Category: B

bidder: A person who makes a bid at an auction. Being a knowledgeable bidder helps farmers acquire quality livestock and equipment at fair prices.

break crop: A crop grown to interrupt the continuous cultivation of another crop, helping to control pests and diseases. Using break crops in rotations can improve soil health and crop productivity.

box: An enclosed container used for storage or transport. Efficient use of boxes supports organization and protection of farm products.

branding iron: A tool used to apply a brand to livestock. Using branding irons ensures clear and permanent identification marks on animals.

beef: Meat of bull or cow. Producing high-quality beef meets market demand and provides a key source of farm income.

butter: A dairy product made from churning cream. Producing butter provides valuable farm products and diversifies income.

broadleaf: Referring to plants with wide leaves, such as deciduous trees. Managing broadleaf plants supports biodiversity and provides valuable timber and forage.

biennial: A plant that takes two years to complete its life cycle, growing vegetatively in the first year and flowering in the second. Understanding biennials helps farmers plan crop rotations and manage land use effectively.

blackjack: A weed of the daisy family. Controlling blackjack through weed management practices protects crop yields.

bull beef: Beef from young, uncastrated male cattle. Producing bull beef meets market demand and provides high-quality meat.

buttock: The lower back part of an animal. Managing buttock areas in livestock helps prevent infections and maintain animal health.

buck brush: A term for certain shrubs or small trees used as forage for livestock. Managing buck brush supports grazing and provides valuable forage.

brucellosis: A bacterial infection affecting livestock and humans. Vaccinating and managing biosecurity against brucellosis protects herd health and public safety.

bactericide: A substance that kills bacteria. Farmers use bactericides to control bacterial infections in plants and animals, ensuring healthier crops and livestock.

basmati: A common variety of long-grain rice. Cultivating basmati rice can meet market demands for high-quality, aromatic rice.

block grazing: A method of grazing where livestock are confined to a small area for a short period. Block grazing improves pasture management and promotes even grazing distribution.

branch: A division of a main stem or trunk of a plant. Managing branches supports healthy plant growth and optimal fruit production.

biddy: A popular name for a hen. Knowing common terms like biddy helps farmers communicate effectively in poultry management.

bible: A name for the omasum, the third stomach of ruminants. Understanding ruminant anatomy like the bible aids in diagnosing and treating digestive issues in livestock.

burn: A small stream or brook, also the act of setting fire. Managing burns through controlled fire practices supports pasture health and water conservation.

bipartite: Consisting of two parts. Understanding bipartite structures helps farmers manage plant and animal breeding programs effectively.

blackhead disease: A parasitic disease of poultry caused by Histomonas meleagridis. Managing blackhead disease through biosecurity and treatment maintains flock health.

BASIS: A scheme for registering distributors of chemicals used to protect crops. Ensuring BASIS registration helps farmers source safe and approved agrochemicals.

backcrossing: Breeding a hybrid offspring back to one of its parents to reinforce specific traits. This technique helps farmers improve desirable characteristics in livestock, such as disease resistance or meat quality.

body score: A numerical system for assessing the body condition of animals. Using body scores helps farmers make informed decisions about feeding and health management.

brand: A mark made on livestock to indicate ownership. Branding helps prevent livestock theft and supports identification and management.

botfly: A fly that lays eggs on animals, which hatch into larvae that burrow into the host’s skin. Controlling botflies protects livestock health and prevents infestations.

belt drive: The transmission of power from an engine to another machine via a belt. Maintaining belt drives ensures efficient operation of farm machinery.

Berkshire: A breed of small pig, dark-colored with a compact body. Raising Berkshire pigs provides high-quality meat and efficient feed conversion.

burgundy: A deep red color, also a region in France known for wine. Understanding terms like burgundy supports crop marketing and cultural knowledge.

bund: A raised embankment to control water flow. Building and maintaining bunds supports effective water management and erosion control.

biodiversity indicator: A factor that allows assessment of environmental change over time. Using biodiversity indicators helps farmers monitor and manage ecosystem health.

breeding program: A planned approach to mating and producing offspring with desired traits. Implementing breeding programs improves livestock genetics and farm efficiency.

bycatch: Unintended catch of non-target species in fishing. Understanding bycatch practices supports sustainable fishing and environmental conservation.

blackleg: A bacterial disease of cattle and sheep. Vaccinating against blackleg prevents outbreaks and maintains herd health.

baulk: A narrow strip of land left unploughed to mark field boundaries. Maintaining baulks helps farmers manage land division and prevent disputes.

bovine respiratory disease: A complex of respiratory infections affecting cattle. Preventing and treating bovine respiratory disease maintains herd health and productivity.

basin irrigation: A form of irrigation where water is trapped in basins surrounded by low mud walls. Basin irrigation is effective for water management in rice paddies and similar crops.

blackbird: A common bird that can damage crops. Managing blackbirds through deterrents protects fruit and grain yields.

bud scale: A protective outer layer of a bud. Understanding plant anatomy, such as bud scales, supports effective crop management.

bushfire: A fire in scrub or forested areas. Preventing and managing bushfires ensures farm safety and protects crop and livestock health.

Belgian Heavy Draught: A breed of horse known for its weight and traction power. Using Belgian Heavy Draught horses supports sustainable and traditional farming practices.

bulb: A rounded underground storage organ of some plants. Growing bulb crops like onions and garlic provides nutritious food and valuable market crops.

beneficial insect: An insect that benefits crop production by pollinating plants or controlling pests. Encouraging beneficial insects on the farm can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and improve crop yields.

biological magnification: Another term for bioaccumulation. Managing biological magnification prevents harmful substances from entering the food chain.

BEIC: Abbreviation for British Egg Industry Council. Membership in BEIC helps egg producers stay informed on industry standards and marketing strategies.

backboard: A board at the back of a cart. A sturdy backboard prevents loads from falling off during transport, which is essential for maintaining efficiency and safety on the farm.

bird droppings: Excrement from birds, often used as fertilizer. Using bird droppings can improve soil fertility and recycle nutrients on the farm.

birch: A hardwood tree known for its peeling bark. Managing birch trees provides valuable timber and supports biodiversity on the farm.

bacillary: Referring to bacteria shaped like rods, known as bacilli. Understanding bacillary infections is crucial for farmers to diagnose and treat bacterial diseases in livestock, ensuring herd health.