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.

Peat

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 15, 2008May 25, 20240

peat: The accumulated partly decayed mosses and other plants which form the soil of a bog, often forming a deep layer. COMMENT: Acid peats are formed in waterlogged areas where marsh plants grow, and where the decay of dead material is slow. Black fen soils found in East Anglia are very fertile. These soils contain silts and calcium carbonate in addition to the remains of vegetation. Peat can be cut and dried in blocks, which can then be used as fuel. It is also widely used in horticulture, after drying and sterilizing. Peat was used as a fuel in some areas and was widely used in gardens to improve the texture of the soil or mixed with soil or other materials to grow plants in pots. These practices are now discouraged in order to prevent the overuse of peat bogs. Understanding peat and its uses helps in making informed decisions about sustainable soil management and conservation practices.

Enzootic Disease

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 14, 2008May 25, 20240

enzootic disease: An outbreak of disease among certain species of animals in a certain area. Compare epizootic disease. Managing enzootic diseases helps farmers protect animal health and prevent the spread of infections.

Glume Blotch

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 14, 2008May 25, 20240

glume blotch: A fungal disease of wheat. Recognizing and managing glume blotch can prevent crop losses and improve wheat yield.

Dairy Seller

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 13, 2008May 24, 20240

A business or individual involved in selling dairy products to consumers, retailers, and wholesalers. For example, working as a dairy seller to market and distribute fresh milk and dairy products.

ACPAT

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 13, 2008May 25, 20240

ACPAT: Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy. Farmers can benefit from the expertise of ACPAT members in maintaining the health and well-being of their livestock.

Fat Thickness Measurement

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 12, 2008May 24, 20240

The measurement of the fat layer over the back, usually at the 12th rib. Fat thickness is used to assess fat cover and carcass quality. For example, monitoring fat thickness in cattle to ensure optimal meat quality and processing efficiency.

Light Grains

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 11, 2008May 25, 20240

Light Grains: Light grains are cereals such as barley and oats. Comparing light grains with heavy grains can help farmers choose appropriate crops for their land and market needs.

Boar

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 9, 2008May 25, 20240

boar: A male pig. Managing boars is essential for breeding programs and maintaining herd productivity.

Agritainment Activities

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 8, 2008May 24, 20240

The provision of recreational and entertainment activities on farms, including hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos. For example, offering agritainment activities to attract families and provide a fun farm experience.

Globe

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 8, 2008May 25, 20240

globe: A ball-shaped vegetable such as the globe artichoke or a variety of mangel. Growing globe-shaped vegetables can diversify farm products and provide additional income.

Metabolised Energy

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 7, 2008May 25, 20240

metabolised energy: the proportion of energy from feed which is used by an animal through its metabolism. Abbr ME. Understanding metabolised energy can help farmers manage livestock nutrition more effectively, ensuring better growth and productivity.

Primitive

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 4, 2008May 25, 20240

primitive: Referring to an early stage in an organisms development. Helpful content: Understanding primitive traits in plants and animals can provide insights into their evolution and adaptation. This knowledge can inform breeding programs and conservation efforts on farms.

Country Planning

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 3, 2008May 25, 20240

Country Planning: Country planning noun the activity of organizing how land is to be used in the countryside and the amount and type of building there will be. Also called rural planning. Implementing country planning practices supports sustainable land use and rural development.

Dressing Percentage

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 2, 2008May 24, 20240

The ratio of carcass weight to liveweight, expressed as a percentage. Dressing percentage is used to evaluate slaughter efficiency. For example, achieving higher dressing percentages to improve meat yield and processing profitability.

Shifting Cultivation

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.February 1, 2008May 25, 20240

shifting cultivation: An agricultural practice using the rotation of fields rather than of crops. Short cropping periods are followed by long fallows and fertility is maintained by the regeneration of vegetation. A form of cultivation practised in some tropical countries, where land is cultivated until it is exhausted and then left as the farmers move on to another area. In shifting cultivation, the practice of clearing vegetation by burning is widespread. One of the simplest forms involves burning off thick and dry secondary vegetation. Immediately after burning, a crop like maize is planted and matures before the secondary vegetation has recovered. Where fire clearance methods are used, the ash acts as a fertiliser. Farmers benefit from understanding and managing shifting cultivation for sustainable land use and productivity.

