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.

Cloaca

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 26, 2011May 25, 20242

Cloaca: The terminal region of the gut with intestinal, urinary, and genital canals opening into it. Understanding livestock anatomy, including the cloaca, helps farmers manage animal health and diagnose conditions.

Blight

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 25, 2011May 25, 20241

blight: A plant disease, especially one caused by fungi such as mildew, rusts, and smuts. Early detection and management of blight prevent crop losses and maintain plant health.

Inspector

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 25, 2011May 25, 20242

inspector: An official whose job is to examine animals, soil, buildings, etc., to see if they conform to government regulations. Helps farmers comply with regulations.

Government Subsidies

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 24, 2011May 24, 20240

Financial assistance provided by the government to support agricultural production and stabilize markets. Subsidies can help farmers manage risks and maintain profitability. For example, receiving subsidies for growing specific crops or implementing conservation practices.

Beef Burgers

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 24, 2011May 24, 20240

Ground beef patties served in buns with various toppings, a staple of fast food and casual dining. For example, producing beef patties for use in restaurants and home grilling.

Impermeable

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 24, 2011May 25, 20242

impermeable: Referring to a substance which does not allow a liquid or gas to pass through. Rocks which are impermeable to water. Helps farmers manage soil and water resources.

Diarrhoea

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 24, 2011May 25, 20242

diarrhoea: A condition where an animal frequently passes liquid feces. Also called scouring. Managing diarrhea in livestock involves identifying the cause, providing proper hydration, and implementing appropriate treatments. Farmers should work with veterinarians to develop effective management plans for preventing and treating diarrhea. Understanding the factors contributing to diarrhea will help maintain animal health and productivity.

Grain Reserves

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 24, 2011May 25, 20242

grain reserves: Grain reserves are the amount of cereal grain held in store by a country above its annual requirements. Managing grain reserves ensures food security and stabilizes market prices, benefiting farmers and consumers.

Lambing Tunnel

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 23, 2011May 25, 20240

Lambing Tunnel: A lambing tunnel is a covered enclosure for ewes and lambs. Lambing tunnels provide protection from harsh weather, ensuring the safety and well-being of ewes and lambs during the vulnerable lambing period.

Dairy Farm Business Planning

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 23, 2011May 24, 20242

The process of developing and implementing a strategic plan for dairy farm operations, including goals, resources, and financial projections. For example, creating a dairy farm business plan to guide decision-making and achieve long-term success.

Progeny

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 22, 2011May 25, 20241

progeny: The young or children produced by any living thing. Helpful content: Monitoring progeny performance helps farmers select the best breeding stock. This practice ensures genetic improvement and higher productivity in future generations of crops or livestock.

Response

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 20, 2011May 25, 20242

response: The beneficial reaction of a growing crop to the application of fertilizer. Monitoring crop response helps farmers optimize fertilizer use and improve yields.

Heat Treatment

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 18, 2011May 25, 20240

heat treatment: The use of high temperatures, typically 45°C, to disinfest storage areas or containers. Using heat treatment helps prevent pest infestations and maintain the quality of stored crops.

Cottage Piggery

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 16, 2011May 25, 20242

Cottage Piggery: Cottage piggery noun a pig housing with low roofs and an open yard. Utilizing cottage piggeries provides proper housing and management for pigs.

Genome

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 13, 2011May 25, 20242

genome: The set of all the genes in an individual. The set of genes which are inherited from one parent. Knowledge of the genome helps in identifying and selecting desirable traits for breeding programs, improving crop and livestock quality.

Cow Beef

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 12, 2011May 25, 20241

Cow Beef: Cow beef noun beef from dairy cows no longer needed for milk production. Utilizing cow beef provides valuable meat resources.

Wet-Feeding

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 11, 2011May 25, 20242

wet-feeding: A method of feeding livestock such as pigs in which the animal has access to dry feedingstuffs and water at the same time. Using wet-feeding systems can improve feed efficiency and animal growth.

Rural Area

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 10, 2011May 25, 20241

rural area: An area in the countryside where the main activities are farming or forestry and where relatively few people live. Managing rural areas supports sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Steer

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 9, 2011May 25, 20242

steer: a castrated male bovine over one year old. Also called bullock. Properly managing steers supports healthy growth and productivity in beef operations, enhancing farm profitability.

Groundwater

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 8, 2011May 25, 20242

groundwater: Water that is stored beneath the Earth’s surface in soil or rock formations. Managing groundwater resources is important for sustainable agriculture and water supply.

Sedge

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 8, 2011May 25, 20242

sedge: One of a number of grass or rushlike herbs of the family Cyperaceae, common in marshlands and poorly drained areas. They have minimal nutritional value. Farmers benefit from managing sedge to maintain soil health and prevent waterlogging.

Salsify

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 8, 2011May 25, 20241

salsify: A plant with a long white root which is used as a vegetable. Farmers benefit from growing salsify as a unique crop offering diversification and potential market niche.

Jojoba

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 7, 2011May 25, 20242

jojoba: Jojoba – a perennial plant, grown in the USA, whose seeds yield an oil which is liquid wax. Helps farmers diversify crops and produce valuable oil.

Trondheim

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 7, 2011May 25, 20242

Trondheim: Blacksided Trondheim. Understanding livestock breeds like Trondheim can support breeding programs and optimize animal performance.

Alkaloid

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 6, 2011May 25, 20242

alkaloid: One of many poisonous substances found in plants, which use them as a defense against herbivores. Many alkaloids such as atropine, morphine, or quinine are also useful as medicines. Farmers benefit from understanding alkaloids to manage plant health and potential toxicity.

