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.

Kemp-Free Mohair

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.April 6, 2010May 25, 20240

kemp-free mohair: Kemp-free mohair – mohair which does not have any kemp. Helps farmers produce high-quality mohair.

Nylon

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.April 5, 2010May 25, 20240

nylon: a synthetic material made from polymers, used in ropes, strings, etc. Nylon is a durable and versatile material used in various agricultural applications, including fencing, netting, and equipment components. Farmers can benefit from using nylon products for their strength, weather resistance, and longevity. Understanding the properties and appropriate uses of nylon supports effective farm management and maintenance. Utilizing high-quality materials like nylon enhances farm efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures reliable performance in agricultural operations.

Flood Irrigation

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.April 4, 2010May 25, 20240

Flood Irrigation: A method of irrigation using water brought down by a river in flood. The floodwaters are led off into specially prepared basins. Proper flood irrigation techniques ensure efficient water use and crop irrigation.

Peatland

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.April 2, 2010May 25, 20240

peatland: An area of land covered with peat bog. Managing peatlands sustainably helps in conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

Biopolymer

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.April 2, 2010May 25, 20240

biopolymer: A naturally occurring polymer, such as proteins or polysaccharides. Using biopolymers in farming, such as biodegradable mulches, supports sustainable practices.

Cycle

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.April 2, 2010May 25, 20240

Cycle: Cycle noun a series of actions which end at the same point as they begin With the piston engine, the cycle is intermittent, whereas in the gas turbine, each process is continuous. Understanding cycles aids in managing agricultural production and machinery efficiency.

Stud Farm

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.April 2, 2010May 25, 20240

stud farm: a farm where horses are kept for breeding. Properly managing stud farms ensures healthy breeding programs and improves livestock genetics, supporting farm profitability.

Summer Feeding

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.April 1, 2010May 25, 20240

summer feeding: the feeding of cattle on permanent pastures in the summer months. Properly managing summer feeding ensures efficient use of pastures and livestock productivity, supporting farm profitability.

Variant

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 31, 2010May 25, 20240

variant: A specimen of a plant or animal that is different from the usual type. Identifying and utilizing beneficial variants can improve crop and livestock performance, enhancing farm productivity.

Synthetic Fertiliser

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 30, 2010May 25, 20240

synthetic fertiliser: a fertiliser made from synthetic materials. Compare organic fertiliser. Understanding and using synthetic fertilisers effectively supports soil fertility and healthy crop growth, enhancing farm productivity.

Chuck

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 29, 2010May 24, 20240

A primal cut of beef obtained from the shoulder area, known for its rich flavor and versatility. Chuck is commonly used for roasts and ground beef. For example, processing chuck into pot roasts and burgers.

Food Product Work-Life Balance Policies

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 29, 2010May 24, 20240

The practices and policies that promote a healthy balance between work and personal life for employees in the food production and distribution process, including flexible scheduling and remote work options. For example, implementing food product work-life balance policies to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.

Light Soil

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 28, 2010May 25, 20240

Light Soil: Light soil is soil consisting mainly of large particles which are loosely held together because of the relatively large pore space. Light soil is usually easier to cultivate than heavy soil, but may dry out too quickly. Understanding soil types and their properties can help farmers choose appropriate crops and cultivation methods.

Twinning

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 28, 2010May 25, 20240

twinning: The act of giving birth to twins. Managing twinning in livestock can optimize breeding programs and improve productivity.

Layers Ailments

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 27, 2010May 25, 20240

Layers Ailments: Layers ailments are disorders of fowls in lay, especially birds that are in heavy production. These disorders include egg binding, internal laying, and layers cramp. Managing layers ailments through proper nutrition and care can improve poultry health and egg production.

Poultryman

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 27, 2010May 25, 20240

poultryman: A farm worker who looks after and raises poultry. Helpful content: Skilled poultrymen are vital for successful poultry operations. Their expertise in bird care, feeding, and disease management can significantly impact productivity and flock health.

Family Farm

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 26, 2010May 25, 20240

Family Farm: A farm unit owned and operated by one family. Family farms often focus on sustainable practices and community-oriented farming.

Kennel

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 24, 2010May 25, 20240

kennel: Kennel – 1. A small hut for a dog. 2. A commercial establishment where dogs are reared or kept for their owners. Helps farmers manage and care for working and pet dogs.

Greenhouse

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 23, 2010May 25, 20240

greenhouse: A greenhouse is a structure made of glass inside which plants are grown. Using greenhouses allows farmers to extend growing seasons, protect plants from adverse weather, and increase crop yields.

Landside

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 18, 2010May 25, 20240

Landside: Landside is the part of the plough which takes the sideways thrust as the furrow is turned. Understanding plough mechanics helps farmers improve soil cultivation practices.

Windrowed

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 17, 2010May 25, 20240

windrowed: Windrowed refers to a crop that has been lifted and left in a swath. This method helps in drying and preparing crops for collection, making the harvesting process more efficient.

Chromosomal

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 17, 2010May 25, 20240

Chromosomal: Referring to chromosomes. Understanding chromosomal structures and functions aids farmers in managing plant and animal breeding for optimal productivity.

Vitamin B12

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 16, 2010May 25, 20240

vitamin B12: A water-soluble vitamin found especially in liver, milk, and eggs but not in vegetables, and important for blood formation, nerve function, and growth. Adequate vitamin B12 intake can prevent anemia and improve health in livestock.

