Ribeye Area Measurement
by The size of the ribeye muscle, measured at the 12th rib. Ribeye area is used to assess muscling and meat yield. For example, measuring the ribeye area of beef cattle to evaluate carcass quality and market potential.
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.
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Soil-Borne Fungus
soil-borne fungus: a fungus whose spores are carried in the soil. Managing soil-borne fungi protects crops from disease, ensuring healthy growth and better yields.
Crossbreeding
Crossbreeding: Crossbreeding /kr?sbri:di?/ noun mating or artificial insemination of animals of different breeds in order to combine the best characteristics of the two breeds. Engaging in crossbreeding practices supports genetic diversity and livestock improvement.
Integrated Fish Farming
The practice of combining fish farming with other agricultural activities, such as crop or livestock production, to create a synergistic system. For example, implementing integrated fish farming to enhance resource use efficiency and diversify farm income.
Environmental Mastitis
A type of mastitis caused by pathogens present in the cow’s environment, such as bedding and water. Environmental mastitis is managed through hygiene and management practices. For example, maintaining clean bedding to reduce the risk of environmental mastitis in dairy cows.
Deer Commission For Scotland
Deer Commission for Scotland: An association in Scotland which advises on best practices in wild deer management. Abbr DCS. Farmers involved in deer farming or managing land with wild deer populations should follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by the DCS. Implementing best practices in deer management can improve herd health, reduce disease risk, and enhance the sustainability of deer populations.
Portland
Portland: A rare breed of sheep. Both sexes are horned, with brown or tan faces and legs. Helpful content: Portland sheep are known for their hardiness and adaptability to various environments. Farmers can benefit from raising this rare breed due to its resilience and the unique qualities of its wool and meat.
Cattle Milk Protein
An essential nutrient in milk, important for growth and repair in the body. Milk protein is used in various dairy products, including cheese and yogurt. For instance, enhancing milk protein levels through selective breeding and nutrition management.
Watering System
A setup for providing water to livestock, including troughs, automatic waterers, and pipelines. Adequate water supply is essential for animal health and productivity. For example, installing an automatic watering system in a pasture to ensure cattle have constant access to fresh water.
Rough Fell
Rough Fell: A hardy moorland breed of horned sheep, closely related to the Swaledale. It has a dark-colored face with irregular patterns. The wool is of coarse quality. Raising Rough Fell sheep supports diversified farm income and sustainable grazing practices.
Management Practice
management practice: practical ways of using management decisions to organise the use of resources or materials. Vaccination of ewes and lambs is one of the more common management practices performed by sheep producers each and every year. Some producers will vaccinate their flock for everything, while others choose a more conservative approach. [Farmers Guardian]. Understanding and implementing effective management practices can help farmers improve productivity and sustainability.
Sclerotinia
sclerotinia: A soil-borne disease affecting many crops, including potatoes, oilseed rape and peas. Farmers benefit from managing sclerotinia to protect crop health and prevent yield losses.
Domesticate
domesticate: To breed wild animals so that they become tame and can fill human needs or to breed wild plants, selecting the best strains so that they become useful for food or decoration. Domestication has led to the development of many farm animals and crops that are essential for modern agriculture.
Outfields
outfields: In hill farms, the fields furthest from the homestead, cropped only from time to time and allowed to lie fallow for long periods. Managing outfields effectively can improve soil health and pasture quality. Farmers can benefit from rotational grazing and crop rotation practices to enhance the productivity and sustainability of outfields.
Agricultural Policy And Legislation
The laws, regulations, and policies that govern agricultural practices, trade, and subsidies. For example, understanding agricultural policy and legislation to navigate regulatory requirements and access government programs.
Outline Planning Permission
outline planning permission: Permission in principle to build a property on a piece of land, but not the final approval because further details must be submitted. Understanding outline planning permission can help farmers with land development and compliance. Farmers can benefit from securing outline planning permission to enhance the value and utility of their land.
