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.

Definite Inflorescence

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 25, 2005May 25, 20240

definite inflorescence: A type of inflorescence in which the main stem ends in a flower and stops growing when the flower is produced. Compare indefinite inflorescence. Understanding plant growth patterns, such as definite inflorescence, can help farmers manage crops more effectively. Knowledge of inflorescence types can aid in pruning, training, and optimizing flowering and fruiting in crops. Proper management of flowering can lead to higher yields and better quality produce.

Vermicide

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 24, 2005May 25, 20240

vermicide: A substance that kills worms. Using vermicides can control parasitic worms in livestock, improving animal health and productivity.

Scutch

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 21, 2005May 25, 20240

scutch: Same as couch grass. Farmers benefit from managing scutch grass to prevent weed infestations and maintain crop health.

Toggenburg

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 20, 2005May 25, 20240

Toggenburg: A small Swiss breed of goat, pale brown in color with white markings on the face, legs, and rump. In Britain, it has been developed into a larger, darker animal, which is a good milker with a long lactation period. Raising Toggenburg goats can provide high-quality milk and diversify farm products.

Mangel Fly

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 18, 2005May 25, 20240

mangel fly: a fly whose yellow-white legless larvae cause blistering of the leaves of mangels and sugar beet. This holds back plant growth and in severe cases can kill the plant. Also called mangold fly. Controlling mangel fly infestations is important to protect crops and ensure healthy growth, leading to better yields and farm sustainability.

White Wyandotte

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 16, 2005May 25, 20240

White Wyandotte: A dual-purpose breed of poultry. Raising White Wyandottes can provide high-quality eggs and meat, enhancing farm profitability.

Couch Grass

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 15, 2005May 25, 20240

Couch Grass: Couch grass /ku:t? r?s/ noun a kind of grass (Agropyron repens) with long creeping rhizomes, which is difficult to eradicate from cultivated crops. Also called scutch, twitch. Managing couch grass involves using integrated weed management strategies.

Dairy Distributor

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 15, 2005May 24, 20240

A business or individual responsible for transporting and distributing dairy products from processing facilities to retailers and consumers. For example, working as a dairy distributor to ensure timely delivery of milk and cheese to grocery stores.

Milk Storage

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 15, 2005May 24, 20240

The methods and facilities used to store milk before and after processing, including bulk tanks, refrigeration units, and warehouses. Proper milk storage is essential for maintaining quality and safety. For example, storing milk in refrigerated tanks to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage.

Aerobic

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 14, 2005May 25, 20240

aerobic: Needing oxygen for its existence or for a biochemical reaction to occur. Compare anaerobic. Farmers need to understand aerobic processes for effective composting and soil management.

Gosling

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 14, 2005May 25, 20240

gosling: A gosling is a young goose. Raising goslings ensures a continuous supply of geese for meat production, supporting farm profitability.

Cud

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 11, 2005May 25, 20240

Cud: Cud /k?d/ noun food that ruminating animals bring back from the first stomach into the mouth to be chewed again. Understanding cud chewing aids in managing livestock digestion and nutrition.

Tunnel

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 11, 2005May 25, 20240

tunnel: A long enclosure, covered with a semicircular roof. Using tunnels can extend the growing season and protect crops from adverse weather.

Foot-And-Mouth Disease (Fmd)

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 10, 2005May 25, 20240

foot-and-mouth disease (FMD): A highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. Understanding and preventing FMD is critical for protecting livestock health and preventing economic losses.

Saliva

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 9, 2005May 25, 20240

saliva: A clear fluid secreted by the salivary glands into the mouth, and containing water, mucus and enzymes to lubricate food and break down starch into sugars. Farmers benefit from understanding saliva’s role in animal digestion for better livestock health management.

Half-Standard

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 6, 2005May 25, 20240

half-standard: A type of fruit tree with a trunk shorter than that of a full standard, about 1.2m from the ground to the first branches. Planting half-standard fruit trees can make harvesting easier and more efficient for farmers.

