Market Access Program (MAP)
Market Access Program (MAP):
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
parthenocarpy: The production of seedless fruits without fertilization having taken place. Producing seedless fruits can meet market demands and reduce the need for pollination management.
squirrel: a medium-sized rodent living in trees. (NOTE: Squirrels are harmless as far as crops are concerned. There are two types of squirrel in the UK: the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris).) Managing squirrel populations supports biodiversity and ecological balance on farms.
The study of the physical and chemical processes that occur within plants, including photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration. Plant physiology helps understand how plants grow and respond to their environment. For example, studying how different light conditions affect plant growth and development.
ground water: Ground water is water that stays in the top layers of soil or in porous rocks and can collect pollution. Managing ground water resources supports sustainable water use and protects crop health.
acidification: The process of becoming acid or making a substance more acid. Acidification of soil can affect crop yields, so farmers must use appropriate amendments to maintain soil health.
The ethical treatment and well-being of animals raised for food, fiber, or labor. This includes providing adequate living conditions, humane handling, and minimizing stress. For example, ensuring that chickens have enough space to move freely.
The hair covering the body of cattle, providing protection from weather and pests. The coat’s quality and color can vary by breed. For instance, grooming cattle coats to maintain cleanliness and health.
thousand grain weight: The weight of a thousand grains, used as an indicator of grain quality. Monitoring thousand grain weight helps farmers assess crop quality and make informed decisions for breeding and marketing.
self-raising flour: A type of flour with baking powder added to it. Farmers benefit from using self-raising flour for convenience in baking and food preparation.
hydroelectricity: The electricity produced by water power. Utilizing hydroelectricity provides a renewable energy source for farm operations.
overexploitation: The uncontrolled use of natural resources until there is very little left. Overexploitation can lead to resource depletion and environmental damage. Farmers can benefit from adopting sustainable resource management practices to ensure long-term productivity and ecological balance.
The practices and strategies used to acquire, lease, and manage agricultural land, including legal and financial considerations. For example, exploring land acquisition and leasing options to expand farm operations and increase production capacity.
The methods and services used to transport food products to consumers, including logistics, carriers, and tracking. For example, selecting reliable shipping and delivery options to ensure timely and safe arrival of food products.
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS):
top-saving attachment: An attachment to a topper unit which collects the tops of sugar beet after they have been cut off. Using top-saving attachments can enhance feed utilization and reduce waste.
alkalinity: The amount of alkali in something such as soil, water, or a body. Understanding and managing alkalinity helps farmers maintain soil health and water quality.
The fourth and final compartment of the cattle stomach, where true digestion occurs with the help of stomach acids and enzymes. The abomasum is similar to the human stomach. For instance, monitoring abomasum health to prevent conditions like displaced abomasum.
Coppicing: Coppicing noun the practice of regularly cutting down trees near to the ground to produce strong straight shoots for fuel or other uses Coppicing, a traditional method of woodland management, is now of interest for producing biofuel. COMMENT: The best trees for coppicing are those which naturally send up several tall straight stems from a bole, such as willow, alder, or poplar. In coppice management, the normal cycle is about five to ten years of growth, after which the stems are cut back. Implementing coppicing practices provides sustainable wood production and enhances forest management.
Food and Agriculture Organization: An international organization that is an agency of the United Nations, established to improve standards of nutrition and eradicate malnutrition and hunger. Abbr FAO. This organization provides resources and guidance to farmers worldwide, promoting sustainable agriculture and food security.
Tools and equipment used in farming operations. Implements include plows, harrows, seeders, and sprayers. For instance, using a plow to prepare the soil for planting crops.
A form of mastitis without visible symptoms but detectable through milk testing, typically by elevated somatic cell counts. Subclinical mastitis affects milk quality and yield. For example, monitoring somatic cell counts to detect and manage subclinical mastitis in dairy herds.
The brains of cattle, often used in traditional dishes and for making pet food. For example, producing beef brains for culinary and industrial applications.
Products that have had lactose removed or broken down, suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance. For instance, producing lactose-free milk to cater to consumers with dietary restrictions.
The pursuit of innovative and business-oriented approaches in agriculture, including the development of new products, services, and markets. For example, exploring agri-entrepreneurship opportunities to create value-added products and expand business ventures.
snap beans: US beans which are eaten in the pod, e.g., green beans or French beans, or of which the seed is eaten after drying, e.g., haricot beans. As opposed to broad beans or Lima beans, the seeds of which are eaten fresh. Growing snap beans provides farmers with a versatile crop for fresh and processed markets, enhancing farm income.
The series of steps involved in converting raw milk into dairy products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt. Dairy processing includes pasteurization, homogenization, and packaging. For instance, operating a dairy processing plant to produce and distribute various dairy products.
The laws and guidelines governing beekeeping practices, including hive management, disease control, and honey production standards. For example, complying with beekeeping regulations to ensure legal and sustainable beekeeping operations.
dipper: A deep trench into which sheep are guided to be dipped. Using a dipper is an effective method for managing external parasites in sheep. Farmers should ensure proper construction and maintenance of dippers for safe and effective dipping. Understanding the benefits and applications of dippers will aid in effective parasite management and improved livestock welfare.
polyethylene: Same as polythene. Helpful content: Polyethylene is widely used in agriculture for applications such as mulching, greenhouse covers, and irrigation tubing. Its durability and flexibility make it a valuable material for enhancing crop protection and water management.
The highest USDA quality grade for beef, characterized by abundant marbling and tenderness. Prime beef is preferred for its flavor and quality. For example, producing Prime beef to meet the demand for premium steaks and roasts.