Cotton

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 31, 2008May 25, 20240

Cotton: Cotton noun a white downy fibrous substance surrounding the seeds of the cotton plant, a subtropical plant (Gossypium sp.). COMMENT: Cotton is widely grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas, including China, India, Pakistan, Paraguay, and the southern states of the USA; it is the main crop of Egypt. It is sold packed in standard bales. Understanding cotton production aids in managing crops and optimizing yields.

Cider Press

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 30, 2008May 25, 20240

Cider Press: A device for crushing apples to extract juice for cider making. Using cider presses helps farmers manage apple processing efficiently and produce high-quality cider.

Paddock Grazing

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 28, 2008May 25, 20240

paddock grazing: A rotational grazing system that uses paddocks of equal area for grazing, followed by a rest period. This system improves pasture quality and productivity by preventing overgrazing and allowing for pasture recovery.

Salivary Gland

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 27, 2008May 25, 20240

salivary gland: A gland which secretes saliva. Farmers benefit from understanding the function of salivary glands to maintain the digestive health of their livestock.

Dutch Hoe

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 26, 2008May 25, 20240

Dutch hoe: An implement with a long handle and a more or less straight D-shaped blade, used with a push-pull action. Dutch hoes are effective for weeding and soil cultivation, helping to manage weeds and improve soil structure.

Food Product Materiality Assessment

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 24, 2008May 24, 20240

The identification and prioritization of the most significant environmental, social, and economic issues affecting food production and distribution businesses, to inform sustainability strategies and reporting. For example, conducting food product materiality assessments to ensure a focused and impactful approach to sustainability.

Agri-Tourism Opportunities

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 24, 2008May 24, 20240

The activities and initiatives that attract visitors to farms and agricultural operations, providing educational and recreational experiences. For example, developing agri-tourism opportunities to diversify farm income and engage with the community.

General Agreement On Tariffs And Trade

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 24, 2008May 25, 20240

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade: Full form of GATT. Knowing international trade agreements helps farmers access global markets and improve competitiveness.

Pollination

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 22, 2008May 25, 20240

pollination: The action of pollinating a flower. Helpful content: Understanding pollination processes helps farmers optimize crop production. Ensuring effective pollination can lead to higher yields, better fruit set, and improved overall plant health.

Sweetener

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 22, 2008May 25, 20240

sweetener: an artificial substance such as saccharin added to food to make it sweet. Properly managing sweeteners ensures product quality and consumer health, supporting market value and farm profitability.

Caesium

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 21, 2008May 25, 20240

Caesium: A metallic alkali element that is one of the main radioactive pollutants taken up by fish. Monitoring caesium levels in water and soil helps farmers prevent contamination and protect food safety.

Groom

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 20, 2008May 25, 20240

groom: A groom is a person who looks after horses. Proper grooming ensures horse health and well-being, supporting equestrian activities and farm operations.

Staple Crop

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 20, 2008May 25, 20240

staple crop: A crop that is grown in large quantities and forms the basis of a traditional diet. Understanding staple crops helps farmers meet food security needs.

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (Ras)

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 19, 2008May 24, 20240

Closed-loop systems that filter and reuse water, providing a controlled environment for fish production. For example, using recirculating aquaculture systems to raise fish sustainably and reduce water consumption.

Farm Produce

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 18, 2008May 25, 20240

Farm Produce: Food such as fruit, vegetables, meat, milk, and butter, which is produced on a farm. High-quality farm produce is essential for market success and consumer satisfaction.

CPACPA

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 18, 2008May 25, 20240

CPACPA: Abbreviation Crop Protection Association. Engaging with the Crop Protection Association supports best practices in crop management and pest control.

Chalk

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 16, 2008May 25, 20240

Chalk: A fine white limestone rock formed of calcium carbonate. Managing chalky soils involves using appropriate amendments to improve fertility and support healthy crop growth.

