Sheepdog
by sheepdog: A breed of dog trained and used by shepherds in controlling sheep. Farmers benefit from using sheepdogs for efficient livestock management and herding.
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.
Copper Deficiency
Copper Deficiency: Copper deficiency noun a lack of copper in an animals diet, sometimes caused by poisoning with molybdenum COMMENT: Symptoms of copper deficiency vary, but can include lack of growth and change of colour, where black animals turn red or grey. In severe cases, bones can fracture, particularly the shoulder blade. Diarrhoea can also occur, as well as anaemia. Copper deficiency in ewes can cause swayback in lambs. The condition is treated with injections of copper sulphate. Managing copper deficiency involves providing proper nutrition and healthcare for livestock.
Genetic Material
genetic material: The parts of a cell that carry information that can be inherited, e.g., DNA, genes, or chromosomes. Knowledge of genetic material is essential for breeding programs and genetic research, helping farmers produce superior crops and livestock.
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points: Full form of HACCP. Implementing HACCP ensures food safety and quality, which is crucial for maintaining consumer trust and meeting regulatory standards.
Bird Cherry-Oat Aphid
bird cherry-oat aphid: A pest of cereals that spreads viruses. Monitoring and controlling bird cherry-oat aphids protects cereal crops from disease.
Isoglucose
isoglucose: Same as high fructose corn syrup. Helps farmers understand food ingredients and processing.
Blister Mite
blister mite: A small mite that infests plants, causing blister-like galls. Managing blister mites through integrated pest management protects crop yields.
Saddle Bow
saddle bow: A high part of a saddle in front of the rider. Farmers benefit from saddle bows by ensuring rider stability and control during horseback activities.
Plant Hormones
plant hormones: Hormones such as auxin which particularly affect plant growth. They are more accurately called ‘plant growth substances’. Helpful content: Understanding plant hormones can help farmers manipulate plant growth for better yield and quality. For instance, applying auxins can promote rooting in cuttings, leading to successful plant propagation.
Biodiversity Action Plan
Biodiversity Action Plan: A detailed scheme to maintain the biodiversity of a specific area. Implementing BAPs helps farmers protect and enhance biodiversity on their land.
Scarify
scarify: 1. To stir the surface of the soil with an implement with tines, e.g. a wire rake, but without turning the soil over. Lawns can be scarified to remove moss and matted grass. 2. To slit the outer coat of seed in order to speed up germination. Farmers benefit from scarifying to improve soil health and enhance seed germination rates.
Blue Tongue
blue tongue: A viral disease of ruminants spread by biting midges. Vaccinating against blue tongue protects livestock health and prevents outbreaks.
Emulsifier
emulsifier: A substance added to mixtures of food such as water and oil to hold them together. Stabilizer (NOTE: Emulsifiers are used in sauces and added to meat to increase the water content so that the meat is heavier. In the European Union, emulsifiers and stabilizers have E numbers E322 to E495.) Understanding emulsifiers helps farmers in food processing and product formulation.
Milk Hygiene
Practices and protocols to ensure the cleanliness and safety of milk production, including sanitation, equipment maintenance, and cow health. For example, adhering to strict hygiene standards in the milking parlor to prevent contamination and ensure high-quality milk.
Environmental Impact
environmental impact: The effect upon the environment of actions or events such as large construction programs or the draining of marshes. Understanding environmental impact helps farmers adopt practices that minimize harm to the natural world.
Countryside Agency
Countryside Agency: Countryside Agency noun a statutory body funded by Defra with the aim of making life better for people in the countryside. It is the statutory advisor on landscape issues and was formed by merging the Countryside Commission with parts of the Rural Development Commission, but is to be reorganized. Engaging with the Countryside Agency supports rural development and sustainable land use practices.
European Agricultural Guidance And Guarantee Fund
European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund: A fund set up to cover the costs of administering the CAP, financed by the European Union budget. Abbr EAGGF. Accessing EAGGF helps farmers receive financial support for agricultural improvements and sustainability projects.
Sooty Mould
sooty mould: a fungal disease of wheat (Cladosporium). Managing sooty mould ensures healthy wheat crops, preventing yield losses and maintaining quality.
