Category: B

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.

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.