Contact

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 4, 2011May 25, 20242

Contact: Contact noun a physical connection between two or more things, especially the fact of one touching the other Dont allow the part to come into contact with water. Managing contact involves preventing contamination and ensuring product quality.

Beetle

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 3, 2011May 25, 20242

beetle: An insect with hard wing covers. Some beetles are beneficial predators, while others are pests; farmers need to identify and manage both types effectively.

Case

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 3, 2011May 25, 20240

Case: An outer covering or a single occurrence of a disease. Properly managing cases of disease involves implementing biosecurity measures and providing appropriate veterinary care to protect livestock health.

Veterinary Care

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 2, 2011May 24, 20240

The medical treatment and preventive care provided to livestock by veterinarians. Veterinary care includes vaccinations, surgeries, and health monitoring. For example, working with a veterinarian to develop health protocols for cattle.

Excretion Rate

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 1, 2011May 25, 20242

excretion rate: The rate at which a substance such as nitrogen is excreted by an animal. Understanding excretion rates helps farmers manage livestock nutrition and waste.

Global Distillation

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 29, 2010May 25, 20242

global distillation: The movement of persistent organic pollutants from warm tropical and subtropical regions to cooler higher latitudes via evaporation and condensation. Understanding global distillation helps farmers recognize and mitigate the impact of pollutants on their crops and environment.

Clayey

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 28, 2010May 25, 20241

Clayey: Containing clay. Understanding soil composition helps farmers manage fertility and optimize crop production on clayey lands.

Master Of Foxhounds Association

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 28, 2010May 25, 20242

Master of Foxhounds Association: a group which provides information to foxhunters and hunt leaders. Abbr MFHA. Understanding the role of the Master of Foxhounds Association can help farmers engaged in foxhunting activities manage their operations more effectively.

Worms

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 27, 2010May 25, 20242

worms: Worms refer to parasitic worms infesting animals. Managing worm infestations is crucial for maintaining livestock health and ensuring high yields in dairy and meat production.

Veterinary Medicine

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 27, 2010May 24, 20240

The branch of medicine that focuses on the health and care of animals. Veterinary medicine includes diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in livestock, pets, and wildlife. For example, providing veterinary care to dairy cows to ensure their health and productivity.

Louse Disease

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 25, 2010May 25, 20242

Louse Disease: Louse disease is an external parasitic disease of cattle. Severe infection leads to loss of condition, wasting, and anemia. Managing louse disease through proper treatment and prevention measures can protect cattle health and productivity.

Wireweed

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 24, 2010May 25, 20242

wireweed: Wireweed, or knotgrass, is a common weed affecting crops. Farmers need to manage wireweed to protect crop health and ensure optimal yields.

Cattle Ranch

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 24, 2010May 24, 20240

A large farm where cattle are raised for meat production. Cattle ranches typically involve extensive grazing land and herd management practices. For example, managing a cattle ranch with rotational grazing to optimize forage use and cattle health.

Variegation

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 24, 2010May 25, 20242

variegation: A phenomenon in some plants where two or more colors occur in patches on the leaves or flowers. Managing variegation can help maintain aesthetic and genetic diversity in crops.

SFA

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 23, 2010May 25, 20242

SFA: Small Farms Association. Farmers benefit from engaging with SFA for support and resources tailored to small-scale farming operations.

Heft

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 22, 2010May 25, 20242

heft: A group of mountain sheep which graze the same area in which they were born, although not kept in by fences. Managing hefted sheep helps maintain traditional grazing practices and supports sustainable land use.

Bilharziasis

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 20, 2010May 25, 20242

bilharziasis: Another term for schistosomiasis. Recognizing and managing bilharziasis helps protect livestock and farm workers from parasitic infections.

Descending Aorta

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 19, 2010May 25, 20242

descending aorta: The second section of the aorta as it turns downwards. Understanding animal anatomy, including the descending aorta, is important for livestock health and veterinary care. Farmers should work with veterinarians to monitor the health of their animals and address any cardiovascular issues promptly. Knowledge of animal anatomy can improve health management and disease prevention.

Yelt

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 19, 2010May 25, 20240

yelt: Yelt is a young female pig. Proper care and management of yelts are essential for farmers to ensure healthy development and future production.

Tox- / Toxi-

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 18, 2010May 25, 20242

tox- / toxi-: Prefix indicating poison. Understanding toxic substances and their effects is crucial for safe farm management and preventing contamination.

Genotype

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 18, 2010May 25, 20241

genotype: The genetic constitution of an organism. Phenotype. An individual organism. Understanding genotype helps farmers predict the traits of offspring and select the best individuals for breeding.

Skin

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 17, 2010May 25, 20240

skin: the outer layer on an animal, fruit, or vegetable. Proper management of skin health in livestock and produce helps farmers maintain quality and market value, reducing losses and enhancing profitability.

Nucleus

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 17, 2010May 25, 20242

nucleus: the central body in a cell, containing DNA and RNA, and controlling the function and characteristics of the cell. Understanding cell biology, including the role of the nucleus, helps farmers and researchers develop better breeding and crop improvement strategies. Knowledge of genetic principles and cellular functions can lead to advancements in plant and animal breeding, improving productivity, disease resistance, and overall farm performance. Farmers can benefit from adopting new technologies and practices based on cellular and genetic research to enhance their operations and sustainability.

Swing Plough

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 17, 2010May 25, 20241

swing plough: a plough used in upland areas which is designed to swing from one side to the other when the tractor changes direction at the end of a furrow. Using swing ploughs ensures efficient soil preparation and crop establishment, supporting productive agriculture.