Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
Crop Protection Association: Crop Protection Association noun an association which promotes best practice in food safety with regard to the use of pesticides on crops. Abbr CPA. Engaging with the Crop Protection Association supports best practices in crop management and pest control.
Actions taken to reduce the severity and impact of soil erosion on agricultural land. Soil erosion mitigation includes practices such as contour farming, buffer strips, and cover cropping. For example, implementing buffer strips along waterways to reduce soil erosion and protect water quality in agricultural landscapes.
stem eelworm: a pest affecting cereals, in particular oats. The plant stem swells and is prevented from growing and producing any ears. Managing stem eelworm populations protects crops from damage, ensuring healthy growth and better yields.
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points):
Agricultural Chemicals Approval Scheme: A scheme which gave advice to farmers on the use and efficiency of chemicals and tested chemicals before use by farmers. It was operated by the Agricultural Chemicals Approved Organization and was a voluntary scheme which has now been replaced by the FEPA legislation. Abbr ACAS. Following chemical approval schemes helps farmers use agrochemicals safely and effectively.
straw walker: the part of a combine harvester where straw is carried away from the threshed grain after it has been separated from the stalks. Properly managing straw walkers ensures efficient combine harvester operation and crop quality.
List of Chemicals of Concern: List of Chemicals of Concern is a list of chemicals believed to be produced or used in the UK in substantial amounts and which meet specific criteria for concern relating to risks to the environment and human health. The list is drawn up by the UK Chemicals Stakeholder Forum and is intended for discussion and input. Being aware of chemicals of concern can help farmers adopt safe and sustainable farming practices.
The digital tools and systems that facilitate teamwork and communication among employees, including project management software, chat applications, and virtual meeting platforms. For example, using food product collaboration platforms to enhance remote teamwork and efficiency.
peat: The accumulated partly decayed mosses and other plants which form the soil of a bog, often forming a deep layer. COMMENT: Acid peats are formed in waterlogged areas where marsh plants grow, and where the decay of dead material is slow. Black fen soils found in East Anglia are very fertile. These soils contain silts and calcium carbonate in addition to the remains of vegetation. Peat can be cut and dried in blocks, which can then be used as fuel. It is also widely used in horticulture, after drying and sterilizing. Peat was used as a fuel in some areas and was widely used in gardens to improve the texture of the soil or mixed with soil or other materials to grow plants in pots. These practices are now discouraged in order to prevent the overuse of peat bogs. Understanding peat and its uses helps in making informed decisions about sustainable soil management and conservation practices.
enzootic disease: An outbreak of disease among certain species of animals in a certain area. Compare epizootic disease. Managing enzootic diseases helps farmers protect animal health and prevent the spread of infections.
glume blotch: A fungal disease of wheat. Recognizing and managing glume blotch can prevent crop losses and improve wheat yield.
A business or individual involved in selling dairy products to consumers, retailers, and wholesalers. For example, working as a dairy seller to market and distribute fresh milk and dairy products.
The measurement of the fat layer over the back, usually at the 12th rib. Fat thickness is used to assess fat cover and carcass quality. For example, monitoring fat thickness in cattle to ensure optimal meat quality and processing efficiency.
Light Grains: Light grains are cereals such as barley and oats. Comparing light grains with heavy grains can help farmers choose appropriate crops for their land and market needs.
The provision of recreational and entertainment activities on farms, including hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos. For example, offering agritainment activities to attract families and provide a fun farm experience.
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 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.
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: 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 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: 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: 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: A gland which secretes saliva. Farmers benefit from understanding the function of salivary glands to maintain the digestive health of their livestock.
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS):
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.
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: Full form of GATT. Knowing international trade agreements helps farmers access global markets and improve competitiveness.
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: 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.
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: 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.
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