Category: B

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.

buck: A male deer, goat, or rabbit. Managing bucks effectively supports breeding programs and herd productivity.

broodmare: A mare kept for breeding. Proper care and management of broodmares support successful breeding programs and healthy foals.

bullace: A wild plum. Growing bullace provides nutritious fruit and supports biodiversity.

B horizon: The subsoil layer beneath the topsoil. Understanding soil horizons helps farmers manage soil health and fertility for optimal crop growth.

beggary: Another term for common fumitory, a weed. Managing weeds like beggary is essential for maintaining crop health and yield.

blood poisoning: Another term for septicemia, a serious infection of the blood. Prompt treatment of blood poisoning in livestock prevents severe health issues and potential fatalities.

bee: A flying insect with a hairy body that pollinates plants. Protecting bee populations is crucial for pollination and maintaining crop yields.

bullock: A young bull, typically less than two years old. Managing bullocks effectively can ensure their health and growth, preparing them for future breeding or meat production.

broadcast seeding: A method of sowing seeds by scattering them over the soil surface. Broadcast seeding can be an efficient way to plant certain crops and cover large areas quickly.

bacterial digestion: The breakdown of organic matter by bacteria. Utilizing bacterial digestion in farm waste management can convert waste into valuable compost, enhancing soil fertility.

biological association: A group of organisms living together in a stable community. Understanding biological associations helps farmers manage biodiversity and ecosystem health.

buff: A light yellow-brown color, also a term for polishing. Understanding breed characteristics, such as buff coloring, helps in managing and marketing livestock.

brahman: A breed of cattle known for its tolerance to heat and resistance to disease. Raising Brahman cattle provides hardy livestock for challenging environments.

botany: The scientific study of plants. Knowledge of botany is essential for effective crop management and agricultural innovation.

break-even point: The production level at which total revenues equal total costs. Understanding break-even points helps farmers make informed financial decisions and achieve profitability.

basil: An aromatic herb used in cooking. Growing basil can diversify farm income and provide culinary herbs for local markets.

blind: A term describing livestock with impaired vision. Managing blind livestock requires special care to ensure their well-being and productivity.

bullhorn: A device for amplifying sound, also a term for a type of cactus. Using bullhorns supports farm communication and managing plant species.

Beef Assurance Scheme: A scheme allowing farmers to register herds free from BSE, exempting them from the 30-month rule. Participation ensures market access and consumer confidence in beef products.

black rot: A bacterial disease of cruciferous vegetables. Managing black rot through crop rotation and resistant varieties protects vegetable crops.

benzene hexachloride: An active ingredient in the pesticide lindane, banned in the UK since 2001. Understanding pesticide regulations ensures compliance and safe farming practices.

breast: The chest area of an animal or bird. Ensuring the health of livestock breasts is crucial for meat production and overall animal welfare.

bushy: A term describing plants with dense, bushy growth. Managing bushy plants supports healthy growth and optimal yields.

battery hen: A hen that is reared and kept in a battery for egg production. Proper management of battery hens improves egg yield and maintains animal welfare.

bump: A raised area on the skin, often from an injury. Managing livestock health includes monitoring and treating bumps to prevent infections.

brash: Soil composed of loose, broken rock fragments. Understanding soil types like brash helps farmers manage soil fertility and crop production.