Category: A

aleurone: A protein found in the outer skin of seeds. Understanding aleurone helps farmers manage seed quality and nutrition.

access: A place of entry, or the right of entry, to somewhere. Ensuring proper access to fields and facilities is important for farm operations and safety.

acaridicide: Same as acaricide. Effective use of acaridicides is essential for maintaining livestock health and preventing economic losses due to parasite infestations.

amino acid: A chemical compound which is a component of proteins. Proteins are first broken down into amino acids. Essential amino acids. Understanding amino acids helps farmers manage animal nutrition and health.

air pollution: The contamination of the air by substances such as gas or smoke. Also called atmospheric pollution. Understanding and managing air pollution is important for farmers to protect crop health and comply with environmental regulations.

allo-: Prefix different. Farmers use allo- as a prefix in various agricultural terms to describe different or alternative practices and technologies.

Acarina: Same as Acarida. Understanding Acarina’s role in agriculture helps farmers protect their crops and livestock from these pests.

actinobacillosis: A disease of cattle affecting the tongue and throat. It also occurs in sheep as swellings on the lips, cheeks, and jaws. Also called cruels, wooden tongue. Knowing the symptoms and treatment of actinobacillosis helps farmers maintain the health of their livestock.

abattoir: a slaughterhouse.

actinomycosis: A disease of cattle and pigs, where the animal is infected with bacteria which form abscesses in the mouth and lungs. Also called lumpy jaw. Early diagnosis and treatment of actinomycosis are crucial for preventing severe health issues in livestock.

AI: Active ingredient; artificial insemination. Abbr AI. Farmers use artificial insemination to improve breeding programs and livestock genetics.

ammonia treatment: A method of treating straw, using ammonia to make it more palatable and nutritious. Implementing ammonia treatment helps farmers improve livestock feed quality.

Andalusian: A dark red breed of cattle, used both as draught animals and for beef. A laying breed of chicken with blue feathers. Understanding the characteristics of Andalusian cattle and chickens helps farmers manage livestock and poultry production.

ACR: Automatic cluster removal. Using ACR systems can improve milking efficiency and udder health in dairy operations.

alp: A high mountain pasture, above the treeline. Managing high mountain pastures helps farmers optimize grazing resources for livestock.

activator: A substance which activates a process, such as a compost activator. Using activators helps farmers accelerate composting and improve soil health.

alkaloid: One of many poisonous substances found in plants, which use them as a defense against herbivores. Many alkaloids such as atropine, morphine, or quinine are also useful as medicines. Farmers benefit from understanding alkaloids to manage plant health and potential toxicity.

analyst: A person who examines samples of substances to find out what they are made of. A person who carries out a study of a problem. A health and safety analyst. Farmers benefit from analysts’ expertise to improve their practices and productivity.

abstract: To remove water from a river so that it can be used by industry, farmers or gardeners. Abstraction is important for farmers to ensure they have a reliable water supply for irrigation and livestock.

Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology Commission: The UK government advisory body on biotechnology issues affecting agriculture and the environment. Farmers benefit from the guidance of this commission to adopt sustainable and innovative practices.

algaecide: Same as algicide. Using algaecides helps farmers manage algae growth in water sources and prevent harm to crops and livestock.

allograft: A graft of tissue from one individual to another of the same species. Also called homograft. Using allografts helps farmers in animal breeding and veterinary procedures.

anaesthesia: The loss of the feeling of pain. A process that prevents a person or animal from feeling pain, usually by the use of drugs. The US spelling is anesthesia. Managing anesthesia helps farmers ensure the safety and welfare of livestock during medical procedures.

algae poisoning: Poisoning caused by toxic substances released when algae decompose. Understanding and preventing algae poisoning is crucial for farmers to protect livestock health.

agroecosystem: A community of organisms in a crop-producing area. Managing agroecosystems helps farmers create resilient and productive agricultural environments.

Ancona: A laying breed of chicken, with white tips on black feathers. Raising Ancona chickens provides farmers with high-quality egg production.