Moder

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 14, 2010May 25, 20240

moder: humus which is partly acid mor and partly neutral mull. Understanding the role of moder in soil health can help farmers manage soil fertility more effectively, ensuring better crop yields.

Trembles

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 14, 2010May 25, 20240

trembles: Same as louping-ill. Recognizing and managing trembles can prevent health issues in livestock and improve farm productivity.

Kiln

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 14, 2010May 25, 20240

kiln: A furnace or oven for burning, baking, or drying, especially for firing ceramics or drying grain. Using a kiln can help preserve and process agricultural products.

Bedding Plants

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 12, 2010May 25, 20240

bedding plants: Small annual flower plants used for bedding out. Growing and selling bedding plants can diversify farm income.

Vegetation

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 11, 2010May 25, 20240

vegetation: Plants that are growing or the set of plants that is found in a particular area. Proper management of vegetation can improve soil health, prevent erosion, and support biodiversity on the farm.

Clun Forest

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 10, 2010May 25, 20240

Clun Forest: A hardy grass hill breed of sheep with fine dense fleece, a dark brown face, and a permanent topknot. Raising Clun Forest sheep provides high-quality wool and meat, contributing to farm productivity and income.

Quercus

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 8, 2010May 25, 20240

Quercus: The Latin name for the oak tree. Knowing botanical names like Quercus helps farmers and agricultural professionals communicate clearly about specific plants, enhancing collaboration and research efforts in forestry and crop management.

Dairy Farm Succession Planning

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 8, 2010May 24, 20240

The process of preparing for the transfer of dairy farm ownership and management to the next generation or new owners. For example, developing a dairy farm succession plan to ensure a smooth transition and preserve the farm’s legacy.

Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (Ibr)

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 7, 2010May 24, 20240

A highly contagious viral disease in cattle, causing respiratory and reproductive problems. IBR is managed through vaccination and herd management practices. For example, vaccinating cattle against IBR to prevent respiratory disease and reproductive losses.

Neutralise

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 5, 2010May 25, 20240

neutralise: neutralise, verb to make an acid neutral. Acid in drainage water can be neutralized by limestone. To make a bacterial toxin harmless by combining it with the correct amount of antitoxin. To counteract the effect of something. Neutralizing harmful substances in soil, water, or livestock environments is essential for maintaining farm productivity and safety. Farmers can benefit from understanding neutralization processes and using appropriate materials to mitigate the impact of acids, toxins, and other harmful agents. Effective neutralization practices ensure healthier crops, livestock, and overall farm sustainability.

Interbreed

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 5, 2010May 25, 20240

interbreed: To mate and have offspring. To cross animals or plants with different characteristics to produce offspring with distinctive features. Helps farmers manage breeding programs.

Compost Heap

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 2, 2010May 25, 20240

Compost Heap: Compost heap noun a pile of organic, especially plant, waste, usually kept in a container and left to decay gradually, being turned over occasionally. It is used as a fertilizer and soil improver. Managing compost heaps involves regular turning and monitoring to ensure proper decomposition.

Broad Beans

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.March 2, 2010May 25, 20240

broad beans: A type of large-seeded legume. Growing broad beans provides nutritious food and improves soil health through nitrogen fixation.

Ancona

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 28, 2010May 25, 20240

Ancona: A laying breed of chicken, with white tips on black feathers. Raising Ancona chickens provides farmers with high-quality egg production.

Reclamation

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 27, 2010May 25, 20240

reclamation: The act of reclaiming land. Land reclamation projects can significantly increase the available agricultural land, supporting greater farm productivity.

Escherichia Coli

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 24, 2010May 25, 20240

Escherichia coli: A Gram-negative bacterium commonly found in faeces and associated with acute gastroenteritis if it enters the digestive systems of humans or animals. Understanding E. coli helps farmers ensure food safety and implement measures to prevent contamination.

Saprophytic

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 23, 2010May 25, 20240

saprophytic: Referring to organisms that live and feed on dead or decaying organic matter. Farmers benefit from understanding saprophytic relationships for improving soil health and organic farming practices.

Umbel

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 22, 2010May 25, 20240

umbel: A flower cluster in which the flowers all rise on stalks from the same point on the plants stem, e.g. on a carrot or polyanthus. Recognizing umbel structures can aid in identifying beneficial or harmful plants on the farm, helping with crop management.

Food Advisory Committee

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 21, 2010May 25, 20240

Food Advisory Committee: A UK agency advising ministers on matters relating to the labeling, composition, and safety of food. Abbr FAC. This committee helps ensure food safety and quality, benefiting farmers and consumers.

Friesian

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 18, 2010May 25, 20240

Friesian: A breed of black and white dairy cattle, famous for its very high milk yields. Properly managing Friesian cattle ensures high-quality milk production and dairy farm profitability.

Animal Health Act 2002

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 18, 2010May 25, 20240

Animal Health Act 2002: An Act of Parliament which put into place controls to deal with outbreaks of diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and scrapie. Understanding this act helps farmers comply with regulations and manage disease outbreaks.

Animal Health Planning

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 15, 2010May 25, 20240

animal health planning: An official set of guidelines for controlling and treating diseases in farm animals. Following health planning guidelines helps farmers manage livestock health and prevent disease outbreaks.

Aggregate Measure Of Support

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 13, 2010May 25, 20240

aggregate measure of support: An index which shows the actual monetary value of the support given by the Government to a sector such as agriculture. Abbr AMS. Understanding aggregate measures of support helps farmers assess government support for their industry.