Category: A

agricultural economist: A person who studies the economics of the agricultural industry. Insights from agricultural economists can guide farmers in making profitable and sustainable business decisions.

amniotic fluid: The fluid that surrounds and protects a fetus. Understanding amniotic fluid helps farmers manage livestock reproduction and health.

air layering: A method of propagation where a stem is partially cut, then surrounded with damp moss, which is tied securely to the stem. Roots will grow from the cut at the point where it is in contact with the moss. Using air layering helps farmers propagate plants efficiently.

Angus: Same as Aberdeen Angus. Raising Angus cattle provides farmers with high-quality meat production and ease of management.

agri-: Prefix referring to agriculture or to the cultivation or management of land. Farmers use agri- as a prefix in various agricultural terms to describe practices and technologies related to farming.

agistment: Money paid for grazing stock on land owned by another person. Understanding agistment can help farmers manage grazing resources and livestock efficiently.

almond oil: An oil from almond seed used for toilet preparations and for flavoring. Producing almond oil provides farmers with additional income streams and product diversification.

accumulated temperature: The number of hours during which the temperature is above a particular point, taken as the minimum temperature necessary for growing a specific crop. Farmers use accumulated temperature data to optimize planting and harvesting schedules for better crop yields.

afforest: To plant an area with trees. Afforestation can improve soil health and provide additional income streams for farmers through timber production.

actinomycete: A bacterium shaped like a rod or filament. Order: Actinomycetales. Some actinomycetes cause diseases while others are sources of antibiotics. Farmers benefit from understanding actinomycetes to manage soil health and crop diseases.

agriculturalist: A person trained in applying the principles of science to farming. Farmers benefit from the expertise of agriculturalists to enhance their practices and productivity.

ADAS: A commercial research-based organization that offers technical advice on agricultural, food, and environmental matters to rural industries. Former name Agricultural Development and Advisory Service. Farmers can benefit from ADAS expertise to improve their farming practices.

allotment: A small area of land, owned by a municipality, which is let to a person called an allotment-holder for the cultivation and production of vegetables and fruit for the consumption of the holder and his or her family. Allotments provide farmers with additional land for cultivation and income.

aflatoxin: A toxin produced by species of the fungus Aspergillus, especially Aspergillus flavus, which grows on seeds and nuts and affects stored grain. Farmers need to manage aflatoxin contamination to ensure the safety and quality of their produce.

agricultural engineering: The application of the principles of science to farming. Understanding agricultural engineering helps farmers adopt technologies and practices that enhance productivity and sustainability.

alpaca: An animal which is similar to the llama. A native of the Andes, it is domesticated and reared for its very soft and elastic wool. Raising alpacas provides farmers with valuable fiber and diversification opportunities.

Anglo-Nubian: A hardy breed of goat with high milk yields. It has a brown coat with white patches. Raising Anglo-Nubian goats provides farmers with valuable milk production and fiber.

adventitious: Referring to a root which develops from a node on a plant stem and not from another root. Understanding adventitious roots helps farmers propagate plants more effectively.

aldosterone: A hormone secreted by the adrenal gland which regulates the balance of sodium and potassium in the body and the amount of body fluid. Understanding hormone functions helps farmers manage livestock health.

acute: Referring to a disease which comes on rapidly and can be dangerous. Understanding acute conditions helps farmers respond quickly to health issues in their livestock.

arable: Referring to land on which crops are grown. Understanding arable land is fundamental for farmers to determine the suitability of their land for various crops.

algae: Tiny plants living in water or in moist conditions, which contain chlorophyll and have no stems, roots, or leaves. Managing algae growth is important for farmers to maintain water quality and prevent crop damage.

agrochemical industry: The branch of industry which produces pesticides and fertilizers used on farms. Understanding the agrochemical industry helps farmers choose and use products effectively to protect crops and improve yields.

Acarida: The order of animals including mites and ticks. Knowledge of Acarida helps farmers implement effective pest control strategies.

