Partition
by partition: A moveable wall that divides a room, e.g., a partition in a stable. Using partitions can improve space management and animal welfare in farm buildings.
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.
Disinfectant
disinfectant: A substance which removes harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi from a place or an object by cleaning it. Proper use of disinfectants is essential for maintaining farm hygiene and preventing disease outbreaks. Farmers should select the appropriate disinfectant for their needs and use it according to label instructions. Understanding the benefits and applications of disinfectants will aid in effective disease management and improved farm productivity.
Sustainable Development
sustainable development: development that balances the satisfaction of peoples immediate interests and the protection of future generations interests. Engaging in sustainable development ensures long-term agricultural productivity and environmental health.
Herding Dogs
Dogs bred and trained to assist in managing and moving livestock. Herding dogs are essential for efficient livestock handling. For example, using Border Collies to gather and move cattle in pastures and feedlots.
Nitrogen-Free Extract
nitrogen-free extract: used in the chemical analysis of animal feeding stuffs, the nitrogen-free extract consists mainly of soluble carbohydrates (sugars) and starch. Abbr NFE. Understanding the nitrogen-free extract content of animal feed helps farmers formulate balanced diets for their livestock. By analyzing feed components, farmers can ensure their animals receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth, health, and productivity. Proper feed formulation supports efficient livestock production, improves feed conversion rates, and enhances overall farm profitability.
Scottish Crop Research Institute
Scottish Crop Research Institute: A company which researches fertilisers and plant growth regulators, pests, pesticides and the genetic modification of crops. Abbr SCRI. Farmers benefit from the research conducted by SCRI to improve crop yields and pest management.
Potato Clamp
potato clamp: A heap of stored potatoes covered with straw and earth. Helpful content: Proper storage of potatoes in clamps helps maintain their quality and reduce spoilage. This traditional method can be cost-effective and efficient for small-scale farmers.
Convert
Convert: Convert verb to change something to a different system, set of rules, or state How do you convert degrees C into degrees F? Photochemical reactions convert oxygen to ozone. She has converted her car to take LPG. Understanding conversion processes aids in managing resources and adapting to new systems.
Screenings
screenings: Grains which are small and pass through the sieve when grain is screened. Farmers benefit from managing screenings to ensure high-quality grain production.
Cross-Fertilization
Cross-Fertilization: Cross-fertilization noun the fertilizing of one individual plant by another of the same species. Engaging in cross-fertilization practices supports genetic diversity and crop improvement.
Natural Selection
natural selection: the process of evolutionary change, by which offspring of organisms with certain characteristics are more able to survive and reproduce than offspring of other organisms, thus gradually changing the composition of a population. Understanding natural selection can help farmers with livestock breeding programs. By selecting animals with desirable traits such as disease resistance, productivity, and adaptability, farmers can improve herd or flock performance over time. This knowledge supports the development of robust livestock populations that are better suited to local conditions and market demands.
Ecoparasite
ecoparasite: A parasite which is adapted to a specific host. Compare ectoparasite, endoparasite. Understanding ecoparasites helps farmers manage pest control and animal health.
Dutch Barn
Dutch barn: A type of farmyard building used for storage of hay, loose or baled, corn crops, and agricultural implements. The older types of Dutch barn were built of iron with no enclosing side walls. Modern designs incorporate precast concrete, asbestos-cement sheeting with curved roofs. The sides may be partly or completely covered. Dutch barns provide essential storage for farm products and equipment, protecting them from the elements.
Earmarking
earmarking: The process of identifying an animal by attaching a tag to its ear. Earmarking helps farmers keep track of livestock health, breeding, and management efficiently.
Primary Productivity
primary productivity: The amount of organic matter produced in a specific area over a specific period, e.g., the yield of a crop during a growing season. Helpful content: Measuring primary productivity helps farmers evaluate crop performance and make informed management decisions. Improving primary productivity through soil health, water management, and crop selection can enhance farm profitability.
Countryside Council For Wales
Countryside Council for Wales: Countryside Council for Wales noun a statutory advisory body of the UK government responsible for sustaining natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor leisure opportunities in Wales and its coastal areas. Abbr CCW. Engaging with the Countryside Council for Wales supports rural conservation and sustainable land use practices.
Boysenberry
boysenberry: A large, dark berry that is a cross between a raspberry, blackberry, and loganberry. Growing boysenberries provides unique fruit for fresh markets and processing.
Pile Crop Pile Crop Pile Crop
pile crop pile crop pile crop: A crop that is grown in a pile, e.g., potatoes. Managing pile crops efficiently improves yields and meets market demands.
