April 1, 2025
D

Draining Pen

draining pen: A pen for sheep to go in after dipping, where surplus liquid can drain off the wet fleece and go back into the sheep dip. Draining pens help manage the health and hygiene of sheep.

D

Decomposition

decomposition: The process of breaking down into simple chemical compounds. Decomposition is essential for nutrient cycling and soil health. Farmers should manage decomposition processes through composting and mulching to enhance soil fertility. Understanding the factors that influence decomposition, such as temperature, moisture, and organic matter quality, can help optimize these processes for better crop productivity.

Crop Modeling

The use of mathematical models to simulate crop growth and development under various conditions. Crop modeling helps predict yields and assess the impact of different farming practices. For example, using crop modeling to estimate the effects of drought on corn production.

S

Sidewalk Farmer

sidewalk farmer: US a farmer who cultivates land some way away from his or her house in a town. Farmers benefit from understanding sidewalk farming for efficient land use and crop management.

R

Restore

restore: To give something back, or put something back to a previous state or position. Restoring soil health and fertility supports sustainable farming practices and ensures long-term productivity.

H

Headage

headage: The number of animals of a specified type, such as cattle, used as a basis for calculating subsidy payments. Understanding headage calculations helps farmers manage their livestock numbers effectively and maximize subsidy benefits.

A

Alley Cropping

alley cropping: The planting of crops such as maize or sorghum between trees. The trees help to prevent soil erosion, especially on slopes, and may benefit soil fertility if the leaves are used as mulch or if the trees are legumes. Implementing alley cropping practices helps farmers improve soil health and crop yields.

Riparian Buffers

Vegetated areas along water bodies that help protect water quality by filtering runoff, reducing erosion, and providing habitat for wildlife. Riparian buffers are important for environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture. For example, planting trees and grasses along a stream to create a riparian buffer and improve water quality.

H

Hgca

HGCA: An organization established to improve the production and marketing of UK cereal crops and oilseeds, and to promote research. Full form Home Grown Cereals Authority. Engaging with HGCA can provide farmers with valuable support and resources for cereal production.

T

Tuberculin

tuberculin: A substance which is derived from the culture of the tuberculosis bacillus and is used to test cattle for the presence of tuberculosis. Using tuberculin tests can help detect and manage tuberculosis in livestock, protecting herd health.

G

Gene

gene: A unit of DNA on a chromosome which governs the synthesis of one protein and may combine with other genes to determine a particular characteristic. Understanding genetics helps in selective breeding for desirable traits in crops and livestock.

C

Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis: Coccidiosis /k?ksidi ??sis/ noun a parasitic disease of livestock and poultry affecting the intestines. Managing coccidiosis involves implementing biosecurity measures and appropriate treatments to protect animal health.

E

ESA

ESA: Abbreviation for Environmentally Sensitive Area. Understanding ESA helps farmers adopt practices that protect sensitive environments and receive funding for conservation efforts.

C

Cooperative

Cooperative: Cooperative noun a group of farmers who work together to sell their produce either for the wholesale market or in retail outlets such as farmers’ markets. Engaging in cooperatives supports collective marketing and enhances farm income.

P

Physiological Age

physiological age: The stage of development of an animal or plant, as compared to its actual chronological age. Monitoring physiological age helps in making informed decisions about breeding, feeding, and management practices.

P

PVRO

PVRO: Abbreviation for Plant Variety Rights Office. Helpful content: The Plant Variety Rights Office helps protect the intellectual property of plant breeders, encouraging innovation and the development of new plant varieties. Farmers benefit from access to improved seeds that enhance productivity and sustainability.

H

Horticulture

horticulture: The cultivation of flowers, fruit, and vegetables in gardens, nurseries, or glasshouses, as a science, occupation, or leisure activity. Practicing horticulture diversifies farm products and provides additional income streams.

Tattooing

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

Animal Nutrition

The science of feeding animals to ensure their growth, health, and productivity. This involves formulating balanced diets that meet the nutritional needs of different species. For instance, creating a feed mix that provides all necessary nutrients for dairy cows.

D

Digestive

digestive: Referring to digestion. Digestive health is crucial for maintaining the productivity and welfare of livestock. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop diets that promote optimal digestive health. Implementing proper dietary practices and monitoring digestive health will enhance the well-being and performance of livestock.

D

Durum

durum: A type of wheat grown in southern Europe and the USA and used in making semolina for processing into pasta. Latin name: Triticum durum. Durum wheat is prized for its high protein content and strong gluten, essential for pasta production.

M

Microclimate

microclimate: The climate of a small, specific area that may differ from the surrounding general climate. Understanding microclimates helps farmers optimize growing conditions for different crops.

D

Department Of Agriculture And Rural Development, Northern Ireland

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland: The department of regional government which deals with farming, the environment, animal welfare, and rural development in Northern Ireland. Abbr DARDNI. Farmers in Northern Ireland should engage with DARDNI to access resources and support for sustainable farming practices. Utilizing DARDNI’s programs can enhance farm productivity, environmental stewardship, and compliance with regulations. Staying informed about DARDNI initiatives will help farmers adopt best practices and benefit from available opportunities.

T

Timber

timber: Trees which have been or are to be cut down and made into logs. Managing timber resources effectively can provide sustainable income and support conservation efforts.

D

Damson

damson: A small dark purple plum (Prunus damascena). Damsons are hardy and can be used for making preserves, jams, and desserts. For farmers, growing damson trees can provide a diversified income stream. They require well-drained soil and minimal pruning, making them relatively easy to manage. Farmers should monitor for pests and diseases and ensure proper fertilization to maximize fruit yield.

F

Fairy Ring

Fairy Ring: A circle of darker colored grass in a pasture, caused by fungi. Farmers can use this knowledge to identify and manage soil health and fungal issues in their pastures.

G

Gadfly

gadfly: A fly that bites cattle, such as the horsefly or bot fly, most common from late May onwards and causing considerable trouble to cattle. Awareness and management of gadflies can help reduce cattle stress and potential injuries, leading to better overall herd health and productivity.

I

Intestinal Diseases

intestinal diseases: Diseases and conditions which affect the intestines of animals, e.g. anthrax, dysentery, parasites, enteritis or swine fever. Helps farmers identify and manage digestive health in livestock.

S

Single Payment Scheme

Single Payment Scheme: An initiative under the CAP which calculates farmers’ subsidies with reference to the amount of land used in production, as well as the total eligible livestock or crop output. It replaces individual subsidy schemes. Abbr SPS. Farmers benefit from engaging with the Single Payment Scheme for financial support and resources in farming operations.

P

Phosphorylation

phosphorylation: The addition of a phosphate to a molecule. Understanding biochemical processes like phosphorylation aids in improving animal and plant health through better nutrition and disease management.

E

Excretion

excretion: The passing of the waste products of metabolism such as faeces, urine, sweat, or carbon dioxide out of the body. Compare secretion. Understanding excretion helps farmers manage animal health and hygiene.