Pest Monitoring
The practice of regularly inspecting crops and livestock for signs of pests and their damage. Pest monitoring helps farmers make informed decisions about pest control methods. For example, conducting regular field inspections to detect early signs of pest infestations in a crop.
Brown Earth
brown earth: A type of fertile soil rich in organic matter. Managing brown earth soils supports high crop productivity and sustainable farming practices.
Alpine Pastures
alpine pastures: Grass fields in high mountains which are used by cattle farmers in the summer. Managing alpine pastures helps farmers optimize grazing resources and maintain livestock health.
Anaplasmosis
anaplasmosis: An infectious disease of cattle, characterized by anemia. Understanding and managing anaplasmosis helps farmers protect the health and productivity of their herds.
Partial Drought
partial drought: In the UK, a period of at least 29 consecutive days when the mean rainfall does not exceed 2.54mm. Monitoring and managing drought conditions helps in planning irrigation and ensuring crop survival.
Terrace Cultivation
terrace cultivation: Hill slopes cut to form terraced fields which rise in steps one above the other and are cultivated, often with the aid of irrigation. Implementing terrace cultivation can increase arable land area and improve water management, supporting sustainable farming practices.
Centre For Alternative Technology (Cat)
Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT): An association that advises on sustainable and environmentally sound methods in technological development. Engaging with CAT helps farmers adopt innovative and sustainable practices to improve farm operations.
Rubbed Seed
rubbed seed: Same as graded seed. Using rubbed seed helps farmers ensure uniform crop establishment and growth.
Bulldozing
bulldozing: The act of clearing land with a bulldozer. Efficient bulldozing practices prepare fields for planting and construction.
Laminitis
Laminitis: Laminitis is the inflammation of the lamina in a hoof, causing swelling, and often leading to deformed hooves. It is possibly caused by too much grain feed. Managing laminitis through proper diet and hoof care can prevent lameness in livestock, ensuring their health and productivity.
Ware Potatoes
ware potatoes: Potatoes grown for human consumption, as opposed to those grown for seed. Growing ware potatoes can provide a steady income stream from the food market.
Spray Lines
spray lines: a method of distributing irrigation water using flexible hose, mainly used for horticultural crops. Using spray lines ensures efficient water distribution, promoting healthy crop growth and sustainable water use.
Dog
dog: A domesticated carnivorous mammal (Canis lupus familiaris) that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, non-retractable claws, and a barking, howling, or whining voice. Dogs can serve various roles on a farm, including herding livestock, guarding property, and providing companionship. Proper training and care are essential for farm dogs to ensure they are healthy and effective in their roles.
Beef Testicular Tunica
The tunica of cattle testicles, often used for medicinal purposes. For example, producing beef testicular tunica for pharmaceutical and health applications.
Deintensified Farming
deintensified farming: Farming which was formerly intensive, using chemical fertilizers to increase production, but has now become extensive. Extensification. Deintensified farming focuses on sustainable practices and reduced chemical inputs. Farmers should adopt practices like crop rotation, organic amendments, and integrated pest management to enhance soil health and productivity. Understanding the principles of deintensified farming can help farmers transition to more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.
Creosote
Creosote: Creosote /kri?s??t/ noun a yellowish brown oily substance with a characteristic smell, derived from wood tar and formerly used as a wood preservative (NOTE: It is now banned in the European Union). Utilizing creosote provides effective wood preservation, though safer alternatives are now preferred.
Beef Tail
The tail of cattle, often used in traditional dishes and for making pet food. For example, producing beef tail for culinary and industrial purposes.
Dipterous
dipterous: Referring to an insect such as a fly with two wings. Managing dipterous insects involves implementing proper pest control measures and monitoring techniques. Farmers should use integrated pest management practices to reduce the impact of dipterous insects on crops and livestock. Understanding the characteristics and behavior of dipterous insects will aid in developing effective pest management strategies.