Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
seed potato: A potato tuber which is sown to produce new plants. In the UK, these are grown mainly in Scotland, and produced under a certification scheme (the Seed Potato Classification Scheme). Farmers benefit from using certified seed potatoes for disease-free and high-quality potato crops.
A cut of beef obtained from the shoulder blade, known for its tenderness and flavor. Flat iron steak is popular for grilling and casual dining. For example, producing flat iron steaks for home cooks and restaurants.
table bird: A poultry bird reared for meat. Raising table birds can provide a reliable source of income for farmers and contribute to local food supplies.
potential transpiration: The calculated amount of water taken up from the soil and transpired through the leaves of plants. The amount varies according to the climate and weather conditions. Helpful content: Understanding potential transpiration helps farmers manage irrigation effectively. Accurate water management can optimize crop growth, reduce water waste, and enhance overall farm sustainability.
Canadian Holstein: A breed of dairy cattle known for high milk production. Raising Canadian Holsteins can enhance dairy farm productivity, providing abundant milk supply.
thousand-headed kale: A variety of kale grown for feeding to livestock, usually in the winter months. It has many branches and small leaves. Utilizing thousand-headed kale can provide nutritious forage for livestock during winter.
Advisory Committee on Organic Standards: A non-departmental public body set up by the Government to advise ministers on organic standards. Abbr ACOS. Adhering to ACOS standards ensures the integrity and marketability of organic products for farmers.
Sitka spruce: a temperate softwood coniferous tree that is fast-growing, used for making paper. Latin name: Picea sitchensis. Cultivating Sitka spruce provides farmers with a renewable source of timber and pulp, supporting sustainable forestry practices and economic growth.
The chorion of cattle, often used for medicinal purposes. For example, producing beef chorion for pharmaceutical and health applications.
breech birth: A birth in which the baby is delivered buttocks or feet first. Managing breech births in livestock ensures safe delivery and reduces complications.
seed-borne: Carried by seeds. Farmers benefit from understanding and managing seed-borne diseases to protect crop health and yield.
environmental pollution: The pollution of the environment by human activities. Preventing environmental pollution helps farmers maintain healthy ecosystems and comply with regulations.
big bale silage: Silage stored in big bales. This method ensures high-quality forage preservation and reduces spoilage.
The process of managing and recording financial transactions for a farm. Farm accounting helps track expenses, income, and profitability. For instance, maintaining detailed records of crop sales and equipment purchases to manage the farm’s finances effectively.
The tools and systems used to track and ensure adherence to regulations, standards, and best practices in food production and distribution, including reporting and audit trails. For example, implementing food product compliance monitoring software to ensure regulatory compliance and avoid penalties.
The provision of facilities and services for hosting weddings, parties, and other events on farms. For example, offering wedding and event venue services to provide a unique and picturesque setting for celebrations.
companion planting: The practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefit. Companion planting can improve pest control, pollination, and crop yield.
Louping-Ill: Louping-ill is an infective parasitic disease of sheep (Ixodes ricinus), carried by ticks in hill pastures. Animals suffer acute fever and nervous twitch and staggers. Also called staggers, twitch, trembles. Managing louping-ill through proper treatment and prevention measures can protect sheep health and productivity.
multigerm seed: a seed that produces more than one seedling. Compare monogerm seed. Understanding the characteristics of multigerm seeds can help farmers manage crop production more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.
