Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
successional cropping: the growing of several crops one after the other during the same growing season; the process of sowing a crop such as lettuce over a long period, so that harvesting takes place over a similarly long period. Properly managing successional cropping ensures efficient land use and continuous crop production, supporting farm productivity.
The average amount of weight an animal gains per day over a specified period. ADG is a key performance metric in livestock production. For example, tracking the ADG of feedlot cattle to evaluate feeding programs and overall health.
pumpkin: A large round yellow vegetable, eaten both as a vegetable and in pies as a dessert. Helpful content: Pumpkins are versatile crops with multiple market opportunities. Farmers can maximize profitability by exploring diverse uses, including fresh market sales, processing, and value-added products.
mulefooted hog: a breed of pig which has solid hooves rather than cloven hooves. Raising mulefooted hogs can provide farmers with a unique and high-value product, particularly for niche markets interested in specialty breeds.
International Coffee Organization: An international organization set up to stabilize the international market in coffee by holding buffer stocks to offset seasonal differences in production quantities. Abbr ICO. Provides market stability for coffee farmers.
grazing pressure: Grazing pressure is the number of animals per unit weight of herbage at a point of time. Managing grazing pressure helps maintain pasture quality and ensures sustainable livestock production.
pasteurellosis: A clostridial disease mainly affecting young lambs, adult sheep, and store lambs. It may be caused by contaminated food or water. Symptoms are high temperature and difficult breathing, and death may follow a few days after the symptoms become apparent. Preventing and managing pasteurellosis is vital for livestock health and farm profitability.
growth hormone: A growth hormone is a natural or artificial chemical that makes an animal grow more quickly. Using growth hormones responsibly supports livestock development and farm profitability.
IUCN The World Conservation Union: A union of 140 countries that generates scientific knowledge, advice and standards on environmental subjects and monitors the status of species, publishing findings in its Red Lists. Helps farmers understand global conservation efforts.
The approaches used to promote and sell livestock, including auctions, direct sales, and online platforms. For example, developing livestock marketing strategies to increase sales and reach new markets.
Farm Environment Plan: A survey carried out of all a farms environmental features, such as its natural resources, landscape, resident wildlife, and points of access. Abbr FEP. This plan helps farmers manage their land sustainably and protect the environment.
Combining Peas: Combining peas plural noun peas grown on a large scale, which are harvested with a combine harvester. Growing and combining peas improves crop efficiency and marketability.
weedkiller: Same as herbicide. Using weedkillers can effectively manage weeds and improve crop health and yields.
quality grain: The application of quality standards when selling grain. Good quality is indicated by a high specific weight. Adhering to these standards can help farmers achieve better prices for their crops and build a reputation for reliability and excellence in the market.
evaporate: To change from being a liquid to being a vapor, or to change a liquid into a vapor. In the heat of the day, water evaporates from the surface of the earth. The sun evaporated all the water in the puddle. Understanding evaporation helps farmers manage irrigation and water resources.
Landfill: Landfill refers to the disposal of waste by putting it into holes in the ground and covering it with earth. It also refers to the site where this occurs. The council has decided to use the old gravel pits as a landfill site. Landfill sites can leak pollutants into the groundwater. Properly constructed landfill sites can be used to provide gas for fuel. Managing landfills responsibly prevents environmental contamination and can generate renewable energy.
precision chop forage harvester: A type of harvester which cuts the crop with flails, chops it into precise lengths, and blows it into a trailer. It may be self-propelled, off-set trailed, or mounted. It is used for harvesting green material for making silage. Helpful content: Precision chop forage harvesters improve silage quality by ensuring consistent chop lengths. This enhances fermentation and feed efficiency, supporting better livestock nutrition and farm profitability.
Clydesdale: A breed of heavy draught horse originating in Scotland, known for its brown or black color with a mass of white ‘feathers’ at the feet. Raising Clydesdale horses provides valuable animals for work and recreation, contributing to farm productivity and income.
Cutting: Cutting noun a small piece of a plant from which a new plant will grow COMMENT: Taking cuttings is a frequently used method of propagation which ensures that the new plant is an exact clone of the one from which the cutting was taken. Utilizing cuttings supports plant propagation and crop improvement.
The assessment of cattle’s fat and muscle reserves, used to evaluate their nutritional status and overall health. Body condition scoring helps manage feeding and health care. For instance, regularly assessing cattle body condition to adjust diets and ensure optimal health.
birthweight: The weight of an animal at birth. Monitoring birthweight helps farmers assess the health and growth potential of newborn livestock.
The laws and guidelines governing the import of food products from international markets, including documentation, labeling, and quality standards. For example, complying with food product import regulations to source high-quality ingredients and products.
potato planter: A machine for planting potatoes. Helpful content: Potato planters ensure precise and consistent planting, leading to uniform crop establishment. Farmers can benefit from improved planting efficiency and better crop management using these machines.
pig-producer, pig producer: A person or company that raises pigs for meat. Supporting pig producers ensures a stable supply of pigmeat and contributes to the agricultural economy.
mechanization: The use of machinery in agriculture to increase efficiency and productivity. Mechanization can reduce labor costs and improve farm operations.
Flock Mating: A mating system that uses several males to mate with the females of a flock. Properly managing flock mating enhances genetic diversity and reproductive success.
disjointed: Not connected in any way. Managing disjointed operations involves implementing proper planning and coordination practices. Farmers should ensure that all aspects of their operations are connected and aligned to achieve farm goals. Understanding the benefits of integrated management will aid in effective farm operations and productivity.
non-persistent pesticide: a pesticide which does not remain toxic for long, and so does not enter the food chain. Non-persistent pesticides offer farmers a tool for effective pest control with reduced environmental impact. By using these pesticides, farmers can manage pests while minimizing the risk of residues in food and harm to non-target organisms. Understanding the proper application and timing of non-persistent pesticides ensures their effectiveness and safety. This approach supports integrated pest management, promoting sustainable and responsible farming practices.
infected area: A place where animals must be kept in isolation as a result of a notice issued by the Animals Inspector when an animal is suspected or known to have a notifiable disease. Helps farmers implement biosecurity measures.
surface-rooting: referring to a plant whose roots are shallow in the soil. Compare deep-rooted. Properly managing surface-rooting plants ensures healthy growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.
The tools and platforms used for virtual meetings and communication, including video calls, screen sharing, and collaboration features. For example, using food product video conferencing software to maintain communication and collaboration with remote teams.
Ulster White: A breed of pig popular for bacon production in Northern Ireland. It is quite rare today, having been replaced by the Large White. Preserving rare breeds like the Ulster White can maintain genetic diversity in livestock, which is important for disease resistance and overall farm resilience.
Machinery and tools used to distribute and manage feed for livestock. Feeding equipment includes feed mixers, wagons, and conveyors. For instance, using a feed mixer to blend different feed ingredients and ensure a balanced diet for cattle.
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