Animal Health Act 1981: An Act of Parliament which aimed to control the spread of diseases in farm animals and to set up rules protecting the welfare of animals on the farm, in transit, and at market. Understanding this act helps farmers comply with animal welfare regulations and prevent disease outbreaks.

acid: A chemical compound containing hydrogen which dissolves in water and forms hydrogen ions, or reacts with an alkali to form a salt and water, and turns litmus paper red. Knowledge of acid properties is important for farmers in soil management and crop nutrition.

alternative technology: The use of traditional techniques and equipment and materials that are available locally for agriculture, manufacturing, and other processes. Adopting alternative technologies helps farmers improve sustainability and reduce costs.

American bison: Same as bison. Raising American bison provides farmers with valuable livestock for meat and conservation purposes.

agroclimatology: The study of climate and its effect on agriculture. Understanding agroclimatology helps farmers make informed decisions about crop planning and management based on climatic conditions.

AEB: Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland. Abbr APRS. Farmers in Scotland can benefit from APRS resources and advocacy for rural and environmental protection.

Agricultural Land Tribunal: A court established in 1947 to hear appeals against decisions affecting owners or tenants of agricultural land. Farmers can appeal to the Agricultural Land Tribunal to resolve disputes and protect their rights.

aldrin: An organochlorine insecticide that is banned in the European Union. Farmers need to be aware of banned substances like aldrin to comply with regulations and ensure safe farming practices.

accredited milk: Milk from a herd accredited as being free from Brucellosis. Accredited milk assures consumers of its safety and quality, benefiting dairy farmers.

allogamy: Fertilization by pollen from different flowers or from flowers of genetically different plants of the same species. Understanding allogamy helps farmers manage pollination and improve crop yields.

age: The number of years during which a person or thing has existed. The size varies according to age. Farmers need to know the age of their livestock to manage breeding and productivity effectively.

AHO: Animal Health Office; Animal Health Officer. Abbr AHO. Farmers benefit from the expertise of Animal Health Officers to maintain livestock health and comply with animal welfare standards.

Agricultural Engineers Association: An organization which protects the interests of manufacturers and suppliers of agricultural machinery in the UK. Abbr AEA. Farmers benefit from the resources and advocacy provided by AEA to improve their operations.

acclimatisation: The process of adapting to a different environment. Acclimatisation is crucial for farmers when introducing new crops or livestock to different climates.

agricultural: Referring to farming. Farmers need to understand various agricultural practices to manage their farms effectively and sustainably.

amylase: An enzyme which converts starch into maltose. Understanding amylase helps farmers manage livestock digestion and nutrition.

Agricultural Waste Stakeholders’ Forum: A group that includes representatives of government, farming organizations, waste companies, and farm suppliers with the aim of identifying and dealing with issues of waste management in agriculture. Farmers benefit from participating in forums to address waste management challenges and find solutions.

Agricultural Mortgage Corporation: A corporation which makes loans available to borrowers on the security of agricultural land and buildings in England and Wales. Abbr AMC. Access to loans from AMC helps farmers invest in their operations and improve productivity.

anaerobism: A lack of oxygen such as is found in gley soils. Understanding anaerobism helps farmers manage soil health and productivity.

alveolus: A thin-walled air sac that occurs in large numbers in each lung and allows oxygen to enter and carbon dioxide to leave the blood. Understanding alveolus function helps farmers manage livestock respiratory health.

agricultural policy: The decisions and commitments that make up a government’s attitude to and program for agriculture. Understanding agricultural policy helps farmers navigate regulations and benefit from government support.

anaerobic digester: A digester that operates without oxygen. Anaerobic digesters can be used to convert cattle manure into gas. Implementing anaerobic digesters helps farmers produce biogas and manage waste efficiently.

acariasis: A skin disease caused by ticks or mites. Understanding and managing acariasis is crucial for farmers to maintain the health and productivity of their livestock.

Agricultural Development and Advisory Service: Former name for ADAS. ADAS provides technical advice and support to farmers, helping them improve their practices and productivity.

acidic: Referring to acids. Knowledge of soil acidity is crucial for farmers to manage soil pH levels for optimal crop growth.

abstraction: The removal of water from a river or other source for use by industry, farmers or gardeners. Effective water abstraction practices ensure sustainable water use for agricultural needs.