The different species and strains of mushrooms cultivated for food, medicinal, and other purposes, including their growth requirements and market value. For example, selecting mushroom types and varieties based on market demand and growing conditions.
black bean aphid: A small black aphid that infests beans and other plants. Implementing integrated pest management controls black bean aphids and protects crops.
screen: A hedge or row of trees grown to shelter other plants, to protect something from the wind or to prevent something from being seen. To pass grain through a sieve to grade it. To protect plants from wind, e.g. by planting windbreaks. Farmers benefit from using screens for crop protection and quality control.
metabolic disease: one of a group of diseases that are caused by animals being called upon to produce an end-product faster than their bodies can process their intake of feed. Understanding and managing metabolic diseases can help farmers ensure the health and productivity of their livestock.
degressivity: A proposed reduction in the amount of subsidies paid under the CAP. This proposal was rejected as a method of keeping the CAP budget under control. Understanding subsidy policies and their impacts on farm income is important for financial planning. Farmers should stay informed about changes in subsidy programs and explore alternative income sources to ensure economic stability. Adapting to policy changes and diversifying farm activities can mitigate the effects of reduced subsidies.
Full-Time Farmer: A farmer who derives their living from agriculture, as distinct from a part-time farmer. Properly managing full-time farming operations ensures farm productivity and profitability.
The practice of observing and recording pest populations and damage levels in crops. Pest scouting helps identify pest problems early and determine appropriate control measures. For instance, scouting a cornfield for signs of insect damage and determining the need for pesticide application.
dieback: A fungal disease of some plants which kills shoots or branches. A gradual dying of trees starting at the ends of branches. Half the trees in the forest are showing signs of dieback. COMMENT: There are many theories explaining the environmental cause of dieback. Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone have all been suggested as causes, as well as acidification of the soil or acid rain on leaves. Managing dieback involves implementing proper disease control, monitoring, and care practices. Farmers and foresters should identify the cause of dieback and take corrective actions to maintain tree health. Understanding the environmental factors contributing to dieback will aid in developing effective management strategies.
The practices and systems used to manage and dispose of waste generated by farm operations, including manure, crop residues, and chemical containers. For example, developing farm waste management strategies to reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency.
Certification: The process of obtaining or giving approval for something, such as carrying out a particular type of test. Achieving certification demonstrates compliance with industry standards and enhances farm credibility.
shepherds purse: A common weed (Capsella bursa-pastoris) in gardens and market gardens, found particularly among vegetables and root crops. Also called pepper and salt. Farmers benefit from managing shepherds purse to prevent weed competition and maintain crop health.
killing age: Killing age – the age of an animal or bird when it is slaughtered. Helps farmers determine the optimal time for harvesting livestock for meat.
Crude Protein: Crude protein noun an approximate measure of the protein content of foods. Understanding crude protein content aids in managing livestock nutrition and health.
dioecious: Referring to a plant species in which male and female flowers occur on different individuals. Monoecious. Understanding dioecious plant species is important for managing pollination and fruit production. Farmers should implement proper planting and pollination practices to ensure successful crop yields. Knowledge of plant reproductive systems will aid in effective cultivation and management practices.
Commodity Mountain: Commodity mountain noun a surplus of a certain agricultural product produced in the EU, e.g. the butter mountain. Understanding commodity mountains helps manage supply and demand in agricultural markets.
ammonium sulfate: A colorless crystalline solid that is soluble in water, used as a fertilizer. Formula: (NH4)2SO4. Also called sulfate of ammonia. Managing ammonium sulfate application helps farmers improve soil fertility and crop yields.
First Calf Heifer: A heifer that has borne its first calf. Managing first calf heifers ensures their health and productivity as they enter the milking herd.
dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane: Full form of DDT, an insecticide that was formerly used especially against malaria-carrying mosquitoes. It is now banned in many countries because of its toxicity and ability to accumulate in the environment. Formula: C14H9Cl5. Farmers should be aware of the historical use and current ban on DDT to avoid environmental contamination and legal issues. Understanding alternative pest control methods will help manage pests effectively while complying with regulations and protecting the environment.
disinfection: The removal of harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi from a place or an object by cleaning it with a disinfectant. Proper disinfection practices are essential for maintaining farm hygiene and preventing disease outbreaks. Farmers should implement regular disinfection routines and use appropriate techniques for effective disinfection. Understanding the benefits and applications of disinfection will aid in maintaining a healthy and productive farm environment.
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