Category: B

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.

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.