April 2, 2025
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Wholefood

wholefood: Food such as brown rice or wholemeal flour that has not been processed and so contains the vitamins, minerals, and fibre that are removed by processing. Offering wholefoods can cater to health-conscious consumers and increase farm income.

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Smooth-Stalked Meadowgrass

smooth-stalked meadowgrass: a species of grass which can withstand quite dry conditions. It is a perennial grass with smooth greyish-green leaves and green purplish flowers. Cultivating smooth-stalked meadowgrass provides farmers with a resilient forage crop, supporting livestock production in dry conditions.

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Overwood

overwood: The topmost vegetation layer in a forest, same as overstorey. Managing the overwood is crucial for forest health and productivity. Farmers can benefit from understanding the ecological dynamics of overwood vegetation and applying sustainable forestry practices to maintain biodiversity and resource availability.

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Overgrazing

overgrazing: The practice of grazing a pasture so much that it loses nutrients and is no longer able to provide food for livestock. Preventing overgrazing is crucial for maintaining pasture health and productivity. Farmers can benefit from implementing rotational grazing practices to ensure sustainable forage availability and soil health.

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Marchigiana

Marchigiana: a breed of white beef cattle from Italy, now imported into the UK and used for crossbreeding to improve beef-calf quality in dairy cows. Raising Marchigiana cattle can help farmers improve the quality and yield of their beef production, contributing to better income and farm sustainability.

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Emission Standard

emission standard: The amount of an effluent or pollutant that can legally be released into the environment, e.g., the amount of sewage which can be discharged into a river or the sea, or the amount of carbon monoxide that can legally be released into the atmosphere by petrol and diesel engines. Complying with emission standards helps farmers reduce pollution and avoid legal penalties.

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Fluorosis

Fluorosis: A condition caused by excessive fluoride in drinking water or food, causing discoloration of the teeth and affecting milk yields of cattle. Monitoring and managing fluoride levels help prevent fluorosis and maintain livestock health.

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Dumping

dumping: The disposal of waste or the sale of agricultural products at a price below the true cost to get rid of excess produce cheaply, usually in an overseas market. Farmers should be aware of regulations and market conditions to avoid the negative impacts of dumping.

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Dewlap

dewlap: A fold of loose skin hanging from the throat of cattle. Dewlaps can be an indicator of breed characteristics and health status. Farmers should monitor the health and hygiene of dewlaps to prevent infections and ensure animal welfare. Proper care and management practices will contribute to the overall health and productivity of livestock.

Sorting

The process of separating livestock into groups based on specific criteria such as weight, age, or health. Sorting helps manage and optimize livestock production. For instance, sorting cattle by weight to ensure uniform growth and market readiness.

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Dehiscence

dehiscence: The sudden bursting of a seed pod, fruit, or capsule when it is ripe, allowing the seeds or spores to scatter. Managing dehiscence involves understanding plant growth patterns and optimizing harvest timing. Farmers should monitor crops closely and use appropriate techniques to collect seeds and maximize yields. Knowledge of dehiscence can also aid in breeding programs and crop improvement efforts.

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Flex-Fuel

Flex-Fuel: Referring to a vehicle designed to run on petrol, an alcohol-based fuel such as ethanol, or any combination of the two. Using flex-fuel vehicles supports sustainable energy use and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.