Category: B

bacterial pea blight: A notifiable fungal disease attacking pea plants. Early detection and management of bacterial pea blight are critical to prevent crop loss and protect farm productivity.

biological control: The control of pests using natural predators and processes. Implementing biological control methods reduces chemical use and promotes sustainable farming.

black band disease: A disease of sugarcane caused by the fungus Ceratocystis paradoxa. Early detection and treatment of black band disease prevent crop losses and maintain sugarcane health.

bovine: Relating to cattle. Understanding bovine health and management practices is essential for successful cattle farming.

bracken: A large fern that can be invasive in pastures. Managing bracken through controlled grazing and mechanical removal protects pasture health.

bugle: A plant of the mint family, also a term for a small trumpet. Understanding plant species like bugle supports biodiversity and ecosystem health on the farm.

bristle: A stiff hair or feather. Understanding animal anatomy, such as bristles, aids in managing livestock health and hygiene.

biffin: A variety of cooking apple. Choosing the right apple varieties like biffin enhances orchard productivity and market appeal.

blunt plow: A plow with a blunt edge used for shallow tillage. Using blunt plows helps manage soil structure and reduce erosion.

B symbol: Represents boron, a micronutrient essential for plant growth. Farmers need to monitor boron levels in soil to prevent deficiencies that can stunt crop growth and reduce yields.

brackish water: Water that has more salinity than freshwater but less than seawater. Understanding water quality is important for managing irrigation and aquaculture systems effectively.

bacon: Cured meat from the back and sides of a pig. Knowledge of the curing process allows farmers to produce high-quality bacon, adding value to their pork products.

brooding: The process of incubating eggs and caring for young birds. Managing brooding conditions ensures healthy chick development and high survival rates.

burr: A rough edge or raised area on a material. Managing burs in livestock and crops ensures product quality and animal health.

biotoxin: A toxic substance produced by a living organism. Managing biotoxins is crucial for ensuring food safety and protecting livestock health.

basic slag: Calcium phosphate produced as waste from blast furnaces, used as a fertilizer. Using basic slag improves soil fertility and provides essential nutrients to crops.

biosafety: The prevention of large-scale loss of biological integrity, focusing both on ecology and human health. Practicing biosafety ensures that farming activities do not harm the environment or public health.

barrener: A female animal unable to produce young. Identifying and managing barren animals is important for maintaining a productive breeding program.

Berkankamp scale: A scale used to describe growth stages in oilseed rape crops. Using growth scales like Berkankamp helps farmers optimize crop management and yield.

bioreactor: A vessel in which biological reactions are carried out, especially for waste treatment or production of biological products. Utilizing bioreactors can enhance waste management and production efficiency on farms.

biopiracy: The exploitation of biological materials by organizations without compensating the indigenous people or nations where the materials were discovered. Awareness of biopiracy helps farmers advocate for fair use and benefit-sharing of biological resources.

broomstick: A long stick traditionally used for sweeping. Using broomsticks for farm tasks supports cleanliness and organization.

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

billhook: A cutting implement with a curved blade used for trimming hedges. Using a billhook ensures efficient and precise hedge management.

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.