Support Energy
by support energy: the total energy expenditure necessary for the production of plant and animal agricultural foodstuffs. Properly managing support energy ensures efficient resource use and sustainability in agricultural production.
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.
Soil Fertility
soil fertility: the potential capacity of soil to support plant growth based on its content of nitrogen and other nutrients. Managing soil fertility ensures healthy crop growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.
Malting
malting: the process by which barley grain is soaked in water, then sprouted on a floor to produce an enzyme. It is then dried in a kiln and the roots and shoots are removed to leave the malt grains. Understanding the malting process can help farmers produce high-quality barley, leading to better marketability and income.
Fat Cover
The layer of fat covering an animal’s muscles, affecting meat quality and yield. Fat cover is assessed to determine market readiness and processing efficiency. For example, monitoring fat cover in cattle to optimize meat quality and minimize waste.
Cattle Branding
A method of permanently marking cattle with a hot iron or freeze brand to indicate ownership. Branding helps prevent theft and establish identity. For instance, branding cattle with a ranch’s unique mark for identification and legal purposes.
Indehiscent
indehiscent: Referring to seed pods, fruit or capsules that do not open to release seeds when ripe. Compare dehiscent. Helps farmers manage seed dispersal and crop harvest.
Rotation Design
rotation design: A method of conserving soil nutrients in organic farming by planting different crops in different years. Using rotation designs supports sustainable farming practices and soil health.
Rural Environment
rural environment: The countryside. Protecting the rural environment supports sustainable agriculture and enhances biodiversity.
Active Ingredient
active ingredient: The main effective ingredient of something such as an ointment or agrochemical, as opposed to the base substance. Abbr AI. Knowing the active ingredients in agrochemicals helps farmers use them safely and effectively.
Food Product Incident Investigation
The process of examining and analyzing incidents related to food products, including contamination, quality issues, and safety concerns, to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. For example, conducting food product incident investigations to improve processes and prevent future issues.
Agricultural Holding
agricultural holding: A basic unit for agricultural production, consisting of all the land and livestock under the management of one particular person or group of people. Managing agricultural holdings effectively is crucial for farmers to optimize productivity and sustainability.
Institute Of Food Research
Institute of Food Research: A not-for-profit scientific institute which advises on food safety, diet and health. Abbr IFR. Ensures farmers have access to the latest research on food safety and nutrition.
Horticultural Development Council
Horticultural Development Council: A non-departmental government body providing information and support to people in the horticulture industry, including producers of soft fruit, mushrooms, and tree fruit. Abbr HDC. Engaging with HDC can provide farmers with valuable research and support for horticultural practices.
Beef Brisket
A cut of beef obtained from the breast or lower chest, known for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly. Brisket is commonly used for barbecuing and braising. For example, producing beef brisket for barbecue joints and home cooks.
Monophyletic
monophyletic: derived from a single ancestral type. Understanding monophyletic relationships can help farmers improve their breeding programs and ensure better genetic diversity and productivity.
Inorganic Pesticide
inorganic pesticide: A pesticide made from inorganic substances such as sulfur. Helps farmers control pests using inorganic pesticides.
Soil Erosion Assessment
The evaluation of soil erosion risk and severity to inform management practices and conservation efforts. Soil erosion assessment helps identify vulnerable areas and prioritize interventions. For example, conducting soil erosion assessments to develop targeted conservation plans and protect soil health on a farm.
Rib
A primal cut of beef obtained from the rib section, known for its tenderness and flavor. Rib cuts include ribeye steaks and prime rib. For instance, producing ribeye steaks for high-end restaurants and retail markets.
Theoretical Field Capacity
theoretical field capacity: The rate of work that would be achieved if a machine were performing its function at its full-rated forward speed for 100% of the time. Understanding theoretical field capacity can help farmers plan and optimize machinery use for efficient field operations.
Penicillin
penicillin: An antibiotic, originally produced from a fungus, that controls bacterial and fungal infections (NOTE: Penicillin and the related family of drugs have names ending in -cillin: amoxycillin). COMMENT: Penicillin is effective against many microbial diseases, such as mastitis in cattle. Using antibiotics like penicillin helps in treating infections and maintaining livestock health.
Adulterate
adulterate: To reduce the quality of something, such as by adding water to milk. Ensuring products are not adulterated maintains their quality and marketability for farmers.
Guinea Corn
guinea corn: Guinea corn is sorghum, a versatile crop used for food, fodder, and industrial products. Growing guinea corn diversifies farm production and meets market demands for cereals.
Climate-Smart Agriculture
An approach to farming that seeks to increase productivity, enhance resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This involves practices such as crop rotation, conservation tillage, and agroforestry. For example, implementing climate-smart practices can help a farm adapt to changing weather patterns.
Crop
Crop: Crop noun 1. a plant grown for food 2. a yield of produce from plants The tree has produced a heavy crop of apples. The first crop was a failure. The rice crop has failed. 3. the bag-shaped part of a birds throat where food is stored before digestion verb (of plants) to produce fruit a new strain of rice which crops heavily. Managing crops ensures optimal yields and sustainable agriculture.
Cattle Milk Vitamin D
A nutrient added to milk to support bone health and immune function. Vitamin D is commonly fortified in milk. For instance, fortifying milk with vitamin D to help prevent deficiencies in the population.
Farm Business Survey
Farm Business Survey: A survey carried out by Defra on the financial performance of different types of farms. Abbr FBS. This survey helps farmers benchmark their performance and make informed business decisions.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS):
Ribeye Area Measurement
The size of the ribeye muscle, measured at the 12th rib. Ribeye area is used to assess muscling and meat yield. For example, measuring the ribeye area of beef cattle to evaluate carcass quality and market potential.
Soil-Borne Fungus
soil-borne fungus: a fungus whose spores are carried in the soil. Managing soil-borne fungi protects crops from disease, ensuring healthy growth and better yields.
Crossbreeding
Crossbreeding: Crossbreeding /kr?sbri:di?/ noun mating or artificial insemination of animals of different breeds in order to combine the best characteristics of the two breeds. Engaging in crossbreeding practices supports genetic diversity and livestock improvement.
Integrated Fish Farming
The practice of combining fish farming with other agricultural activities, such as crop or livestock production, to create a synergistic system. For example, implementing integrated fish farming to enhance resource use efficiency and diversify farm income.
Environmental Mastitis
A type of mastitis caused by pathogens present in the cow’s environment, such as bedding and water. Environmental mastitis is managed through hygiene and management practices. For example, maintaining clean bedding to reduce the risk of environmental mastitis in dairy cows.
Deer Commission For Scotland
Deer Commission for Scotland: An association in Scotland which advises on best practices in wild deer management. Abbr DCS. Farmers involved in deer farming or managing land with wild deer populations should follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by the DCS. Implementing best practices in deer management can improve herd health, reduce disease risk, and enhance the sustainability of deer populations.
Portland
Portland: A rare breed of sheep. Both sexes are horned, with brown or tan faces and legs. Helpful content: Portland sheep are known for their hardiness and adaptability to various environments. Farmers can benefit from raising this rare breed due to its resilience and the unique qualities of its wool and meat.