Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
day-nettle: Same as common hemp nettle. Common hemp nettle can be a weed in crops and pastures. Farmers should monitor for its presence and use appropriate weed control methods to prevent it from spreading. Integrated pest management and herbicide use can help manage common hemp nettle, protecting crop health and yields.
stocking density: the number of animals kept on a specific area of land. (NOTE: Animal welfare codes lay down rules for the maximum stocking density allowed to ensure that the health and welfare of the animals or birds is good.) Properly managing stocking density ensures livestock health and welfare, supporting productivity and ethical farming practices.
rotary parlour: The most expensive and complex of the four milking systems, where the cows stand on a rotating platform with the milker in the middle. The operator may work on the inner or outer side of the circle. Using rotary parlours enhances milking efficiency and reduces labor costs.
A breed of beef cattle developed in the United States, known for its hardiness and fertility. Beefmaster cattle are used for meat production and crossbreeding. For example, raising Beefmaster cattle for their efficiency and adaptability to various environments.
A type of fish commonly farmed for its edible flesh. Trout farming involves raising fish in controlled environments such as ponds or tanks. For instance, operating a trout farm to produce fish for the seafood market and meet consumer demand.
biosecurity: Measures taken to protect against the spread of diseases and pests. Implementing biosecurity practices is essential for preventing outbreaks that can devastate crops and livestock.
solarisation: exposure to the rays of the sun, especially for the purpose of killing pests in the soil, by covering the soil with plastic sheets and letting it warm up in the sunshine. Using solarisation techniques helps farmers manage pests and diseases, ensuring healthy crop growth and better yields.
dairy herd: A herd of dairy cows. Managing a dairy herd involves regular monitoring of cow health, production levels, and reproductive status. Implementing herd management software can help farmers keep detailed records and make informed decisions. Regular veterinary care, balanced diets, and good housing conditions are essential for maintaining a healthy and productive dairy herd.
Field Bindweed: A deep-rooted perennial weed (Convolvulus arvensis) causing significant problems due to its mass of clinging growths. Effective weed management practices are necessary to control field bindweed and protect crop yields.
The development and implementation of programs to reward and retain loyal customers, including discounts, points, and exclusive offers. For example, creating food product loyalty programs to encourage repeat purchases and build customer loyalty.
The ability of soil to hold water and make it available to plants. Soil water retention is influenced by factors such as soil texture, organic matter, and management practices. For example, enhancing soil water retention through organic matter addition and conservation tillage to support healthy crop growth and reduce irrigation needs.
Andalusian: A dark red breed of cattle, used both as draught animals and for beef. A laying breed of chicken with blue feathers. Understanding the characteristics of Andalusian cattle and chickens helps farmers manage livestock and poultry production.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease /kr??tsf?lt jæ:k?b d?zi:z/ noun a disease of the human nervous system caused by a slow-acting prion which eventually affects the brain. It may be linked to BSE in cows. Abbr CJD. Managing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease involves implementing biosecurity measures to protect livestock and human health.
Ile de France: A large French breed of sheep, the rams of which are kept to provide crossbred lambs for meat production. Knowledge of sheep breeds helps farmers improve meat production.
swine fever: a notifiable disease of pigs. Its symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, and general weakness, and it can be fatal. The disease was eradicated in Britain, but some further cases have been reported since 2000. The scientific name is classical swine fever, formerly called hog cholera. Managing swine fever ensures pig health and productivity, supporting farm profitability.
slatted mouldboard: a type of mouldboard which breaks up the soil as it is being ploughed. Using slatted mouldboards improves soil aeration and structure, promoting healthy root growth and better crop yields.
rumen: The first stomach of ruminating animals such as cows, sheep, or goats, all of which have four stomachs. It is used for storage of food after it has been partly digested and before it passes to the second stomach. Understanding rumen function helps farmers optimize livestock diets and improve productivity.
powdery mildew: A fungal disease (Erysiphe graminis) affecting cereals and grasses. Another form also affects sugar beet and brassicas. Helpful content: Managing powdery mildew involves using resistant varieties, proper spacing, and fungicide applications. Early detection and treatment can prevent significant crop losses and maintain healthy plants.
peach-leaf curl: A fungal disease which affects peaches, where the leaves swell and become red. Managing peach-leaf curl is essential for maintaining healthy peach orchards and ensuring high-quality fruit production.
wild radish: Wild radish, also known as runch, is a weed that can infest crop fields. Farmers can benefit from identifying and managing wild radish to prevent it from affecting crop productivity.
Actions taken to respond to and manage emergencies such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and accidents on farms. Effective emergency response plans help minimize damage and ensure safety. For example, having a plan in place to handle a wildfire threatening farm buildings and livestock.
An organization that represents the interests of dairy farmers and the dairy industry, often involved in advocacy, research, and education. For example, participating in a dairy association to stay informed about industry trends and regulations.
blossom end rot: A disorder in tomatoes and other fruits caused by calcium deficiency. Preventing blossom end rot through proper nutrition improves fruit quality and marketability.
zero grazing: Zero grazing involves harvesting forage crops and feeding them to housed livestock. This method benefits farmers by improving feed efficiency and animal health.
Cast Sheep: A sheep lying on its back and unable to get up again. Monitoring and managing cast sheep involves providing appropriate care to prevent injury and ensure animal welfare.
bovine growth hormone: A hormone used to increase milk production in dairy cows. Managing the use of bovine growth hormone ensures ethical practices and optimal milk yields.
The methods and processes used to produce cheese from milk, including coagulation, curd cutting, and aging. For example, implementing cheese making techniques to produce high-quality cheeses with unique flavors and textures.
Layering: Layering is 1. a method of propagation where the stem of a plant is bent until it touches the soil, and is fixed down on the soil surface until roots form, and 2. a process by which the half-cut stems of hedge plants are bent over and woven around stakes set in the ground to form a new hedge. Utilizing layering techniques can enhance plant propagation and hedge formation.
moisture holding capacity: the amount of water that a soil can hold. Abbr MHC. Understanding moisture holding capacity can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.
The decline in soil quality and productivity due to erosion, compaction, contamination, and other factors. Soil degradation can result from unsustainable farming practices and environmental pressures. For example, implementing conservation practices to prevent soil degradation and support sustainable agriculture.
ovum: A female egg cell which, when fertilised by a spermatozoon, begins to develop into an embryo. Managing ova is crucial for optimizing breeding programs and reproductive efficiency in livestock. Farmers can benefit from understanding reproductive biology and implementing best practices in breeding management to enhance productivity.
milker: 1. a cow which is giving milk 2. a cow which is kept for milk 3. a farmworker who supervises the milking of cows 4. the part of the milking machine which is attached to the cows teats with teat cups. Proper management of milkers can ensure better milk yield and quality, contributing to farm profitability and sustainability.
genetic code: The information carried by an organisms DNA which determines the synthesis of proteins by cells and which is passed on when the cell divides. Also called genetic information. Understanding the genetic code is essential for genetic engineering and breeding programs.
by