Noose
noose: a loop in a rope, with a loose knot which allows it to tighten, e.g., in a halter or a lasso. Using nooses and other restraining tools safely is essential for managing livestock and ensuring animal welfare. Farmers can benefit from understanding the proper techniques for using nooses to handle and secure animals without causing harm. Effective use of restraining tools supports safe and humane livestock management, reduces stress and injury, and enhances overall farm productivity and animal welfare.
Ear Tagging
A specific type of tagging where identification tags are placed on the ear of an animal. Ear tagging is commonly used in cattle, sheep, and goats. For example, applying ear tags to newborn calves to track their growth and health records.
Deficiency Payment
deficiency payment: Payment made to a producer when the price for a commodity at the market does not reach a preset guaranteed price. Deficiency payments can provide financial stability for farmers during periods of low market prices. Farmers should stay informed about eligibility requirements and application processes for deficiency payments to take advantage of this support. Understanding market trends and diversifying income sources can also help mitigate the impact of low prices.
Calf Growth Monitoring
Tracking the growth and development of calves to ensure they are meeting health and production goals. Growth monitoring includes regular weighing and health assessments. For example, weighing calves monthly to track their growth rates and adjust feeding programs.
Seed Potato
seed potato: A potato tuber which is sown to produce new plants. In the UK, these are grown mainly in Scotland, and produced under a certification scheme (the Seed Potato Classification Scheme). Farmers benefit from using certified seed potatoes for disease-free and high-quality potato crops.
Beef Flat Iron Steak
A cut of beef obtained from the shoulder blade, known for its tenderness and flavor. Flat iron steak is popular for grilling and casual dining. For example, producing flat iron steaks for home cooks and restaurants.
Table Bird
table bird: A poultry bird reared for meat. Raising table birds can provide a reliable source of income for farmers and contribute to local food supplies.
Potential Transpiration
potential transpiration: The calculated amount of water taken up from the soil and transpired through the leaves of plants. The amount varies according to the climate and weather conditions. Helpful content: Understanding potential transpiration helps farmers manage irrigation effectively. Accurate water management can optimize crop growth, reduce water waste, and enhance overall farm sustainability.
Canadian Holstein
Canadian Holstein: A breed of dairy cattle known for high milk production. Raising Canadian Holsteins can enhance dairy farm productivity, providing abundant milk supply.
Thousand-Headed Kale
thousand-headed kale: A variety of kale grown for feeding to livestock, usually in the winter months. It has many branches and small leaves. Utilizing thousand-headed kale can provide nutritious forage for livestock during winter.
Advisory Committee On Organic Standards
Advisory Committee on Organic Standards: A non-departmental public body set up by the Government to advise ministers on organic standards. Abbr ACOS. Adhering to ACOS standards ensures the integrity and marketability of organic products for farmers.
Sitka Spruce
Sitka spruce: a temperate softwood coniferous tree that is fast-growing, used for making paper. Latin name: Picea sitchensis. Cultivating Sitka spruce provides farmers with a renewable source of timber and pulp, supporting sustainable forestry practices and economic growth.
Beef Chorion
The chorion of cattle, often used for medicinal purposes. For example, producing beef chorion for pharmaceutical and health applications.
Breech Birth
breech birth: A birth in which the baby is delivered buttocks or feet first. Managing breech births in livestock ensures safe delivery and reduces complications.
Seed-Borne
seed-borne: Carried by seeds. Farmers benefit from understanding and managing seed-borne diseases to protect crop health and yield.
Environmental Pollution
environmental pollution: The pollution of the environment by human activities. Preventing environmental pollution helps farmers maintain healthy ecosystems and comply with regulations.
Big Bale Silage
big bale silage: Silage stored in big bales. This method ensures high-quality forage preservation and reduces spoilage.
Farm Accounting
The process of managing and recording financial transactions for a farm. Farm accounting helps track expenses, income, and profitability. For instance, maintaining detailed records of crop sales and equipment purchases to manage the farm’s finances effectively.
Food Product Compliance Monitoring Software
The tools and systems used to track and ensure adherence to regulations, standards, and best practices in food production and distribution, including reporting and audit trails. For example, implementing food product compliance monitoring software to ensure regulatory compliance and avoid penalties.
Wedding And Event Venue Services
The provision of facilities and services for hosting weddings, parties, and other events on farms. For example, offering wedding and event venue services to provide a unique and picturesque setting for celebrations.
Companion Planting
companion planting: The practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefit. Companion planting can improve pest control, pollination, and crop yield.