Farm Equipment
Machinery and tools used in farming operations. Farm equipment includes tractors, plows, harvesters, and irrigation systems. For instance, using a combine harvester to efficiently harvest grain crops.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
Machinery and tools used in farming operations. Farm equipment includes tractors, plows, harvesters, and irrigation systems. For instance, using a combine harvester to efficiently harvest grain crops.
Berrichon du Cher: A French breed of sheep now imported into the UK. Raising Berrichon du Cher sheep can enhance genetic diversity and improve flock productivity.
biological oxygen demand: Another term for biochemical oxygen demand. Monitoring biological oxygen demand helps farmers manage water quality and prevent pollution.
environmental tax: Same as ecotax. Understanding environmental taxes helps farmers adopt practices that protect the environment and comply with regulations.
The removal of testicles in male calves to prevent breeding and reduce aggressive behavior. Calf castration is commonly performed in livestock management. For example, castrating male calves to raise them as steers for meat production.
translaminar fungicide: A fungicide that is absorbed into a plants system through its leaves. Using translaminar fungicides can provide effective disease control and protect crop health.
The practice of managing rangelands to optimize forage production, animal health, and ecological sustainability. Rangeland management includes grazing strategies, vegetation monitoring, and soil conservation. For instance, implementing rotational grazing to maintain rangeland health and productivity.
reafforestation: The planting of trees in an area which was formerly covered by forest. Reafforestation helps farmers restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and contribute to carbon sequestration.
preserve: 1. To protect something from damage or decay. 2. To stop food from changing or rotting. Helpful content: Preserving produce through methods like pickling, fermenting, and freezing allows farmers to add value and reduce post-harvest losses. These techniques can open new market opportunities and increase farm income.
The practice of overseeing and managing the operations of a feedlot. Feedlot management includes feeding, health care, and marketing of livestock. For instance, managing a feedlot to ensure cattle are fed properly and meet market weight requirements.
Cucumber: Cucumber noun a creeping plant (Cucumis sativus) with long green fleshy fruit, used as a salad vegetable COMMENT: Cucumbers are native to India, and are used as a cooked vegetable in oriental cooking; they are a major glasshouse crop. Cultivating cucumbers provides nutritious vegetables for markets.
Structures and methods used to remove excess water from agricultural land. Proper drainage helps prevent waterlogging and soil erosion. For example, installing tile drainage systems in fields to improve soil conditions for crops.
The technologies and devices that use sensors and actuators to monitor and control processes in food production and distribution, improving efficiency and quality. For example, using food product smart sensors and actuators to automate temperature control and ensure product freshness.
beak trimming: Cutting off a birds beak to prevent injury to other birds by pecking. Understanding humane beak trimming practices ensures the welfare of poultry in close conditions.
timberline: US same as treeline. Understanding the timberline helps farmers in planning land use and managing forested areas.
White Plymouth Rock: A large heavy breed of table poultry. Raising White Plymouth Rock chickens can provide high-quality meat, enhancing farm profitability.
The practices and systems used to store and manage food products, ensuring quality and availability. For example, implementing food product storage and inventory management practices to maintain product freshness and optimize supply chain efficiency.
The weight of cattle, typically measured in pounds or kilograms. Cattle weight is an important indicator of growth, health, and productivity. For example, weighing cattle regularly to monitor growth rates and adjust feeding programs.
A gourmet dish made from beef tenderloin, mushroom duxelles, and puff pastry, often served at special occasions. For example, producing beef tenderloin for use in Beef Wellington recipes.
solar dryer: a device for drying crops using the heat of the sun. Using solar dryers provides farmers with a sustainable method for crop drying, reducing energy costs and preserving product quality.
waste lime: Lime obtained from industrial concerns after it has been used as a purifying material. Using waste lime can improve soil pH and fertility, enhancing crop growth.
nitrate: 1. an ion with the formula NO3. 2. a chemical compound containing the nitrate ion, e.g., sodium nitrate. 3. a natural constituent of plants. Beets, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli can contain up to 1mg/kg. Nitrates are a source of nitrogen for plants, essential for their growth and development. Farmers can benefit from understanding the role of nitrates in plant nutrition and applying nitrate fertilizers appropriately. Proper nitrate management ensures optimal crop growth, improves yields, and reduces the risk of environmental pollution from excess nitrates.
acaridicide: Same as acaricide. Effective use of acaridicides is essential for maintaining livestock health and preventing economic losses due to parasite infestations.
A cut of beef kidney, often used in traditional dishes such as steak and kidney pie. For example, producing beef kidney steaks for culinary and specialty markets.
sulphur: a yellow non-metallic chemical element that is essential to biological life. It is used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid and in the vulcanisation of rubber. COMMENT: In the United Kingdom, the removal of sulphur from the atmosphere means that some crops such as oilseed rape are deficient and sulphur needs to be added to fertilisers. Understanding and using sulphur effectively supports soil fertility and healthy crop growth, enhancing farm productivity.
amino acid: A chemical compound which is a component of proteins. Proteins are first broken down into amino acids. Essential amino acids. Understanding amino acids helps farmers manage animal nutrition and health.
Land Suitability: Land suitability is the suitability of land for a certain agricultural purpose. Land suitability is similar to land capability but defines its usefulness for a particular purpose. Suitability tends to emphasize the positive value of land, while capability emphasizes its limitations. Assessing land suitability helps farmers choose appropriate crops and farming methods.
rural development policy: A set of aims and guidelines issued by an authority, used when planning rural development. Understanding rural development policy helps farmers engage with development initiatives and access support.
Clean Land: Land that is free of weeds. Maintaining clean land supports healthy crop growth and reduces competition for resources.
desalinate: To remove salt from a substance such as sea water or soil. Desalination is important for improving water quality and soil health in saline environments. Farmers should use appropriate desalination techniques to enhance the productivity of saline soils and water sources. Understanding the methods and benefits of desalination can help in managing saline conditions effectively.
elephant grass: Same as miscanthus. Growing miscanthus can provide farmers with a renewable energy source and improve soil health.