Category: B

bucking: The action of a horse or other animal kicking out with its hind legs. Understanding and managing bucking behavior can improve safety and handling of livestock.

breather pipe: A pipe used to allow air into a system to prevent pressure build-up. Proper use of breather pipes ensures the efficient operation of farm machinery and irrigation systems.

borer: An insect that bores into plant stems or wood. Controlling borers through integrated pest management protects crops and trees from damage.

bloom date: The date when a plant’s flowers open. Tracking bloom dates helps farmers plan for pollination and harvest activities.

beetle bank: An uncultivated ridge in fields for insects and spiders to overwinter and control pests. Establishing beetle banks enhances biodiversity and natural pest control.

bioenergy: Energy produced from biomass. Utilizing bioenergy sources like crop residues helps farmers reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.

Beef Special Premium Scheme: A former subsidy for producers of male cattle, now replaced by the Single Payments Scheme. Understanding historical subsidy programs helps farmers navigate current agricultural policies.

bobtail: A breed of sheepdog with a docked tail. Using bobtail sheepdogs helps manage and protect livestock herds.

biochemical oxygen demand: A measure of the amount of oxygen needed to oxidize pollutants in water. Monitoring BOD helps farmers manage water quality and prevent pollution.

body condition: The physical state of an animal, especially in terms of fat and muscle. Monitoring body condition helps farmers manage nutrition and health in livestock.

bacillary white diarrhoea: An acute, infectious disease of chicks caused by Salmonella pullorum, highly fatal if untreated. Farmers should be vigilant about hygiene and vaccination programs to prevent outbreaks and protect poultry populations.

boar: A male pig. Managing boars is essential for breeding programs and maintaining herd productivity.

belly: The underside of an animal. Monitoring the belly area helps detect health issues like bloating or injuries in livestock.

byte: A unit of digital information. Understanding digital terms like bytes supports farm technology and data management.

brown earth: A type of fertile soil rich in organic matter. Managing brown earth soils supports high crop productivity and sustainable farming practices.

bulldozing: The act of clearing land with a bulldozer. Efficient bulldozing practices prepare fields for planting and construction.

blade: The leaf of a grass plant. Monitoring blade health helps farmers maintain pasture quality and optimize grazing practices.

bacterial: Relating to bacteria. Farmers must be aware of bacterial infections in crops and livestock to apply appropriate treatments and maintain farm health.

bright tobacco: A type of tobacco cured to a bright color. Growing bright tobacco provides valuable crops for the tobacco industry and diversifies farm income.

balanced diet: A diet that includes all the essential nutrients in the correct proportions. A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock.

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

BASC: Abbreviation for British Association for Shooting and Conservation. Farmers can collaborate with BASC to promote sustainable land use and wildlife conservation.

buckeye: A type of tree or shrub, also a breed of chicken. Understanding different uses of terms like buckeye helps farmers manage diverse farm operations.

brassica: A genus of plants including cabbage, broccoli, and mustard. Growing brassicas provides nutritious vegetables and valuable crops for rotation and pest management.

basic: Relating to a chemical that reacts with an acid to form a salt. Knowledge of basic chemicals helps farmers manage soil pH and nutrient availability.

breeding: The process of mating and producing offspring. Effective breeding programs improve livestock genetics and farm profitability.

beck: A mountain stream. Understanding water sources like becks helps farmers manage irrigation and water conservation.

blueberries: Small, round blue fruits of a shrub. Growing blueberries provides nutritious fruit for fresh markets and processing.

brook: A small stream. Managing water sources like brooks supports irrigation and water conservation on the farm.

binder: A machine used to cut and bind corn, now largely replaced by the combine harvester. Understanding the evolution of harvesting equipment helps farmers choose the best tools for their needs.

barrow: A castrated male pig. Barrows are raised for meat, and proper care ensures better meat quality and easier handling.

biocide: A substance that kills living organisms. Using biocides responsibly ensures effective pest control while minimizing environmental impact.

bradawl: A small tool used for making holes in wood or leather. Using bradawls supports farm repair and construction activities.

bacteria: Microscopic organisms that can be beneficial or harmful. Farmers need to understand bacterial roles in soil health and livestock diseases to promote beneficial bacteria and mitigate harmful ones.

bid: An offer to buy something at a certain price. Farmers need to understand bidding processes to effectively participate in auctions and purchase livestock or equipment.

beet: A plant with a succulent root, used for sugar production. Growing beet provides raw materials for sugar and animal feed industries.

bine: A new shoot of a hop plant or the stem of a climbing plant. Proper training and support of bines improve hop yield and quality.

belt: Cleaning out a sheep’s fleece with shears. Proper belting techniques maintain fleece quality and sheep health.

blue mold: A fungal disease that affects tobacco, apples, and other crops. Managing blue mold through fungicides and cultural practices maintains crop health and yields.

bray: The loud cry of a donkey. Understanding animal behavior, such as braying, helps farmers manage livestock effectively.

beastings: Another term for colostrum, the first milk produced by mammals after giving birth. Ensuring newborn livestock receive beastings boosts their immune systems.

blackened kernels: Discolored grains often due to fungal infection. Addressing blackened kernels through proper storage and handling protects grain quality.

booster: A substance that enhances the effect of another substance, such as a vaccine. Using boosters ensures the effectiveness of vaccines and protects livestock health.

blandford fly: A biting fly that can cause allergic reactions in humans and animals. Managing Blandford fly populations protects livestock and farm workers from bites.

bushmeat: Meat from wild animals, often hunted in rural areas. Understanding bushmeat practices supports sustainable hunting and food security.

buttress: A structure built to support a wall or building. Using buttresses in farm construction ensures stability and durability.

bloodworm: A type of small, red aquatic worm. Using bloodworms as feed can enhance the diet of fish and other aquatic animals.

bellwether: A sheep with a bell hung around its neck to lead a flock. Using a bellwether helps manage and direct sheep herds effectively.

biomass energy: Energy produced from organic materials. Using biomass energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers farm carbon footprints.

bully: Referring to an aggressive animal. Managing aggressive livestock ensures farm safety and animal welfare.