Metabolise

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 14, 2008May 25, 20240

metabolise: to break down or build up organic compounds by metabolism. Understanding the metabolic processes can help farmers manage livestock nutrition and health more effectively, ensuring better growth and productivity.

Dairy Emissions

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 14, 2008May 24, 20240

The release of greenhouse gases and other pollutants from dairy production and processing. For example, implementing practices to reduce dairy emissions and improve environmental performance.

Determination

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 13, 2008May 25, 20240

determination: The process of finding something out by calculation or experiment. Determination of the maximum safe dose. Accurate determination of various factors, such as nutrient levels, soil health, and pest populations, is crucial for effective farm management. Farmers should use reliable methods and tools for accurate determination and decision-making. Understanding the importance of accurate data can help optimize farm operations and improve productivity.

Flixweed

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 13, 2008May 25, 20240

Flixweed: A common annual weed (Descurainia sophia). Effective weed management practices are necessary to control flixweed and protect crop yields.

Colloidal

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 11, 2008May 25, 20240

Colloidal: Colloidal /k? l?id(?)l/ adjective referring to a colloid. Utilizing colloidal formulations in agriculture enhances the effectiveness of agrochemicals.

Liver Fluke

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 10, 2008May 25, 20240

Liver Fluke: Liver fluke is a parasitic trematode which lives in the liver and bile ducts of animals, e.g., Fasciola hepatica which infests sheep and cattle, causing loss of condition. Managing liver fluke through proper treatment and prevention measures can protect livestock health and farm productivity.

Eye-Bright

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 10, 2008May 25, 20240

eye-bright: Same as ivy-leaved speedwell. Managing eye-bright helps farmers maintain crop health and biodiversity.

Countryside Commission For Scotland

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 9, 2008May 25, 20240

Countryside Commission for Scotland: Countryside Commission for Scotland noun an organization in Scotland concerned with the protection of the countryside and with setting up country parks for public recreation. It is part of Scottish Natural Heritage. Engaging with the Countryside Commission for Scotland supports rural conservation and sustainable land use practices.

Broiler Production Techniques

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 8, 2008May 24, 20240

The methods and practices used to raise broiler chickens for meat production, including feeding, housing, and health care. For example, adopting broiler production techniques to ensure high productivity and healthy birds.

Silty Soil

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 7, 2008May 25, 20240

silty soil: Soil containing a high proportion of silt. Such soils are difficult to work and drainage is a problem. Farmers benefit from managing silty soils to improve drainage and soil structure.

Albumose

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 7, 2008May 25, 20240

albumose: An intermediate product in the digestion of protein. Understanding digestion processes helps farmers optimize livestock feeding strategies.

Belly

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 5, 2008May 25, 20240

belly: The underside of an animal. Monitoring the belly area helps detect health issues like bloating or injuries in livestock.

Beef Soup

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 3, 2008May 24, 20240

A soup made from beef, broth, and vegetables, often slow-cooked to develop rich flavor. For example, producing beef soup bones and meat for use in homemade and pre-packaged soups.

Hop Bine

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 2, 2008May 25, 20240

hop bine: The new shoot of a hop plant, which has to be made to coil round climbing strings. Properly managing hop bines ensures healthy growth and high yields.

OM

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 30, 2007May 25, 20240

OM: Organic matter. Organic matter is crucial for soil health, improving water retention, nutrient availability, and soil structure. Farmers can benefit from incorporating organic matter through composting, cover cropping, and reduced tillage to enhance soil fertility and sustainability.

Captan

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 30, 2007May 25, 20240

Captan: A fungicide used to combat apple and pear scab and in seed dressings for peas and other vegetables. Using captan helps farmers protect crops from fungal diseases and improve yield quality.

Soil Tilth

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 30, 2007May 24, 20240

The physical condition of soil in relation to its suitability for planting and growing crops. Soil tilth is influenced by factors such as soil structure, organic matter, and management practices. For example, improving soil tilth through conservation tillage and organic matter addition to support healthy plant growth and optimize water use efficiency.

Irradiation

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 29, 2007May 25, 20240

irradiation: The use of rays to kill bacteria in food. Helps farmers understand and apply food irradiation techniques.