Category: B

biological nitrogen fixation: The process by which nitrogen in the atmosphere is converted into ammonia by bacteria. Promoting nitrogen-fixing plants improves soil fertility and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.

boron deficiency: A lack of boron in the soil, leading to poor plant growth. Addressing boron deficiency through soil amendments improves crop yields.

bit: The metal mouthpiece of a horse’s bridle. Ensuring proper fit and use of the bit enhances horse welfare and performance.

bio-: A prefix referring to living organisms. Farmers should be familiar with bio-related terms to understand biological processes and innovations in agriculture.

beetroot: A salad vegetable with a bright red root. Growing beetroot provides nutritious vegetables for fresh markets and processing.

black-and-white: A term describing Holstein-Friesian cattle. Raising black-and-white cattle provides high milk yield and efficiency.

broadleaf weed: A type of weed with wide leaves that competes with crops. Controlling broadleaf weeds ensures healthy crop growth and high yields.

breeding flock: A group of animals kept for breeding purposes. Maintaining healthy breeding flocks ensures high-quality offspring and herd productivity.

bushnell: A term for a small bush or shrub. Managing bushnells supports farm aesthetics and biodiversity.

bonus: A reward or additional payment. Offering bonuses can incentivize farm workers and improve productivity.

browse: Leaves, twigs, and other high-growing vegetation eaten by herbivores. Managing browse availability is important for the nutrition and well-being of grazing animals.

broadacre: A term describing large-scale farming operations. Managing broadacre farms involves efficient resource use and modern agricultural practices.

brick: A solid block of hard material used in construction. Utilizing bricks in farm infrastructure supports durable and long-lasting buildings.

bedded set: A young hop plant rooted from a cutting. Using bedded sets ensures a healthy start for hop cultivation.

breeding stock: Animals selected for breeding purposes. Using high-quality breeding stock improves herd genetics and overall farm productivity.

burning: The process of setting fire to clear land or dispose of waste. Using controlled burning techniques supports land management and reduces fire risk.

Baars irrigator: A flexible hose with sixteen folding sprinklers used for irrigation. Using a Baars irrigator ensures efficient water distribution, which can improve crop growth and conserve water resources on the farm.

basal metabolism: Energy used by a body at rest. Understanding basal metabolism aids farmers in planning diets that meet the energy needs of their livestock.

bushel: A unit of measure for dry goods, equivalent to 8 gallons. Understanding bushels supports accurate measurement and marketing of farm products.

budstick: A cutting from a plant used for grafting. Using budsticks supports successful plant propagation and breeding programs.

bust: Referring to the chest area, also a term for a failure or collapse. Ensuring livestock health includes managing bust areas and preventing farm busts through effective practices.

barren brome: A widespread weed that affects winter cereals. Farmers should implement weed management strategies to control barren brome and protect crop yields.

bird scarer: A device used to deter birds from crops. Effective bird scarers prevent crop damage and reduce yield losses.

buffer: A substance that stabilizes the pH of a solution. Using buffers in animal feed and soil management ensures optimal health and productivity.

bacterial canker: A disease affecting the Prunus plant genus, causing stem swelling and gum exudation. Farmers should monitor for symptoms and apply preventive measures to protect their orchards.

bennet: Another term for bent, stiff-stemmed grasses found in pastures. Managing grasses like bennet supports healthy pastures for livestock grazing.

biopesticide: A pesticide derived from natural materials such as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. Using biopesticides supports sustainable pest management and reduces chemical use.

brood: Young animals that are cared for by a parent. Managing brood effectively is crucial for ensuring the survival and growth of young livestock and poultry.

buzzer: A signaling device. Using buzzers supports communication and management of farm operations.

baby beef: Meat from cattle slaughtered around 12 months of age. Producing baby beef allows farmers to offer tender meat, which is often preferred in the market and can command higher prices.

borehole: A deep, narrow hole drilled for water extraction. Maintaining boreholes ensures reliable water sources for irrigation and livestock.

biological diversity: Another term for biodiversity. Maintaining biological diversity enhances farm resilience and productivity.

blackboy: A colloquial term for the native Australian grass tree. Understanding native plant species like blackboy supports biodiversity and sustainable land management.

basal metabolic rate: The amount of energy used by a body at rest. Monitoring basal metabolic rate in livestock helps farmers manage feeding programs and maintain animal health.

bind: To cut corn and tie it together in sheaves. Proper binding techniques help preserve crop quality and facilitate harvest.

bureau: A government department or office. Understanding the role of agricultural bureaus helps farmers access resources and support.

bush beans: A type of bean that grows in a bushy form. Growing bush beans provides nutritious food and valuable crops for fresh markets and processing.

breast bone: The bone in the center of the chest of birds and mammals. Understanding animal anatomy, such as the breast bone, aids in managing livestock health and processing.

battery farming: A system of farming where many birds or animals are kept in small cages. Battery farming practices must adhere to welfare standards to ensure ethical treatment of animals.

beak: Hard parts forming the mouth of a bird. Recognizing beak health is essential for maintaining the overall health of poultry.

bioinsecticide: An insecticide developed from natural plant toxins. Using bioinsecticides supports sustainable pest control and reduces chemical use.

by-product: A secondary product made during the production of a primary product. Utilizing by-products adds value and reduces waste in farm operations.

BBSRC: An organization providing funding for research into biotechnology and livestock breeding. Farmers can benefit from BBSRC-funded advancements to improve farm productivity.

basidiomycotes: A large group of fungi, including mushrooms and toadstools. Farmers can cultivate basidiomycotes for food and medicinal purposes.

broiler: A chicken raised specifically for meat production. Knowledge of broiler management practices helps farmers optimize growth rates and produce high-quality poultry meat.

bucking: The action of a horse or other animal kicking out with its hind legs. Understanding and managing bucking behavior can improve safety and handling of livestock.

blackcurrant: A small dark purple berry. Growing blackcurrants provides nutritious fruit for fresh consumption and processing.

brown planthopper: A pest that affects rice crops. Controlling brown planthoppers through integrated pest management protects rice yields and quality.

beet cyst nematode: A nematode causing white cysts on beet roots. Implementing crop rotation and resistant varieties helps control beet cyst nematode infestations.

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