Replant

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 6, 2005May 25, 20240

replant: To grow plants in an area again; to put a plant in the ground again. Replanting helps farmers maintain continuous crop production and manage soil health.

Joint Regulatory Authority

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 5, 2005May 25, 20240

Joint Regulatory Authority: Joint Regulatory Authority – the body which processes applications to grow and sell genetically modified crops. Abbr JRA. Helps farmers understand and comply with regulations regarding GM crops.

Financial Management For Farms

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 4, 2005May 24, 20240

The practices and strategies used to manage the financial aspects of farm operations, including budgeting, accounting, and investment. For example, implementing financial management practices to ensure farm profitability and sustainability.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 3, 2005May 25, 20240

magnetic resonance imaging: a technique that uses electromagnetic radiation to obtain images of invisible parts of a structure or the bodys soft tissues. Abbr MRI. MRI can be useful in veterinary diagnostics, allowing for detailed examination of livestock health issues, leading to accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

Pea

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.January 2, 2005May 25, 20240

pea: An important grain legume. Peas are grown for pulses and for their immature seeds which are eaten fresh as a green vegetable and are also often frozen. The young pods are also occasionally eaten as mangetouts. Peas are also grown for forage and may be used for hay and silage. They are often grown following a cereal crop in rotation, and enrich the soil with nitrogen. Most peas are harvested, transported, and processed on the same day, and the majority are taken for freezing and canning. Vining peas are Britains most important contract vegetable crop. Growing peas improves soil fertility and provides a valuable food source.

Espalier

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 30, 2004May 25, 20240

espalier: A method of training a fruit tree, in which its branches are made to grow flat against a wall or other support. Compare cordon. A tree, especially apple or pear, trained in this way. From a vertical trunk pairs of branches are usually trained horizontally about 50cm apart. Training fruit trees as espalier can help farmers save space and increase fruit production.

Board

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 30, 2004May 25, 20240

board: Part of a plow that turns over the soil. Proper maintenance of plow boards ensures efficient soil tillage and field preparation.

Stocky

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 29, 2004May 25, 20240

stocky: referring to an animal with short strong legs. Properly managing stocky animals ensures healthy growth and productivity, supporting farm profitability.

Csr

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 29, 2004May 25, 20240

CSR: CSR abbreviation corporate social responsibility. Engaging in corporate social responsibility supports sustainable and ethical business practices.

Cockerel

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 27, 2004May 25, 20240

Cockerel: Cockerel noun a young male chicken, up to 18 months old. Raising cockerels supports poultry operations and provides meat for markets.

Draft Ewe

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 26, 2004May 25, 20240

draft ewe: An ewe sold from a breeding flock of sheep while still young enough to produce lambs. Draft ewes are often sold to other farms to continue their productive lives.

Orfor

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 25, 2004May 25, 20240

orfor: A virus disease affecting sheep, cattle, and goats, and easily passed on to humans. The disease causes scabs and ulcers which affect the mouth, nose, and eyes. Managing orfor is crucial for animal and human health. Farmers can benefit from implementing biosecurity measures, regular health monitoring, and prompt treatment to prevent and control outbreaks.

Waste Management

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 24, 2004May 25, 20240

waste management: The process of handling waste materials to minimize environmental impact. Effective waste management practices improve farm sustainability and hygiene.

Dunging Passage

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 24, 2004May 25, 20240

dunging passage: A passage at the back of a cow shed, into which dung can be washed with water. Dunging passages help maintain cleanliness and hygiene in livestock housing, preventing the buildup of waste.

Bunt

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 24, 2004May 25, 20240

bunt: A fungal disease affecting wheat. Managing bunt through seed treatments and crop rotation protects wheat yields.

Belladonna

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 23, 2004May 25, 20240

belladonna: Another name for deadly nightshade, a toxic plant. Farmers should recognize and manage belladonna to prevent livestock poisoning.

