural Development Policy

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 8, 2012May 25, 20242

rural development policy: A set of aims and guidelines issued by an authority, used when planning rural development. Understanding rural development policy helps farmers engage with development initiatives and access support.

Swarm

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 6, 2012May 25, 20241

swarm: a large number of insects such as bees or locusts flying as a group. Properly managing swarms ensures effective pest control and supports agricultural productivity.

Clean Land

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 5, 2012May 25, 20242

Clean Land: Land that is free of weeds. Maintaining clean land supports healthy crop growth and reduces competition for resources.

Swine

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 4, 2012May 25, 20242

swine: a collective term for pigs. Properly managing swine ensures healthy growth and productivity, supporting farm profitability.

Morgan

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 2, 2012May 25, 20242

morgan: a breed of horse which was first bred in the USA in the 19th century as a saddle horse. Raising Morgan horses can provide farmers with a unique and high-value product, particularly for niche markets interested in specialty breeds.

Desalinate

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 1, 2012May 25, 20242

desalinate: To remove salt from a substance such as sea water or soil. Desalination is important for improving water quality and soil health in saline environments. Farmers should use appropriate desalination techniques to enhance the productivity of saline soils and water sources. Understanding the methods and benefits of desalination can help in managing saline conditions effectively.