March 10, 2025
T

Tarentaise

Tarentaise: A breed of dairy cattle from the Savoie region of France, yellowish fawn in color, with black muzzle, ears, and tail. Using Tarentaise cattle can improve dairy production and adapt to specific environmental conditions.

E

E Number

E number: A classification of additives to food approved by the European Union. Understanding E numbers helps farmers in food processing and product formulation to comply with regulations and ensure food safety.

D

Dorset Down

Dorset Down: A medium-sized down breed of sheep with a brown face and wool growing over the forehead. It provides a good-quality fine stringy fleece. Dorset Downs are valued for their meat and wool production, requiring proper care and management to ensure their health and productivity.

M

Mezzadria

mezzadria: a system used in Southern Italy, where a vineyard is leased and the landlord is paid a half-share of the wine produced. Understanding the mezzadria system can help farmers manage vineyard operations and leases more effectively, ensuring better productivity and profitability.

P

Pony

pony: A small breed of horse, often ridden by children, but also living wild in some parts of the world. Helpful content: Ponies are versatile animals that can be used for riding, light draft work, and as companions for other livestock. Farmers can benefit from their hardiness, low maintenance requirements, and adaptability to various farm tasks.

Soil Profile

A vertical section of soil that shows the different layers or horizons from the surface to the underlying material. The soil profile provides information about soil formation, properties, and fertility. For example, studying the soil profile to understand soil characteristics and guide land use planning and management.

O

Over Thirty Month Scheme

Over Thirty Month Scheme: A scheme supporting farmers by providing payment and support for the disposal of cattle born or reared in the United Kingdom before August 1996. This helps farmers manage older cattle, comply with regulations, and maintain a healthy and productive herd.

C

Coeliac Disease

Coeliac Disease: Coeliac disease /si:liak di:zi:z/ noun a disease of the small intestine resulting from an inability to digest wheat protein (NOTE: The protein gluten causes the body’s own immune system to attack and damage the gut lining). Awareness of coeliac disease is essential for farmers producing gluten-free products.

D

Down

down: The small soft feathers of a young bird or soft feathers below the outer feathers in some adult birds. Down is highly valued for its insulating properties and is used in clothing and bedding products.

M

MMBM

MMBM: abbreviation mammalian meat and bone meal. Understanding the uses and nutritional value of MMBM can help farmers provide balanced diets for their livestock, leading to better growth and productivity.

D

Doe

doe: A female deer, goat, rabbit, or hare. Does are important in breeding programs and require proper care to ensure successful reproduction and the health of their offspring. Farmers should monitor their nutrition, health, and birthing conditions.

S

Skimmed Milk

skimmed milk: milk which has had both fat and fat-soluble vitamins removed. It is used as a milk substitute for calves and lambs. Providing skimmed milk as a substitute ensures young livestock receive adequate nutrition for healthy growth and development.

L

Larch

Larch: Larch is a deciduous European softwood tree that has cones. It is fast-growing and used as a timber crop. Genus: Larix. Growing larch trees can provide farmers with a sustainable source of timber.

D

Die Back

die back: To be affected by the death of a branch or shoot. Roses may die back after pruning in frosty weather. Managing die back involves identifying the cause and implementing proper pruning, disease control, and care practices. Farmers and gardeners should monitor plants for signs of die back and take corrective actions to maintain plant health and productivity. Understanding the factors contributing to die back will aid in developing effective management strategies.

N

Norway Rat

Norway rat: same as brown rat. Managing Norway rats, also known as brown rats, is essential for protecting crops, feed stores, and farm infrastructure. Farmers can benefit from implementing integrated pest management strategies, including trapping, exclusion, and proper sanitation, to control rat populations. Understanding the behavior and habitat preferences of Norway rats helps farmers take effective measures to prevent infestations and reduce the risk of damage. Effective rodent management supports farm biosecurity, protects resources, and ensures a healthier farming environment.

D

Double Lows

double lows: Varieties of oilseed rape with low erucic acid and glucosinolate contents. These varieties are valued for their improved nutritional profile and reduced toxicity, making them suitable for animal feed and human consumption.

N

Non-Food Crops

non-food crops: plural noun crops which are grown for purposes other than producing food, such as to provide renewable energy or chemicals. Non-food crops offer farmers opportunities to diversify their production and tap into emerging markets for bioenergy, industrial raw materials, and pharmaceuticals. By growing non-food crops, farmers can reduce dependency on traditional food markets, enhance income stability, and contribute to sustainable development. Understanding market demand and production requirements for non-food crops helps farmers make informed decisions and optimize their farming operations.

Soil Stability

The ability of soil to maintain its structure and resist erosion, compaction, and other forms of degradation. Soil stability is influenced by factors such as organic matter, soil texture, and management practices. For example, enhancing soil stability through conservation tillage and cover cropping to protect soil health and support sustainable agriculture.

D

Dorset Horn

Dorset Horn: A breed of sheep in the south-west of England, both rams and ewes of which have long curly horns. It produces a fine white clear wool and is unique among British breeds in that it can lamb at any time of the year. Proper breeding and management practices can maximize their productivity.

M

Mercury Chloride

mercury chloride: same as mercury (I) chloride, a poisonous white compound of mercury and chlorine, used as a moss killer and laxative. Formula: Hg2Cl2. Also called mercurous chloride, calomel. Understanding the uses and effects of mercury chloride can help farmers manage pest control and other applications more effectively.