Category: B

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.

Berrichon du Cher: A French breed of sheep now imported into the UK. Raising Berrichon du Cher sheep can enhance genetic diversity and improve flock productivity.

biological oxygen demand: Another term for biochemical oxygen demand. Monitoring biological oxygen demand helps farmers manage water quality and prevent pollution.

beak trimming: Cutting off a bird’s beak to prevent injury to other birds by pecking. Understanding humane beak trimming practices ensures the welfare of poultry in close conditions.

bunch: A cluster of items, such as fruit or flowers. Proper handling of bunches supports product quality and marketability.

branding: The process of marking livestock for identification. Branding helps farmers keep track of their animals and prevent theft.

briard: A breed of large, strong sheepdog. Using Briard sheepdogs supports effective livestock management and protection.

beef value: The genetic background of an animal, assessed for growth and carcass quality. Knowing beef value helps farmers select superior breeding stock for improved meat production.

bent: Stiff-stemmed grasses of the genus Agrostis, found in pastures. Managing bent grasses helps maintain productive grazing lands.

bong: A large wooden vessel for storing water or other liquids. Proper storage methods like using bongs ensure water availability and management on the farm.

bucket: A container used for carrying liquids or granular materials. Efficient use of buckets supports various farm tasks and resource management.

biological pest control: Another term for biological control. Using natural predators and processes to manage pests supports sustainable agriculture.

bird proofing: Methods to prevent birds from damaging crops or buildings. Implementing bird proofing techniques protects farm investments and crop yields.

biosecurity: Measures taken to protect against the spread of diseases and pests. Implementing biosecurity practices is essential for preventing outbreaks that can devastate crops and livestock.

blossom end rot: A disorder in tomatoes and other fruits caused by calcium deficiency. Preventing blossom end rot through proper nutrition improves fruit quality and marketability.

bovine growth hormone: A hormone used to increase milk production in dairy cows. Managing the use of bovine growth hormone ensures ethical practices and optimal milk yields.

bore: To drill a hole, often for water. Proper bore management ensures water availability and sustainability on the farm.

breeding cycle: The regular pattern of breeding and reproduction in animals. Understanding breeding cycles helps farmers manage mating, gestation, and birthing schedules.

bhp: Abbreviation for brake horsepower. Knowing the bhp of farm machinery helps farmers select the right equipment for various tasks.

biological product: Any product derived from living organisms, including fertilizers, pesticides, and feed. Using biological products promotes sustainable farming and reduces chemical use.

BFSS: Abbreviation for British Field Sports Society, now known as Countryside Alliance. Understanding the role of field sports organizations helps farmers engage in rural activities and conservation efforts.

biodiversity: The range of species in a specific habitat. Promoting biodiversity on the farm supports ecosystem health and resilience.

BGH: Abbreviation for bovine growth hormone. Knowing the regulations and effects of BGH helps farmers manage livestock growth and milk production responsibly.

blight: A plant disease, especially one caused by fungi such as mildew, rusts, and smuts. Early detection and management of blight prevent crop losses and maintain plant health.

beetle: An insect with hard wing covers. Some beetles are beneficial predators, while others are pests; farmers need to identify and manage both types effectively.

bilharziasis: Another term for schistosomiasis. Recognizing and managing bilharziasis helps protect livestock and farm workers from parasitic infections.

bough: A large branch of a tree. Managing tree boughs ensures healthy growth and prevents damage to farm infrastructure.

bluegrass: A type of grass used for lawns, pastures, and hay. Managing bluegrass supports healthy pastures and high-quality forage production.

BFREPA: Abbreviation for British Free Range Egg Producers Association. Membership in BFREPA supports free-range egg producers with industry news and resources.

brome: Another term for barren brome, a weed affecting cereals. Managing brome through weed control practices protects cereal crops and yields.

buckling: A young male goat. Proper care and management of bucklings ensure healthy growth and development into productive livestock.

bowser: A large tank used for transporting water or fuel. Using bowsers ensures reliable water and fuel supplies for farm operations.

baler: A machine that compresses hay, straw, or other crops into bales. Using a baler saves time and labor in managing and storing feed and bedding materials.

bitter pit: A disorder in apples caused by calcium deficiency. Addressing bitter pit through proper nutrition improves apple quality and marketability.