Non-Flammable
non-flammable: adjective referring to a material that is difficult to set on fire. Using non-flammable materials in farm structures and equipment enhances safety and reduces the risk of fire-related incidents. Farmers can benefit from selecting non-flammable building materials, machinery components, and protective gear to safeguard their property and livestock. Implementing fire prevention measures and using non-flammable materials contribute to a safer working environment and protect farm investments.
Twice-A-Day
twice-a-day: A milking system in which cows are milked two times a day. Implementing twice-a-day milking can improve dairy production and farm profitability.
Sussex
Sussex: a beef breed of cattle, similar to the North Devon, that is hardy and adaptable. Dark cherry red in colour, they were originally used as draught animals in preference to draught horses. Properly managing Sussex cattle ensures healthy growth and productivity, supporting farm profitability and sustainability.
Committee On Medical Aspects Of Food Policy
Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy: Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy noun a panel which publishes reports on medical issues relating to food preparation and packaging. Abbr COMA. Engaging with COMA ensures adherence to medical guidelines for food safety and nutrition.
Dominance
dominance: A state where one species in a community is more abundant than others or the priority for food and reproductive mates that one animal has over another in a group. In genetics, dominance refers to the characteristic of a gene form (allele) that leads to the trait it controls being shown in any individual carrying it. Understanding dominance helps farmers manage breeding programs and animal behavior.
Contagious
Contagious: Contagious adjective referring to a disease which can be transmitted by touching an infected person, or objects which an infected person has touched. Compare infectious. Managing contagious diseases involves implementing biosecurity measures to prevent spread.
Humane Slaughter Association
Humane Slaughter Association: A charity which campaigns for animal suffering to be minimized during the slaughter process. Abbr HSA. Supporting HSA initiatives ensures the humane treatment of livestock and compliance with animal welfare standards.
Podsolisation
podsolisation: The process by which a podsol forms. Helpful content: Understanding podsolisation helps farmers recognize soil formation processes and implement practices to improve soil health. Proper management can mitigate the negative effects of podsolisation on crop growth.
Bacteria Bed
bacteria bed: A filter bed of rough stone used in the final stage of sewage treatment. Implementing a bacteria bed on the farm can help in environmentally friendly waste management and nutrient recycling.
Seasonal Farming
seasonal farming: Farming practices that vary with the seasons to optimize crop and livestock production. Seasonal farming helps align agricultural activities with environmental conditions.
Beef Bottom Round Steak
A cut of beef obtained from the round, known for its leanness and versatility. Bottom round steak is commonly used for roasts, steaks, and ground beef. For instance, processing bottom round into eye of round roasts and ground beef.
Closed Canopy
Closed Canopy: A canopy that has achieved complete cover or intercepts 95% of visible light. Understanding canopy structures helps farmers manage forest ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
Quality Grade
A classification system used to evaluate the palatability of meat, based on factors such as marbling and maturity. Quality grades include Prime, Choice, and Select. For instance, producing beef that meets higher quality grades to achieve premium market prices.
Devon
Devon: A breed of fine-boned dual-purpose cattle. North and South Devons are dark red, and belong to a type of red cattle bred for centuries in England. They thrive on pasture which would not be sufficient for larger breeds, and provide both meat and milk. (NOTE: They are commonly known as Red Rubies.) Farmers raising Devon cattle should focus on proper grazing management, health monitoring, and breeding practices to maintain herd productivity. Marketing the unique characteristics of Devon cattle, such as their hardiness and dual-purpose nature, can attract buyers and enhance farm profitability.
Commodity Futures
Commodity Futures: Commodity futures plural noun trading in commodities for delivery at a later date. The produce will often not yet have been grown or harvested. Understanding commodity futures helps farmers hedge against price volatility and secure future revenues.
Soil Organic Carbon
The carbon component of soil organic matter, which is important for soil fertility, structure, and carbon sequestration. Soil organic carbon helps improve soil health and mitigate climate change. For example, increasing soil organic carbon through conservation practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic matter addition to support productive and resilient farming systems.