Globe
by globe: A ball-shaped vegetable such as the globe artichoke or a variety of mangel. Growing globe-shaped vegetables can diversify farm products and provide additional income.
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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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.
Metabolised Energy
metabolised energy: the proportion of energy from feed which is used by an animal through its metabolism. Abbr ME. Understanding metabolised energy can help farmers manage livestock nutrition more effectively, ensuring better growth and productivity.
Country Planning
Country Planning: Country planning noun the activity of organizing how land is to be used in the countryside and the amount and type of building there will be. Also called rural planning. Implementing country planning practices supports sustainable land use and rural development.
Dressing Percentage
The ratio of carcass weight to liveweight, expressed as a percentage. Dressing percentage is used to evaluate slaughter efficiency. For example, achieving higher dressing percentages to improve meat yield and processing profitability.
Shifting Cultivation
shifting cultivation: An agricultural practice using the rotation of fields rather than of crops. Short cropping periods are followed by long fallows and fertility is maintained by the regeneration of vegetation. A form of cultivation practised in some tropical countries, where land is cultivated until it is exhausted and then left as the farmers move on to another area. In shifting cultivation, the practice of clearing vegetation by burning is widespread. One of the simplest forms involves burning off thick and dry secondary vegetation. Immediately after burning, a crop like maize is planted and matures before the secondary vegetation has recovered. Where fire clearance methods are used, the ash acts as a fertiliser. Farmers benefit from understanding and managing shifting cultivation for sustainable land use and productivity.
Cotton
Cotton: Cotton noun a white downy fibrous substance surrounding the seeds of the cotton plant, a subtropical plant (Gossypium sp.). COMMENT: Cotton is widely grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas, including China, India, Pakistan, Paraguay, and the southern states of the USA; it is the main crop of Egypt. It is sold packed in standard bales. Understanding cotton production aids in managing crops and optimizing yields.
Cider Press
Cider Press: A device for crushing apples to extract juice for cider making. Using cider presses helps farmers manage apple processing efficiently and produce high-quality cider.
Paddock Grazing
paddock grazing: A rotational grazing system that uses paddocks of equal area for grazing, followed by a rest period. This system improves pasture quality and productivity by preventing overgrazing and allowing for pasture recovery.
Salivary Gland
salivary gland: A gland which secretes saliva. Farmers benefit from understanding the function of salivary glands to maintain the digestive health of their livestock.
Food Product Materiality Assessment
The identification and prioritization of the most significant environmental, social, and economic issues affecting food production and distribution businesses, to inform sustainability strategies and reporting. For example, conducting food product materiality assessments to ensure a focused and impactful approach to sustainability.
Agri-Tourism Opportunities
The activities and initiatives that attract visitors to farms and agricultural operations, providing educational and recreational experiences. For example, developing agri-tourism opportunities to diversify farm income and engage with the community.
General Agreement On Tariffs And Trade
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade: Full form of GATT. Knowing international trade agreements helps farmers access global markets and improve competitiveness.
Pollination
pollination: The action of pollinating a flower. Helpful content: Understanding pollination processes helps farmers optimize crop production. Ensuring effective pollination can lead to higher yields, better fruit set, and improved overall plant health.
Staple Crop
staple crop: A crop that is grown in large quantities and forms the basis of a traditional diet. Understanding staple crops helps farmers meet food security needs.
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (Ras)
Closed-loop systems that filter and reuse water, providing a controlled environment for fish production. For example, using recirculating aquaculture systems to raise fish sustainably and reduce water consumption.
Farm Produce
Farm Produce: Food such as fruit, vegetables, meat, milk, and butter, which is produced on a farm. High-quality farm produce is essential for market success and consumer satisfaction.
Metabolise
metabolise: to break down or build up organic compounds by metabolism. Understanding the metabolic processes can help farmers manage livestock nutrition and health more effectively, ensuring better growth and productivity.
Dairy Emissions
The release of greenhouse gases and other pollutants from dairy production and processing. For example, implementing practices to reduce dairy emissions and improve environmental performance.
Determination
determination: The process of finding something out by calculation or experiment. Determination of the maximum safe dose. Accurate determination of various factors, such as nutrient levels, soil health, and pest populations, is crucial for effective farm management. Farmers should use reliable methods and tools for accurate determination and decision-making. Understanding the importance of accurate data can help optimize farm operations and improve productivity.
Liver Fluke
Liver Fluke: Liver fluke is a parasitic trematode which lives in the liver and bile ducts of animals, e.g., Fasciola hepatica which infests sheep and cattle, causing loss of condition. Managing liver fluke through proper treatment and prevention measures can protect livestock health and farm productivity.
Eye-Bright
eye-bright: Same as ivy-leaved speedwell. Managing eye-bright helps farmers maintain crop health and biodiversity.
Countryside Commission For Scotland
Countryside Commission for Scotland: Countryside Commission for Scotland noun an organization in Scotland concerned with the protection of the countryside and with setting up country parks for public recreation. It is part of Scottish Natural Heritage. Engaging with the Countryside Commission for Scotland supports rural conservation and sustainable land use practices.
Broiler Production Techniques
The methods and practices used to raise broiler chickens for meat production, including feeding, housing, and health care. For example, adopting broiler production techniques to ensure high productivity and healthy birds.
Silty Soil
silty soil: Soil containing a high proportion of silt. Such soils are difficult to work and drainage is a problem. Farmers benefit from managing silty soils to improve drainage and soil structure.
Beef Soup
A soup made from beef, broth, and vegetables, often slow-cooked to develop rich flavor. For example, producing beef soup bones and meat for use in homemade and pre-packaged soups.
Soil Tilth
The physical condition of soil in relation to its suitability for planting and growing crops. Soil tilth is influenced by factors such as soil structure, organic matter, and management practices. For example, improving soil tilth through conservation tillage and organic matter addition to support healthy plant growth and optimize water use efficiency.
Irradiation
irradiation: The use of rays to kill bacteria in food. Helps farmers understand and apply food irradiation techniques.
Dairy Safety
The measures taken to ensure the safety of dairy products, including quality control, testing, and compliance with regulations. For example, implementing dairy safety programs to prevent contamination and ensure consumer confidence.
Distribution
distribution: The spreading of something over an area. Proper distribution of seeds, fertilizer, or pesticides is important for achieving uniform application and optimal results. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and techniques for effective distribution. Understanding the benefits and applications of distribution will aid in effective crop and soil management.
Calf Vaccination
The administration of vaccines to calves to protect them from infectious diseases. Calf vaccination is crucial for herd health and productivity. For example, developing a vaccination schedule for calves to prevent common diseases and ensure their well-being.
Stecklings
stecklings: young sugar beet plants grown in seedbeds in summer, to be transplanted in the autumn or following spring. Properly managing stecklings ensures healthy growth and optimal yields of sugar beet crops.
Double Chop Harvester
double chop harvester: A type of forage harvester that chops the crop into short lengths rather than just lacerating it. The chopping unit is a vertical rotating disc, usually with three knives and three fan blades. Precision chop forage harvesters improve the efficiency of forage processing.
Clean Crop
Clean Crop: A measure of the amount of cereal not mixed with seeds of other plants. Managing clean crops involves using appropriate weed control measures to ensure high-quality produce.
Beef Umbilical Cord
The umbilical cord of cattle, often used for medicinal purposes. For example, producing beef umbilical cord for pharmaceutical and health applications.