Animal Health Act 2002: An Act of Parliament which put into place controls to deal with outbreaks of diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and scrapie. Understanding this act helps farmers comply with regulations and manage disease outbreaks.

animal health planning: An official set of guidelines for controlling and treating diseases in farm animals. Following health planning guidelines helps farmers manage livestock health and prevent disease outbreaks.

aggregate measure of support: An index which shows the actual monetary value of the support given by the Government to a sector such as agriculture. Abbr AMS. Understanding aggregate measures of support helps farmers assess government support for their industry.

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

Advisory Committee on Organic Standards: A non-departmental public body set up by the Government to advise ministers on organic standards. Abbr ACOS. Adhering to ACOS standards ensures the integrity and marketability of organic products for farmers.

ammonium sulfate: A colorless crystalline solid that is soluble in water, used as a fertilizer. Formula: (NH4)2SO4. Also called sulfate of ammonia. Managing ammonium sulfate application helps farmers improve soil fertility and crop yields.

adsorbent: Able to adsorb something such as a gas or vapor. Using adsorbents can help farmers manage soil health and environmental impacts.

agricultural burning: The burning of agricultural waste as part of farming practice, e.g., stubble burning. Understanding regulations and best practices for agricultural burning helps farmers manage waste and prevent environmental harm.

adipose: Containing or made of fat. Farmers need to understand adipose tissue in livestock for effective breeding and health management.

Agriculture Act 1968: An Act of Parliament which defines what constitutes livestock and makes it an offense to cause unnecessary pain or distress to a farm animal. Understanding this act helps farmers comply with animal welfare regulations and maintain ethical practices.

ammoniacal nitrogen: Nitrogen derived from ammonia. Managing ammoniacal nitrogen levels helps farmers optimize soil fertility and crop production.

algicide: A substance used to kill algae. Using algicides helps farmers manage algae growth in water sources and maintain water quality for irrigation and livestock.

agri-food: Relating to industries which are involved in the mass production, processing, and inspection of food products made from agricultural commodities. Farmers benefit from understanding agri-food industries to improve their market access and product quality.

Agricultural Holdings Act 1984: An Act of Parliament which gives protection to tenants in questions of the fixing of rent and security of tenure. It makes provision for tenancies for a lifetime and for short-term lettings. Understanding this act helps farmers and landowners navigate tenancy agreements and rights.

acaricide: A substance used to kill mites and ticks. Using acaricides helps farmers protect their livestock from parasites, ensuring better health and productivity.

abscission: The shedding of a leaf or fruit due to the formation of a layer of cells between the leaf or fruit and the rest of the plant. Farmers need to manage this process to maintain crop yield and quality.

Animal Health Divisional Office: One of 24 regional branches of the State Veterinary Service. Abbr AHDO. Farmers benefit from the services provided by AHDO to manage animal health and comply with regulations.

alkali: A substance which reacts with an acid to form a salt and water. It may be either a soluble base or a solution of a base that has a pH value of more than 7. Understanding alkalinity helps farmers manage soil pH for optimal crop growth.

alley cropping: The planting of crops such as maize or sorghum between trees. The trees help to prevent soil erosion, especially on slopes, and may benefit soil fertility if the leaves are used as mulch or if the trees are legumes. Implementing alley cropping practices helps farmers improve soil health and crop yields.

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.

agrarian: Referring to matters of land tenure and problems arising from land ownership. Understanding agrarian issues helps farmers navigate land management and legal challenges.

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.

Agricultural Chemicals Approval Scheme: A scheme which gave advice to farmers on the use and efficiency of chemicals and tested chemicals before use by farmers. It was operated by the Agricultural Chemicals Approved Organization and was a voluntary scheme which has now been replaced by the FEPA legislation. Abbr ACAS. Following chemical approval schemes helps farmers use agrochemicals safely and effectively.

ACPAT: Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy. Farmers can benefit from the expertise of ACPAT members in maintaining the health and well-being of their livestock.