Category: B

breech birth: A birth in which the baby is delivered buttocks or feet first. Managing breech births in livestock ensures safe delivery and reduces complications.

BCMS: Abbreviation for British Cattle Movement Service. Registering with BCMS ensures accurate tracking of cattle for health and regulatory compliance.

big bale silage: Silage stored in big bales. This method ensures high-quality forage preservation and reduces spoilage.

black bean aphid: A small black aphid that infests beans and other plants. Implementing integrated pest management controls black bean aphids and protects crops.

bunker: A storage area for silage or grain. Using bunkers ensures proper storage and preservation of farm products.

butterfly: A flying insect with large, often brightly colored wings. Encouraging butterfly populations supports pollination and enhances farm biodiversity.

bird table: A platform for feeding birds. Providing bird tables supports farm biodiversity and helps control insect pests.

best practice: The most effective method of achieving an objective or completing a task. Implementing best practices improves farm efficiency and sustainability.

BBS: Abbreviation for big bale silage. Utilizing big bale silage methods ensures high-quality forage preservation.

berry: A small fleshy fruit with several seeds, like a tomato or grape. Growing berry crops provides nutritious fruit for fresh markets and processing.

bioremediation: The use of living organisms to remove or neutralize contaminants from a polluted area. Implementing bioremediation techniques helps farmers manage soil and water quality.

BDFA: Abbreviation for British Deer Farmers Association. Joining BDFA provides support and resources for deer farming operations.

birth: The process of bringing forth young from the womb. Managing livestock births ensures healthy offspring and maintains herd productivity.

broad spectrum: A term describing pesticides that are effective against a wide range of pests. Using broad-spectrum pesticides supports comprehensive pest management but requires careful application to avoid non-target effects.

bran: The outer layer of grains removed during milling. Using bran as animal feed or soil amendment improves livestock nutrition and soil health.

biosolids: Treated sewage sludge used as a soil amendment. Applying biosolids improves soil fertility and reduces waste.

basal area: The area covered by the trunks of trees or stems of plants. Knowing the basal area helps farmers manage forest density and optimize timber production.

bulking: The process of increasing the size or volume of a crop. Understanding bulking can help farmers optimize harvest timing and improve crop yields.

bird cherry-oat aphid: A pest of cereals that spreads viruses. Monitoring and controlling bird cherry-oat aphids protects cereal crops from disease.

blister mite: A small mite that infests plants, causing blister-like galls. Managing blister mites through integrated pest management protects crop yields.

buckeye: A type of tree or shrub, also a breed of chicken. Understanding different uses of terms like buckeye helps farmers manage diverse farm operations.

Biodiversity Action Plan: A detailed scheme to maintain the biodiversity of a specific area. Implementing BAPs helps farmers protect and enhance biodiversity on their land.

brine: A solution of salt in water. Using brine for food preservation and processing supports farm product quality and shelf life.

blue tongue: A viral disease of ruminants spread by biting midges. Vaccinating against blue tongue protects livestock health and prevents outbreaks.

bacteria bed: A filter bed of rough stone used in the final stage of sewage treatment. Implementing a bacteria bed on the farm can help in environmentally friendly waste management and nutrient recycling.

Berkshire Knot: A local breed of sheep crossed with Southdown to develop the Hampshire Down breed. Understanding breed development helps farmers select and manage sheep for desired traits.

bulldozer: A powerful tractor used for pushing earth or debris. Using bulldozers supports efficient land clearing and farm infrastructure development.

branching: The development of new branches on a plant. Encouraging proper branching improves crop yields and plant health.

bulbil: A small bulb that forms on a plant. Managing bulbils supports successful propagation and crop productivity.

blister beetle: A beetle that produces a blistering agent called cantharidin. Controlling blister beetles protects livestock from poisoning and preserves crop health.

bridle: A harness for a horse’s head, used for control and direction. Ensuring proper fit and use of bridles enhances horse welfare and performance.

benomyl: A fungicide formerly used against eyespot in cereals. Awareness of past fungicides like benomyl informs current disease management practices.

bottom land: Fertile, low-lying land along a river. Managing bottom land supports productive agriculture and prevents soil erosion.

bonanza: A term for a sudden increase in wealth or success. Farmers can achieve bonanzas through innovative practices and market opportunities.

blanket spray: A method of applying pesticides uniformly across a field. Using blanket sprays effectively manages pest populations and protects crops.

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.

branding iron: A tool used to apply a brand to livestock. Using branding irons ensures clear and permanent identification marks on animals.

boundary: The edge or limit of a farm or field. Maintaining clear boundaries prevents disputes and supports efficient land management.

bivouac: A temporary camp without tents or cover, used especially by soldiers or mountaineers. Farmers might use bivouacs during remote or seasonal farm operations.

bedding: Materials like straw, shavings, or sand used as litter for animals. Providing proper bedding improves animal comfort and health.

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.

breather pipe: A pipe used to allow air into a system to prevent pressure build-up. Proper use of breather pipes ensures the efficient operation of farm machinery and irrigation systems.

borer: An insect that bores into plant stems or wood. Controlling borers through integrated pest management protects crops and trees from damage.

bloom date: The date when a plant’s flowers open. Tracking bloom dates helps farmers plan for pollination and harvest activities.

beetle bank: An uncultivated ridge in fields for insects and spiders to overwinter and control pests. Establishing beetle banks enhances biodiversity and natural pest control.

bioenergy: Energy produced from biomass. Utilizing bioenergy sources like crop residues helps farmers reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.

Beef Special Premium Scheme: A former subsidy for producers of male cattle, now replaced by the Single Payments Scheme. Understanding historical subsidy programs helps farmers navigate current agricultural policies.

bobtail: A breed of sheepdog with a docked tail. Using bobtail sheepdogs helps manage and protect livestock herds.

biochemical oxygen demand: A measure of the amount of oxygen needed to oxidize pollutants in water. Monitoring BOD helps farmers manage water quality and prevent pollution.

body condition: The physical state of an animal, especially in terms of fat and muscle. Monitoring body condition helps farmers manage nutrition and health in livestock.