Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service: Formerly, a service of the federal Department of Agriculture which operated the departments various schemes throughout the USA. It was incorporated into the Farm Service Agency in 1993. Abbr ASCS. Farmers benefit from stabilization and conservation programs to manage resources and improve sustainability.
allergen: A substance which produces a hypersensitive reaction in someone. Allergens are usually proteins, and include foods, the hair of animals, and pollen from flowers, as well as dust. Managing allergens is important for farmers to ensure the safety and health of farm workers and consumers.
American foul brood: A disease affecting bees that is caused by a bacterial parasite of the Bacillaceae family that infests the larvae. Abbr AFB. Managing AFB is crucial for beekeepers to maintain healthy and productive hives.
acid deposition: Same as acid rain. Acid deposition can negatively impact soil and water quality, so farmers must take measures to mitigate its effects on their crops and livestock.
all-terrain vehicle: A vehicle which can be driven over all types of land surface. Abbr ATV. Using ATVs helps farmers manage and access their land more efficiently.
azotobacter: A genus of bacteria that fix nitrogen in the soil. These bacteria enhance soil fertility, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and benefiting crop production.
ammonia: A gas with an unpleasant smell that is easily soluble in water. Formula: NH3. Ammonia is released into the atmosphere from animal dung. It has the effect of neutralizing acid rain, but in combination with sulfur dioxide it forms ammonium sulfate which damages the green leaves of plants. Managing ammonia emissions is important for farmers to protect crop health and comply with environmental regulations.
Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs: A committee set up by the Food Standards Agency in 1999 to advise on health and safety in animal feeds and feeding practices. Abbr ACAF. Following ACAF guidelines helps farmers ensure the safety and quality of animal feeds.
acreage reduction program: An American federal program under which farmers are only eligible for subsidies if they reduce the acreage of certain crops planted. Understanding this program helps farmers manage their planting strategies to optimize financial support.
adrenaline: A hormone secreted by the medulla of the adrenal glands which has an effect similar to stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. The US term is epinephrine. Knowing about adrenaline is important for managing stress and health issues in livestock.
ammonium nitrate: A popular fertilizer used as top dressing. It is available in a special prilled or granular form and can be used both as a straight fertilizer and in compounds. Managing ammonium nitrate application helps farmers improve crop yields and soil fertility.
adipose tissue: A type of tissue where the fibrous parts of cells are replaced by fat when too much food is eaten. Knowing about adipose tissue helps farmers manage the health and diet of their livestock.
agroindustry: An industry dealing with the supply, processing, and distribution of farm products. Understanding agroindustry helps farmers improve their market access and product quality.
adrenal gland: One of two endocrine glands at the top of the kidneys which produce adrenaline and other hormones. Understanding adrenal gland function helps farmers manage livestock health, especially under stress.
afforestation: The planting of trees in an area or as a crop. This practice can improve soil quality, prevent erosion, and contribute to sustainable land management.
allelopathy: The release by one plant of a chemical substance that restricts the germination or growth of another plant. Managing allelopathic interactions helps farmers optimize crop rotations and soil health.
absorption: The process of taking in water, dissolved minerals, and other nutrients across cell membranes. Effective absorption is crucial for the healthy growth of crops.
addled egg: A rotten egg, an egg which produces no chick. Identifying addled eggs helps farmers manage their poultry flocks effectively.
agrochemicals: Pesticides and fertilizers developed for agricultural use. Proper use of agrochemicals is essential for farmers to manage pests, diseases, and soil fertility.
Agricultural Revolution: The changes in agriculture which transformed Britains countryside in the 18th and 19th centuries. Knowledge of the Agricultural Revolution helps farmers appreciate historical developments and innovations in agriculture.
angiosperm: A plant in which the sex organs are carried within flowers and seeds are enclosed in a fruit. Compare gymnosperm. Understanding angiosperms helps farmers manage crop breeding and production.
afterbirth: The remains of the placenta pushed out of the uterus of the dam at the birth of a young animal. Also called cleansing. Proper management of afterbirth is important for the health of the dam and newborn in livestock farming.
allopatric: Referring to plants of the same species which grow in different parts of the world and so do not cross-breed. Understanding allopatric species helps farmers manage biodiversity and breeding programs.
agriculture: The cultivation of land, including horticulture, fruit growing, crop and seed growing, dairy farming, and livestock breeding. Understanding the various aspects of agriculture helps farmers manage their operations effectively and sustainably.
Adjusted Eurospec Average: Formerly, the average price for pigs. It was replaced in 2003 by the Deadweight Average Pig Price. Abbr AESA. Understanding market prices helps farmers make informed decisions about livestock sales.
agronomist: A person who studies the cultivation of crops and provides advice to farmers. Farmers benefit from the expertise of agronomists to optimize crop production and soil management.
Advisory Committee on Pesticides: A statutory body set up under the UK Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 to advise on all matters relating to the control of pesticides. Abbr ACP. Farmers benefit from ACP advice on safe and effective pesticide use.
acid soil: Soil which has a pH value of 6 or less. Farming tends to make the soil more acid, but most farm crops will not grow well if the soil is very acid. This can be cured by applying one of the materials commonly used for adding lime, such as ground chalk or limestone. Understanding soil pH management helps farmers maintain healthy soil for optimal crop production.
agglutination: A process in which cells come together to form clumps. For example, agglutination takes place when bacterial cells are in the presence of serum or affects blood cells when blood of different types is mixed. Knowing about agglutination helps farmers manage animal health and diagnose diseases.
Agricultural and Food Research Council: Formerly, a council established to organize and provide funds for agricultural and food research. It was replaced by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council in 1993. Abbr AFRC. Farmers benefit from research funded by councils like AFRC to improve their practices and productivity.
analysis: The process of examining something in detail. The process of breaking down a substance into its parts in order to study them closely. Samples of material were removed for analysis. Understanding analysis helps farmers make informed decisions about crop and livestock management.
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service: An organization which advises on employment disputes and rights in the workplace. Abbr ACAS. Farmers can benefit from ACAS guidance to resolve labor issues and maintain fair employment practices.
agribusiness: A large-scale farming business run along the lines of a conventional company, often involving the processing, packaging, and sale of farm products. Farmers can learn from agribusiness practices to scale up their operations and improve efficiency.
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