January 11, 2025
C

Compaction

Compaction: Compaction /k?mpæk?(?)n/, compacting noun the compression of ground and making it hard, e.g. by driving over it with heavy machinery or as the result of a lot of people walking on it. Managing soil compaction involves using proper tillage and traffic management practices to maintain soil health.

F

Fly Strike

Fly Strike: A serious condition caused by maggots breeding on the animal’s hindquarters, which can quickly cause death from shock. Proper monitoring and treatment of fly strike ensure livestock health and welfare.

S

Suckler Cow Premium Scheme

Suckler Cow Premium Scheme: until 2005, a subsidy on female cattle forming part of a suckler breeding herd used for rearing calves for meat production. Now superseded by the Single Payment Scheme. Understanding and accessing support schemes ensures financial support for farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

P

Pheasant

pheasant: A game bird with long tail feathers, found in the wild or reared for shooting. Raising pheasants can provide additional income through game farming and hunting activities.

F

Flatworm

Flatworm: A worm with a flat body, a single gut opening, and no circulatory system. Phylum: Platyhelminthes. Flatworms include both free-living species and parasites such as flukes and tapeworms. Monitoring and controlling flatworm infestations help maintain animal health.

T

Trocar

trocar: A pointed rod which slides inside a cannula to draw off liquid or to puncture an animal’s stomach to let gas escape, such as in the treatment of bloat. Using trocars can provide effective treatment for livestock health issues, improving animal welfare and productivity.

C

CEH

CEH: Abbreviation for Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. Collaborating with CEH supports farmers in adopting sustainable and environmentally sound practices to improve farm operations.

D

Dairying

dairying: An agricultural system which involves the production of milk and other dairy products from cows kept on special farms. Successful dairying requires knowledge of cow physiology, milking techniques, and dairy product processing. Farmers should invest in quality milking equipment and ensure strict hygiene standards to produce high-quality milk. Continuous learning and adapting to new technologies can enhance dairy farm efficiency and sustainability.

C

Coomb

Coomb: Coomb /ku:m/ noun a measure of cereals, equalling one sack or four bushels. Understanding agricultural measures like coomb aids in managing crop yields and storage.

L

Lean Meat

Lean Meat: Lean meat is meat with very little fat. Animals are bred to produce lean meat. Producing lean meat can meet consumer demand for healthier meat options and increase marketability.

S

Sheet Erosion

sheet erosion: Erosion that takes place evenly over the whole area of a slope, caused by the runoff from saturated soil after heavy rainfall. Farmers benefit from managing sheet erosion to prevent soil degradation and maintain land productivity.

Tractors

Machinery used to perform various tasks in farming operations, including plowing, planting, and harvesting. Tractors are essential tools for modern agriculture. For instance, using a tractor to pull a plow and prepare a field for planting.

Dairy Testing

The analysis of dairy products to assess quality, composition, and safety. Dairy testing is essential for meeting regulatory standards and consumer expectations. For example, conducting regular dairy tests to monitor milk quality and ensure compliance with regulations.

L

Layer’S Cramp

Layer’s Cramp: Layer’s cramp is a condition found in pullets after the first few weeks of their laying life. The bird appears weak, but the trouble usually disappears after a few days. Monitoring and managing layer’s cramp can ensure the health and productivity of laying hens.

K

Kg

kg: Kilogram – the base unit of mass in the SI system, equal to 1000 grams or 2.2046 pounds. Symbol kg. Helps farmers understand and use weight measurements.

C

Conditioned Reflex

Conditioned Reflex: Conditioned reflex noun an automatic reaction by an animal to a stimulus, learned from past experience. Understanding conditioned reflexes aids in animal training and behavior management.

A

Agriculture Acts

Agriculture Acts: Acts of Parliament, introduced to update legislation affecting agricultural policy. Keeping up with Agriculture Acts helps farmers stay informed about legal changes and requirements.

A

Acer

acer: A maple or sycamore tree. Farmers may grow Acer species for timber, syrup, or ornamental purposes, adding diversity to their farming operations.

F

Farming Systems

Farming Systems: Different types of farming and methods of cultivation, e.g., shifting cultivation systems, ley systems, systems with permanent upland cultivation, fallow systems, grazing systems, and systems with perennial crops. Understanding various systems helps farmers choose the best practices for their land and resources.

T

Tare

tare: Same as vetch. Also, the weight of a container or packaging in which goods are wrapped. Properly managing tare can enhance crop rotation and soil fertility, as well as accurate weight measurements for sales.

A

Angelica

angelica: A plant with dark green stems, which are crystallized with sugar and used in confectionery. Growing angelica provides farmers with valuable crops for culinary and medicinal purposes.

W

Wild Onion

wild onion: Wild onion, also known as crow garlic, is a perennial weed affecting cereal crops. Farmers need to manage this weed to protect their crops, often through the use of specific herbicides.

C

Colbred

Colbred: Colbred /k??lbred/ noun a breed of sheep of medium size with white face. When used in cross-breeding, they are capable of transmitting high fertility and high milking capacity. Raising Colbred sheep enhances flock productivity and genetic diversity.

G

Gage

gage: A variety of plum, especially the greengage. Growing gages can diversify fruit production on a farm, potentially increasing income through sales of fresh fruit and value-added products like jams.

E

EIA

EIA: Abbreviation for environmental impact assessment. Conducting an EIA helps farmers plan sustainable agricultural practices and comply with environmental regulations.

C

Colt

Colt: Colt noun a young male horse which is less than four years old, or in the case of thoroughbreds, less than five years old. Raising colts involves providing proper nutrition and training for future productivity.

V

V-Graft

V-graft: A method of grafting where the stem of the stock is trimmed to a point and the stem of the cutting is split to allow it to be fitted over the point of the stock. Using V-grafts can improve plant propagation and crop yields.

W

Winter Greens

winter greens: Winter greens are hardy varieties of Brassica grown for winter use. Farmers can benefit from growing winter greens to extend the harvest season and provide fresh produce during colder months.

D

DARD

DARD: Abbreviation for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Farmers should be aware of the resources and support provided by DARD, including grants, advisory services, and regulations. Utilizing these resources can help improve farm practices, comply with regulations, and access funding opportunities.

Herd Sire

A male animal selected to breed with the females in a herd. Herd sires are chosen for their genetic qualities and ability to improve the herd. For example, a herd sire may be used to introduce new traits into a cowherd.