December 30, 2024
E

Esparto

esparto: A species of grass which yields fibers used mainly in making paper. It originally came from North Africa and Southern Spain. Growing esparto can provide farmers with an alternative income source from fiber production.

R

Rent

rent: Money paid to use a farm or land for a period of time; to pay money to hire a farm or land for a period of time. Renting land allows farmers to expand their operations without large capital investments.

D

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane

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.

C

Caesar

Caesar: To perform a surgical intervention to enable an animal to give birth, often necessary with Belgian Blue cattle. Mastering caesarean techniques ensures safe deliveries in livestock, reducing mortality rates and improving herd productivity.

G

Grazing Systems

grazing systems: Grazing systems are different methods of pasture management. Implementing effective grazing systems improves pasture utilization, supports livestock health, and enhances farm productivity.

S

Stamen

stamen: a male part of a flower consisting of a stalk (filament) bearing a container (anther) in which pollen is produced. Understanding the structure and function of stamens helps farmers manage plant reproduction and optimize yields.

G

Greenfly

greenfly: Greenfly is a type of aphid that sucks sap from plants and can multiply rapidly. Managing greenfly infestations protects crops from damage, ensuring higher yields and quality produce.

R

Rig

rig: A male animal in which one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum at the usual time. Managing rigs is important for livestock breeding programs and animal health.

C

Common

Common: Common adjective belonging to several different people or to everyone common land noun an area of land to which the public has access for walking COMMENT: About 80% of common land is privately owned and, subject to the interests of any commoners, owners enjoy essentially the same rights as the owners of other land. Commoners have different types of ‘rights of common’, e.g. to graze animals, or to extract sand, gravel, or peat. Managing common land involves balancing public access with sustainable land use practices.

F

Farmscape

Farmscape: A landscape dominated by agriculture. Farmland is the main element in farmscape, though non-agricultural uses may be included. Creating a balanced farmscape supports both productivity and environmental health.

I

ICRISAT

ICRISAT: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics – an organization established in 1972 at Hyderabad, India. Farmers benefit from research on crops suited to semi-arid conditions.

C

Chats

Chats: Small potatoes separated from larger potatoes during grading. Managing potato by-products like chats involves using them for feed or processing to reduce waste and maximize farm resources.

Milk Components

The various substances that make up milk, including water, fat, protein, lactose, and minerals. Milk components are important for nutritional value and dairy product processing. For example, analyzing milk components to ensure it meets industry standards and consumer preferences.

D

Deflector Plate

deflector plate: An attachment in a slurry spreader which spreads the slurry over a wide area. Using a deflector plate in slurry spreading can improve the distribution of nutrients and reduce environmental impact. Farmers should ensure proper calibration and maintenance of slurry spreaders to achieve uniform application. Understanding the nutrient content of slurry and matching it to crop needs can enhance soil fertility and crop growth.

C

Centrifuge

Centrifuge: A device using centrifugal force to separate or remove liquids. Using centrifuges helps farmers and processors manage dairy and food operations efficiently, improving product quality and yield.

Farm Insurance Options

The various insurance products available to protect farm operations from financial losses due to events such as crop failure, livestock loss, and natural disasters. For example, purchasing farm insurance to safeguard against potential risks and ensure financial stability.

D

Domestic

domestic: Referring to the home or kept as a farm animal or pet. Domestic animals like dogs, cats, pigs, and goats are integral to farm life, providing companionship, labor, and food. Proper care and management are essential for their well-being.

G

Geest

geest: An infertile sandy lowland region of North and East Germany, covered with heath. Knowledge of geest regions is important for understanding soil fertility and managing land use.

P

Percheron

Percheron: A heavy breed of horse, developed in Normandy. It is grey in color. Raising breeds like Percheron can provide valuable workhorses for farm tasks and meet market demands for horse-related activities.

C

Copra

Copra: Copra /k?pr?/ noun the dried pulp of a coconut, from which oil is extracted by pressing. Understanding copra production aids in managing coconut crops and oil extraction.

C

Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll: A green pigment in plants and some algae that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis. Understanding chlorophyll function aids farmers in managing crop health and optimizing photosynthesis for improved yields.

S

Silage Liquor

silage liquor: A liquid which forms in silage and drains away from the silo. Farmers benefit from managing silage liquor to prevent environmental contamination and ensure sustainable farming practices.

S

Stile

stile: a set of steps arranged so that people can climb over a wall or fence. Properly managing stiles ensures safe and efficient movement across farm boundaries, supporting farm operations.

F

Food Mile

Food Mile: A measure of the distance that food is transported from its place of origin to the consumer. Managing food miles supports sustainable food systems and reduces environmental impact.

T

Toulouse

Toulouse: A medium-large grey and white breed of goose, which originates in France. Raising Toulouse geese can provide high-quality meat and feathers, diversifying farm income.

C

Charlock

Charlock: A widespread weed (Sinapis arvensis) mainly affecting spring cereals. Managing charlock involves using appropriate herbicides and cultural practices to protect crops and maintain healthy fields.

C

Clevis

Clevis: A U-shaped iron attachment used to couple an implement to a tractor towbar. Using clevis attachments helps farmers manage equipment connections and ensure safe field operations.

L

Lavender

Lavender: Lavender is a shrub (Lavandula officinalis) with small lilac-colored flowers and narrow leaves, cultivated for perfume. Growing lavender can provide farmers with high-value essential oils and aromatic products.

P

Porcine

porcine: Referring to pigs. Helpful content: Understanding porcine biology and management is crucial for pig farmers. Knowledge of pig health, nutrition, and behavior helps optimize production, improve animal welfare, and enhance farm profitability.

S

Slapmark

slapmark: the herdmark allocated by Defra, put on both shoulders of a pig. Ensuring slapmarks are legible helps farmers comply with regulations and maintain accurate records for traceability and biosecurity.

I

Intervention Price

intervention price: Same as support price. The intervention price is the price at which the national intervention agencies are obliged to buy up agricultural commodities offered to them. Helps farmers understand price support mechanisms.

Cattle Tattooing

A method of marking cattle by injecting ink into the skin, usually inside the ear. Tattooing provides a permanent form of identification. For example, tattooing registration numbers on purebred cattle for breed certification and record-keeping.

N

Nitrification

nitrification: the process by which bacteria in the soil break down nitrogen compounds and form nitrates which plants can absorb. Nitrification is a key process in the nitrogen cycle, essential for converting nitrogen into forms that plants can use. Farmers can benefit from understanding and managing nitrification to ensure efficient nitrogen use and minimize losses. Practices like maintaining soil health, using nitrification inhibitors, and optimizing fertilizer application timing can enhance nitrogen availability for crops, leading to better yields and reduced environmental impact.

R

Rainwater

rainwater: The water which falls as rain from clouds. Collecting and utilizing rainwater can provide farmers with an additional source of irrigation water, reducing dependence on other water sources.

P

Prune

prune: A black-skinned dried plum. To remove pieces of a plant in order to keep it in shape or to reduce its vigor. Helpful content: Pruning is essential for maintaining plant health and productivity. Proper techniques promote better air circulation, light penetration, and overall growth, leading to higher yields and quality fruit.

C

Cox’S Orange Pippin

Cox’s Orange Pippin: Cox’s orange pippin /k?ksiz ?rind p?pin/ noun a popular variety of dessert apple. The most important commercially grown apple in the UK. Cultivating Cox’s Orange Pippin apples provides high-quality fruit for markets.