Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
A feed ingredient added to cattle diets to provide essential vitamins. Vitamin supplements help prevent deficiencies and support overall health. For example, providing vitamin A supplements to cattle to support vision and immune function.
tenderometer: A device used for testing vining peas to see how firm they are, allowing harvesting to take place at the right time. Using a tenderometer helps farmers harvest peas at optimal quality and ripeness, maximizing yield and market value.
The process of breaking down fat molecules in milk to create a uniform texture and prevent cream separation. Homogenization improves milk quality and consistency. For example, homogenizing milk to produce smooth and consistent dairy products like yogurt and ice cream.
The practice of maintaining detailed health records for each animal in a herd. Health recordkeeping helps track vaccinations, treatments, and medical history. For example, using software to manage the health records of a dairy herd.
reference price: The minimum price at which certain fruit and vegetables can be imported into the EU. Understanding reference prices helps farmers stay competitive in the market and ensure fair pricing for their produce.
digger: A type of plough body with a short, sharply curved moldboard. Diggers are used for deep ploughing, especially to prepare for root crops or for land reclamation. Using diggers can improve soil preparation and root penetration for crops. Farmers should select the appropriate type of digger for their needs and use it properly to achieve optimal soil conditions. Understanding the benefits and applications of diggers will aid in effective soil management and crop establishment.
metabolisable protein: a type of protein which can be metabolised by an animal, used as a feed supplement to improve lactation. Understanding the role of metabolisable protein can help farmers improve livestock nutrition and productivity.
rubber: A material which can be stretched and compressed, and is made from a thick white fluid (latex) from a tropical tree; the rubber tree, a tropical tree grown for its latex. In commercial practice, trees are grafted onto suitable rootstock. Understanding rubber production supports diversified farm income and sustainable forestry practices.
soil survey: the mapping of soil types using a soil classification system. Conducting soil surveys helps farmers manage land resources effectively, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
denaturing: The process of staining wheat grain with a dye to make it unusable for human consumption. Denatured grain may be used as animal feed. Farmers should implement proper techniques for denaturing grain to ensure it is not used for human consumption. Understanding the benefits and applications of denatured grain can help farmers manage surplus or low-quality produce effectively.
stockproof: referring to a fence which livestock cannot get through. Properly managing stockproof fencing ensures livestock containment and protection, supporting efficient farm operations.
International markets where agricultural products are sold. Export markets provide opportunities for farmers to sell their products globally and increase their revenue. For instance, exporting soybeans to international buyers in Asia and Europe.
Womens Food and Farming Union: The Womens Food and Farming Union (WFFU) is an association for women in farming focused on sustainability and environmental considerations. Farmers can benefit from the resources and support provided by WFFU to promote sustainable farming practices.
regenerate: To grow again, or grow something again. Regeneration of crops and natural vegetation supports sustainable farming practices and ecosystem health.
The technologies and platforms that enable secure and efficient sharing of digital files and documents among employees, including cloud storage and document collaboration tools. For example, using food product file sharing systems to improve accessibility and collaboration.
The tools and systems used to manage interactions with customers, including data collection, communication, and relationship building. For example, using food product CRM software to enhance customer engagement and loyalty.
broad spectrum: A term describing pesticides that are effective against a wide range of pests. Using broad-spectrum pesticides supports comprehensive pest management but requires careful application to avoid non-target effects.
Woodland Grant Scheme: The Woodland Grant Scheme supports good management of forests and woodlands. Farmers can benefit from these grants to improve their woodlands and enhance environmental sustainability.
The methods and tools used to protect data by converting it into a secure format that can only be accessed by authorized users, ensuring confidentiality and integrity. For example, using food product encryption technologies to protect sensitive information and prevent data breaches.
ammoniacal nitrogen: Nitrogen derived from ammonia. Managing ammoniacal nitrogen levels helps farmers optimize soil fertility and crop production.
potato cyst nematode: A pest found in most soils that have grown potatoes. The eggs hatch in the spring, and the larvae invade the roots. The leaves of the plant eventually yellow and are stunted. Helpful content: Managing potato cyst nematode involves crop rotation, resistant varieties, and soil treatments. Effective control measures can protect potato crops and ensure better yields.
Chlorinated: Treated with chlorine. Using chlorinated treatments helps farmers manage water quality and protect crops from pathogens.
Contract Work: Contract work noun work carried out by specialist firms on a contract, which involves payment for work carried out, e.g. the provision of a drainage system or combining a crop. Engaging in contract work ensures access to specialized services and expertise for farm operations.
A group of soil bacteria that form symbiotic relationships with legumes, fixing atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants. Rhizobium bacteria help improve soil fertility and support sustainable agriculture. For example, inoculating legume seeds with rhizobium bacteria to enhance nitrogen fixation and crop growth.
The bladder of cattle, often used in traditional dishes and for making pet food. For example, producing beef bladder for culinary and specialty markets.
rough terrain vehicle: A vehicle specially designed to travel over difficult ground. Abbreviation: RTV. Using rough terrain vehicles supports efficient farm operations in challenging environments.
Small Farms Association: an organisation which represents the interests of small farmers on a national scale. Abbr SFA. Joining associations like the SFA provides small farmers with advocacy, resources, and support, helping them succeed in their operations.
soil atmosphere: same as soil air. Proper soil aeration ensures healthy root growth and overall soil health, supporting productive agriculture.
The strategies and techniques used to care for and manage livestock, including feeding, health care, and housing. For example, implementing effective livestock management practices to ensure animal welfare and productivity.
nitrate-sensitive area: a region of the country where nitrate pollution is likely and where the use of nitrate fertilizers is strictly controlled. Abbr NSA, NVZ. Managing nitrate use in nitrate-sensitive areas is crucial for protecting water quality and preventing pollution. Farmers can benefit from adhering to regulations and adopting best practices for nitrogen management, such as using precision farming techniques, cover crops, and buffer zones. Compliance with guidelines helps maintain soil fertility, protect water resources, and promote sustainable farming practices.
Furrow Slice: The soil displaced by the mouldboard of a plough when it creates a furrow. Properly managing furrow slices supports efficient soil management and crop establishment.
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