Category: A

agbiotech: Biotechnology applied to agriculture or an agricultural industry. Understanding agbiotech helps farmers adopt new technologies to improve crop yields and livestock health.

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.

ADP: Agricultural Development Programme. This program helps farmers improve their agricultural practices and productivity through training and modernization of equipment.

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.

AFS: Assured Food Standards. Following AFS guidelines helps farmers ensure the quality and safety of their food products, enhancing consumer trust.

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.

albumen: The white of an egg, containing albumin. Understanding egg composition helps farmers manage poultry production and quality.

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 Britain’s countryside in the 18th and 19th centuries. Knowledge of the Agricultural Revolution helps farmers appreciate historical developments and innovations in agriculture.

adsorb: To bond with a gas or vapor which touches its surface. Understanding adsorption processes helps farmers in managing soil and crop health.

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.

alien: Same as exotic. Managing alien species is important for farmers to prevent ecological disruption and protect native biodiversity.

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.

alluvial: Referring to alluvium. Understanding alluvial soils helps farmers manage soil fertility and crop production in riverine areas.

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.

additive: A chemical which is added to food to improve its appearance or to keep it fresh. Farmers need to understand the role and regulations of additives in animal feed and food production.

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.

acreage: The area of a piece of land measured in acres. Knowing the acreage of their land helps farmers plan crop rotations and manage resources effectively.

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.

ad lib feeding: The unrestricted supply of feed, day and night. Implementing ad lib feeding can improve growth rates and productivity in livestock.

alpha amylase: An enzyme present in wheat seed, which changes some starch to sugar. Excessive amounts can result in loaves of bread with sticky texture. Managing alpha amylase levels helps farmers ensure the quality of wheat and bakery products.

aviculture: The practice of keeping and breeding birds. Aviculture can diversify farm operations and provide additional income through the sale of birds and bird products.

ammonium: An ion formed from ammonia. Managing ammonium levels in soil and water helps farmers optimize crop health and productivity.

alternate husbandry: Husbandry in which arable and grassland cultivation are alternated every few years. Implementing alternate husbandry practices helps farmers manage soil health and crop rotation.

aerial root: A root of some plants, which hangs above the ground or clings to other plants so that it can take up moisture from the air. Knowing about aerial roots helps farmers manage plant health and propagation.

agalactia: A disease of pigs, a form of post-farrowing shock. The sow does not secrete milk. Managing agalactia is crucial for ensuring the health and productivity of sows and piglets.

antibiotic: A drug that stops the spread of bacteria or fungi. Proper use of antibiotics is vital for maintaining animal health and preventing disease outbreaks in livestock.

agricultural engineer: A person trained in applying the principles of science to farming. Farmers rely on agricultural engineers to design and maintain machinery and systems that improve farm efficiency.

agri-environmental indicator: An indicator designed to provide information on the various ways in which agriculture affects the environment. Farmers benefit from understanding environmental indicators to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact.

AI centre: A center which keeps breeding bulls, boars, and rams, and quantities of their semen for use in artificial insemination. Farmers benefit from AI centers to enhance their breeding programs.

allele: One of two or more alternative forms of a gene, situated in the same area (locus) on paired chromosomes and controlling the inheritance of the same characteristic. Understanding alleles helps farmers with breeding programs and genetic improvement of livestock and crops.

Agricultural Wages Board: A board which fixes minimum wages and holiday entitlements for agricultural workers and deals with terms and conditions of their employment. Abbr AWB. Understanding wage regulations helps farmers comply with labor laws and maintain fair employment practices.

anaerobically: Without using oxygen. Slurry is digested anaerobically by bacteria. Managing anaerobic digestion helps farmers produce biogas and improve waste management.

Animal Diseases Research Association: Former name for Moredun. Understanding animal disease research helps farmers manage livestock health and prevent outbreaks.

acid rain: Precipitation such as rain or snow which contains a higher level of acid than normal. Acid rain can damage crops and soil, so farmers need strategies to mitigate its impacts.