Euro

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 22, 2004May 25, 20240

euro: A unit of currency adopted as legal tender in several European countries from January 1st, 1999. Understanding the euro helps farmers engage in international trade and manage financial transactions.

Parsnip

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 21, 2004May 25, 20240

parsnip: A plant (Pastinaca sativa) whose long white root is eaten as a vegetable. Growing vegetables like parsnips can improve farm profitability and provide healthy food options.

Breech

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 21, 2004May 25, 20240

breech: The rear part of an animal, especially in sheep. Managing breech areas in livestock helps prevent infections and maintain animal health.

Bridge Method

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 21, 2004May 25, 20240

bridge method: A technique used in grafting where a scion is inserted into a stock. Using the bridge method supports successful plant grafting and propagation.

Head Corn

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 20, 2004May 25, 20240

head corn: The largest grains in a sample of cereal. Selecting head corn for planting can improve crop yields and quality.

Cattle Identification Document (Cid)

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 19, 2004May 25, 20240

Cattle Identification Document (CID): A document identifying an animal and showing its movements from owner to owner. Using CIDs helps farmers track livestock, manage herd health, and comply with regulations.

Bone Meal

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 19, 2004May 25, 20240

bone meal: A fertilizer made from ground animal bones, rich in phosphorus and calcium. Using bone meal improves soil fertility and provides essential nutrients for crops.

Gherkin

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 18, 2004May 25, 20240

gherkin: A small cucumber grown for pickling. Growing gherkins can diversify farm products and provide additional income through fresh sales and value-added products like pickles.

Sawdust

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 17, 2004May 25, 20240

sawdust: Powder produced when sawing wood. Sawdust is used both as a mulch for plants and as bedding for animals. Farmers benefit from using sawdust for soil improvement and livestock comfort.

Dessert Fruit

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 16, 2004May 25, 20240

dessert fruit: Fruit which are sweet and can be eaten raw, as opposed to being cooked. Dessert fruits are valuable for fresh consumption and can provide a profitable income stream for farmers. Proper cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling techniques are essential for maintaining the quality of dessert fruits. Understanding market demands and consumer preferences can help farmers optimize their production and marketing strategies for dessert fruits.

Spring Wheat

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 16, 2004May 25, 20240

spring wheat: wheat which is sown in spring and harvested towards the end of the summer. Growing spring wheat provides farmers with a seasonal crop that supports crop rotation and sustainable agricultural practices.

Cochineal

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 16, 2004May 25, 20240

Cochineal: Cochineal /k?t?i ni:l/ noun a red coloring matter obtained from the dried body of an insect, the female concilla (Coccus cacti) found in Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. Utilizing cochineal for natural dyes enhances sustainable farming practices.

Sphagnum

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 14, 2004May 25, 20240

sphagnum: a type of moss that grows in acid conditions. Cultivating sphagnum provides farmers with a valuable resource for horticulture and soil improvement, supporting sustainable practices.

National List

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 14, 2004May 25, 20240

national list: a list of agricultural crop varieties tested by the NIAB and available for sale. Under EU regulations, all seeds sold to farmers or horticulturists must be tested and certified. The national list ensures that farmers have access to high-quality, certified seeds that meet stringent standards for performance and safety. By choosing seeds from the national list, farmers can reduce the risk of crop failures, enhance yields, and improve the overall quality of their produce. This reliable seed source supports sustainable agricultural practices and boosts farm profitability.

Outbreeding

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 14, 2004May 25, 20240

outbreeding: Breeding between individuals that are not related. Outbreeding can enhance genetic diversity and improve livestock health and productivity. Farmers can benefit from implementing outbreeding strategies to strengthen their herds and flocks.

Carbon

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 13, 2004May 25, 20240

Carbon: A common non-metallic element essential for living matter and organic chemical compounds. Carbon plays a crucial role in soil health and crop productivity, making it important for farmers to manage carbon levels in their farming practices.