Category: B

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.

busser: A person who clears tables in a restaurant. Understanding farm-to-table practices includes knowledge of roles like bussers in food service.

biodynamic agriculture: A holistic view of agriculture that considers a farm as a self-contained evolving organism. Practicing biodynamic agriculture promotes sustainability and harmony with nature.

boxwood: A dense, fine-grained wood from the box tree. Utilizing boxwood provides durable materials for farm tools and construction.

black arm: A bacterial disease of cotton. Managing black arm through crop rotation and resistant varieties protects cotton yields.

blind end: The end of a furrow. Proper plowing techniques help avoid creating blind ends and ensure efficient field preparation.

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.

buffer strip: A strip of vegetation planted between fields to reduce erosion and runoff. Implementing buffer strips supports soil conservation and water quality.

bacterial pneumonia: Pneumonia caused by bacterial infection, notably by pneumococcus. Farmers need to recognize symptoms early and administer proper veterinary care to prevent outbreaks in their herds.

bifoliate: Referring to a plant with two leaves only. Understanding plant morphology helps farmers identify and manage crops.

bush: A woody plant smaller than a tree. Managing bushes supports farm aesthetics and biodiversity.

beekeeper: A person who keeps bees for honey. Beekeepers play a vital role in pollination services and honey production on farms.

Beaumont period: A period of 48 hours with temperatures above 10°C and relative humidity above 75%, likely indicating potato blight. Farmers should monitor weather conditions and apply preventive treatments during Beaumont periods.

biopolymer: A naturally occurring polymer, such as proteins or polysaccharides. Using biopolymers in farming, such as biodegradable mulches, supports sustainable practices.

bedding plants: Small annual flower plants used for bedding out. Growing and selling bedding plants can diversify farm income.

broad beans: A type of large-seeded legume. Growing broad beans provides nutritious food and improves soil health through nitrogen fixation.

BGS: Abbreviation for British Grassland Society. Joining BGS provides access to research and best practices for grassland management.

boysenberry: A large, dark berry that is a cross between a raspberry, blackberry, and loganberry. Growing boysenberries provides unique fruit for fresh markets and processing.