Category: B

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.

bottle: To preserve food or drink in a sealed container. Proper bottling techniques ensure the quality and shelf life of farm-produced goods.

bung: A stopper for sealing a hole, especially in a barrel. Knowing how to use and maintain bungs is important for preserving the quality of stored liquids, such as wine or cider.

bryophyte: A group of non-vascular plants including mosses. Understanding bryophytes supports biodiversity and ecosystem health on the farm.

blossom: The flower of a plant. Proper care of blossoms ensures healthy fruit development and high crop yields.

bunch grass: A type of grass that grows in clumps. Managing bunch grasses supports pasture health and provides forage for livestock.

biotechnology: The use of living organisms or their products to modify or improve plants, animals, and microorganisms. Biotechnology offers farmers innovative solutions for improving crop yields, pest resistance, and livestock productivity.

bolting: The rapid growth of a plant’s flower stalk, often before harvestable parts have fully developed. Managing bolting through proper planting and cultivation practices ensures optimal crop yields.

bordeaux mixture: A fungicide made from copper sulfate and lime. Using Bordeaux mixture controls fungal diseases and protects crop health.

beer: An alcoholic drink made by fermenting malted barley. Farmers growing barley can supply breweries and diversify their market opportunities.

bug: A general term for insects. Managing bugs through integrated pest management protects crop health and yields.

beef cow: A cow kept for rearing calves for beef production. Efficient management of beef cows improves calf health and beef yield.

bridge: A structure built to span physical obstacles like water or roads. Building and maintaining bridges ensures safe and efficient farm transportation.

brush: A dense growth of shrubs or small trees. Managing brush through clearing and controlled grazing supports pasture health and reduces fire risk.

bubble irrigation: A method of applying water in a slow, controlled manner to minimize runoff. Using bubble irrigation improves water efficiency and crop health.

biogas: A mixture of methane and carbon dioxide produced from fermenting waste. Implementing biogas systems helps farmers manage waste and produce renewable energy.

bottom plow: A plow designed for deep tillage. Using bottom plows improves soil structure and prepares fields for planting.

brush: A dense growth of shrubs or small trees. Managing brush through clearing and controlled grazing supports pasture health and reduces fire risk.

biomass: The total mass of living organisms in a specific area. Utilizing biomass for energy and soil improvement supports sustainable farm management.

byre: A term for a cow shed. Proper management of byres ensures animal welfare and efficient dairy operations.

beefalo: An American breed of cattle derived from crossing bison with domestic cattle. Raising beefalo can provide hardy, disease-resistant livestock with quality meat.

blackberry: A fruiting bramble plant. Growing blackberries provides nutritious fruit for fresh markets and processing.

butterbean: A type of large, flat bean. Growing butterbeans provides nutritious food and valuable crops for fresh markets and processing.

bindweed: A perennial weed with creeping roots. Managing bindweed is essential for maintaining crop health and preventing competition for nutrients.

bite: An injury caused by the teeth of an animal. Preventing and managing animal bites is important for farm safety and livestock health.

bident: A two-year-old sheep. Understanding age-related terms helps farmers manage sheep breeding and care schedules.

Belgian Blue: A dual-purpose breed of cattle resulting from crossing Friesians and Shorthorns. Raising Belgian Blues provides both meat and milk, enhancing farm productivity.

bean stem rot: A fungus disease of beans. Early detection and treatment of bean stem rot prevent crop losses and maintain healthy yields.

beam: The main frame of a plough to which parts that cut into the soil are attached. Maintaining the beam ensures efficient and effective soil tillage.

butternut: A type of squash with a sweet, nutty flavor. Growing butternut squash provides nutritious food and valuable crops for fresh markets and processing.

blood: A fluid that circulates through the body of animals, carrying oxygen and nutrients. Ensuring the health of livestock blood systems is crucial for overall animal health and productivity.

barn: A large farm building used for storing grain, hay, or straw and housing livestock. Proper barn management ensures the protection and health of animals and stored products.

beaters: Steel bars on the drum of a combine harvester or people who rouse game in hunting. Proper use of beaters improves harvest efficiency and game management.

blister pack: A packaging method for small items like seeds or tablets. Using blister packs ensures product protection and easy handling.

beehive: A structure for housing a colony of bees. Proper beehive management supports healthy bee populations and efficient honey production.

blackspot: A fungal disease affecting roses and other plants. Controlling blackspot through fungicides and cultural practices maintains healthy plants.

brassica bed: A bed specifically prepared for growing brassicas. Proper preparation of brassica beds ensures healthy plant growth and high yields.

bonded labor: A form of forced labor where workers are bound by debt. Understanding and preventing bonded labor ensures ethical farm practices and worker rights.

boot: The protective outer covering of a growing grass seed head. Understanding plant development stages like the boot stage helps farmers manage crop growth and yield.

bioproducts: Products derived from biological resources, including food, feed, and bio-based materials. Developing and using bioproducts adds value to farm outputs and promotes sustainability.

Beulah speckle face: A breed of sheep with a black and white speckled face, native to the hills of Wales. Raising Beulah speckle face sheep provides hardy, adaptable livestock for diverse farming conditions.

battery: A large number of small cages, usually for chickens. Understanding the ethics and regulations of battery farming is essential for animal welfare and farm compliance.