April 3, 2025

Author: Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D., is the esteemed Editor-in-Chief of FarmerCowboy.com and a renowned expert in agricultural policy. With a doctorate in political science and a lifelong dedication to farming, Alan brings a unique blend of academic expertise and practical farming experience to his role. His deep understanding of agricultural policy and its impact on farming communities has made him a trusted voice in the field. Alan’s career is marked by a commitment to advancing agricultural knowledge and practices. As a professor, he has educated and inspired countless students, sharing his extensive knowledge of agricultural policy and its implications. His insights are rooted in a lifetime of hands-on farming experience, providing a practical perspective that complements his academic credentials. At FarmerCowboy.com, Alan leads with a vision to provide reliable, insightful, and up-to-date information to the farming community. His editorial direction ensures that the content is not only informative but also relevant and beneficial to farmers and agricultural professionals. Alan’s leadership and expertise have solidified FarmerCowboy.com as a go-to resource for agricultural news and analysis. Alan Nafzger’s blend of academic rigor, practical farming experience, and a passion for agricultural policy make him an invaluable asset to the agricultural community. His contributions continue to shape the future of farming, ensuring that it remains sustainable and productive for generations to come.
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Shifting Cultivation

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.1

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.

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Cotton

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

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.

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Paddock Grazing

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

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.

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Dutch Hoe

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

Dutch hoe: An implement with a long handle and a more or less straight D-shaped blade, used with a push-pull action. Dutch hoes are effective for weeding and soil cultivation, helping to manage weeds and improve soil structure.

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Food Product Materiality Assessment

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

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.

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Pollination

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

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.

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Sweetener

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

sweetener: an artificial substance such as saccharin added to food to make it sweet. Properly managing sweeteners ensures product quality and consumer health, supporting market value and farm profitability.

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Caesium

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.0

Caesium: A metallic alkali element that is one of the main radioactive pollutants taken up by fish. Monitoring caesium levels in water and soil helps farmers prevent contamination and protect food safety.

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Chalk

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.0

Chalk: A fine white limestone rock formed of calcium carbonate. Managing chalky soils involves using appropriate amendments to improve fertility and support healthy crop growth.

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Metabolise

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

metabolise: to break down or build up organic compounds by metabolism. Understanding the metabolic processes can help farmers manage livestock nutrition and health more effectively, ensuring better growth and productivity.

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Determination

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

determination: The process of finding something out by calculation or experiment. Determination of the maximum safe dose. Accurate determination of various factors, such as nutrient levels, soil health, and pest populations, is crucial for effective farm management. Farmers should use reliable methods and tools for accurate determination and decision-making. Understanding the importance of accurate data can help optimize farm operations and improve productivity.

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Liver Fluke

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

Liver Fluke: Liver fluke is a parasitic trematode which lives in the liver and bile ducts of animals, e.g., Fasciola hepatica which infests sheep and cattle, causing loss of condition. Managing liver fluke through proper treatment and prevention measures can protect livestock health and farm productivity.

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Countryside Commission For Scotland

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

Countryside Commission for Scotland: Countryside Commission for Scotland noun an organization in Scotland concerned with the protection of the countryside and with setting up country parks for public recreation. It is part of Scottish Natural Heritage. Engaging with the Countryside Commission for Scotland supports rural conservation and sustainable land use practices.

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Silty Soil

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

silty soil: Soil containing a high proportion of silt. Such soils are difficult to work and drainage is a problem. Farmers benefit from managing silty soils to improve drainage and soil structure.

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OM

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.0

OM: Organic matter. Organic matter is crucial for soil health, improving water retention, nutrient availability, and soil structure. Farmers can benefit from incorporating organic matter through composting, cover cropping, and reduced tillage to enhance soil fertility and sustainability.

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Captan

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.0

Captan: A fungicide used to combat apple and pear scab and in seed dressings for peas and other vegetables. Using captan helps farmers protect crops from fungal diseases and improve yield quality.

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Soil Tilth

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.0

The physical condition of soil in relation to its suitability for planting and growing crops. Soil tilth is influenced by factors such as soil structure, organic matter, and management practices. For example, improving soil tilth through conservation tillage and organic matter addition to support healthy plant growth and optimize water use efficiency.

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Dairy Safety

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.0

The measures taken to ensure the safety of dairy products, including quality control, testing, and compliance with regulations. For example, implementing dairy safety programs to prevent contamination and ensure consumer confidence.

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Pig Iron

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

pig iron: An impure iron produced in a blast furnace and used to produce steel. Understanding industrial processes like pig iron production aids in making informed decisions about farm equipment and infrastructure.

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Distribution

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

distribution: The spreading of something over an area. Proper distribution of seeds, fertilizer, or pesticides is important for achieving uniform application and optimal results. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and techniques for effective distribution. Understanding the benefits and applications of distribution will aid in effective crop and soil management.

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Calf Vaccination

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.0

The administration of vaccines to calves to protect them from infectious diseases. Calf vaccination is crucial for herd health and productivity. For example, developing a vaccination schedule for calves to prevent common diseases and ensure their well-being.

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Stecklings

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

stecklings: young sugar beet plants grown in seedbeds in summer, to be transplanted in the autumn or following spring. Properly managing stecklings ensures healthy growth and optimal yields of sugar beet crops.

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Double Chop Harvester

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.1

double chop harvester: A type of forage harvester that chops the crop into short lengths rather than just lacerating it. The chopping unit is a vertical rotating disc, usually with three knives and three fan blades. Precision chop forage harvesters improve the efficiency of forage processing.

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Clean Crop

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.2

Clean Crop: A measure of the amount of cereal not mixed with seeds of other plants. Managing clean crops involves using appropriate weed control measures to ensure high-quality produce.