Category: B

bacillus: A type of bacteria that is rod-shaped. Knowing about bacillus bacteria helps farmers identify and manage bacterial infections that can affect both livestock and crops.

buttermilk: The liquid left after churning butter. Using buttermilk in baking and cooking adds value to dairy production and reduces waste.

bed: A specially planted area of land, such as an asparagus bed or flower bed. Proper bed management ensures optimal growth conditions for various crops.

best linear unbiased prediction: A statistical method for predicting genetic merit. Using BLUP helps farmers make informed breeding decisions to improve livestock performance.

Bison bonasus: The scientific name for the European bison. Raising bison can diversify farm operations and contribute to species conservation.

bunting: A term for young birds, also a type of decorative fabric. Managing young birds, or bunting, ensures healthy growth and development into productive livestock.

butchery: The place where meat is prepared and sold. Proper management of butcheries supports food safety and product quality.

birthweight: The weight of an animal at birth. Monitoring birthweight helps farmers assess the health and growth potential of newborn livestock.

boning: The process of removing bones from meat. Efficient boning techniques improve meat quality and marketability.

bioindicator: Another term for biodiversity indicator. Bioindicators help farmers assess the health of their environment and make informed management decisions.

bilharzia: A flatworm causing schistosomiasis, an infection contracted from contaminated water. Farmers need to ensure clean water sources to prevent bilharzia in livestock and workers.

boron: A trace element essential for plant growth. Managing boron levels in soil ensures optimal crop nutrition and health.

boxing: The process of packing products into boxes for storage or transport. Proper boxing techniques ensure product safety and quality during handling.

BCPC: An organization promoting sustainable crop production practices. Farmers can adopt BCPC guidelines to improve crop yields and environmental stewardship.

Belgian hare: A breed of rabbit. Belgian hares are valued for their meat and fur, providing additional income streams for farmers.

blackfly: A small black fly that infests plants. Controlling blackfly populations protects crop health and yields.

batch drying: A process for drying bales of hay in batches. Efficient batch drying techniques ensure high-quality forage for livestock feed.

binomial classification: The scientific system of naming organisms devised by Linnaeus. Understanding binomial classification helps farmers accurately identify and manage crops and livestock.

back end: Refers to late autumn. Farmers need to plan their harvesting and livestock management around the back end to prepare for winter conditions.

breaker: A machine that breaks up soil or other materials. Using breakers supports efficient soil preparation and management.

boric acid: A compound used as a pesticide and antiseptic. Using boric acid responsibly supports pest control and farm hygiene.

back band: A band of rope or chain used to keep the shafts of a cart up. Ensuring the back band is in good condition is important for safely transporting goods around the farm.

broccoli: A green vegetable in the cabbage family. Growing broccoli provides nutritious food and valuable crops for fresh markets and processing.

big bale: A large bale weighing from 600 to 900 kilos. Using big bales improves feed storage and handling efficiency on the farm.

beef shorthorn: A breed of compact, short-legged beef cattle. Raising beef shorthorns provides high-quality meat and efficient feed conversion.

black thrips: A small black insect pest of cotton and other crops. Implementing integrated pest management controls black thrips and protects crop yields.

BB: Abbreviation for big bale. Understanding big bale systems improves feed storage and handling efficiency on the farm.

bud burst: The moment when buds open in the spring. Monitoring bud burst helps farmers plan for pollination and pest management activities.

botanical: Relating to plants or plant life. Understanding botanical terms helps farmers manage plant health and diversity.

blue tick: A breed of coonhound known for its blue-ticked coat. Raising blue tick hounds provides effective hunting and tracking dogs.

blow: A term for a sudden and severe weather event. Preparing for and managing blow events protects crops and farm infrastructure.

breed: A group of animals or plants with specific characteristics. Selecting appropriate breeds supports farm productivity and sustainability.

bridle path: A path used for riding horses. Maintaining bridle paths supports safe and enjoyable horseback riding on the farm.

Barrosa: A breed of cattle from northern Portugal used for both draught and meat. Diversifying cattle breeds like Barrosa can enhance farm resilience and productivity.

brown rot: A fungal disease affecting fruit trees. Managing brown rot through fungicides and cultural practices maintains healthy fruit crops and high yields.

benazolin: A herbicide formerly used for controlling broad-leaved weeds. Understanding the history and regulation of herbicides helps farmers make informed decisions about weed management.

brown fat: A type of fat tissue found in newborn animals that generates heat. Ensuring the health of newborn livestock includes managing brown fat for temperature regulation.

baconer: A pig bred specifically for bacon production. Farmers focusing on raising baconers can optimize feeding and care practices to produce superior meat quality.

bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE): A neurological disorder in cattle, also known as mad cow disease. Knowledge of BSE and its prevention is critical for ensuring the safety of beef products and maintaining public health.

best-before date: A date stamped on foodstuffs indicating the last date when the food is guaranteed to be in good condition. Farmers should monitor best-before dates to ensure product quality and compliance.

bur: A rough, prickly seed case. Managing bur plants supports crop health and prevents livestock injuries.

birdlime: A sticky substance used to trap birds. Understanding traditional methods like birdlime provides historical context for modern pest management.

bombus: A genus of bumblebees. Encouraging bombus populations supports pollination and enhances crop yields.

breakdown: The failure of machinery or equipment. Preventing and managing breakdowns ensures efficient farm operations and minimizes downtime.

biocontrol: The control of pests by using predators and natural processes. Implementing biocontrol methods reduces reliance on chemical pesticides and promotes sustainable farming.

bed out: Planting a flower bed with decorative plants. Properly bedding out enhances farm aesthetics and can attract visitors.

beef bull: A bull reared to produce beef. Proper breeding and management of beef bulls ensure high-quality meat production.

BAA: Abbreviation for British Agrochemicals Association, an organization representing agrochemical manufacturers. Knowing about BAA helps farmers access reliable sources of pesticides and fertilizers, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

broomrape: A parasitic plant that attaches to the roots of crops. Managing broomrape through crop rotation and resistant varieties protects crop health and yields.

Beltsville: A breed of large turkey with white feathers. Raising Beltsville turkeys can meet market demands for meat and enhance farm diversity.