Category: D

dill: A common aromatic herb (Anethum graveolens) used in cooking and in medicine. Growing dill can provide a valuable income stream for farmers and enhance culinary and medicinal offerings. Farmers should focus on proper soil preparation, planting, and harvesting techniques to cultivate high-quality dill. Understanding the market demands and applications of dill will aid in effective production and marketing strategies.

deer farming: The commercial farming of deer to be sold as venison. Deer farming can be a profitable venture for farmers. Proper management of deer, including nutrition, health care, and breeding, is essential for producing high-quality venison. Farmers should also focus on marketing strategies to promote venison as a premium product and explore value-added opportunities such as processed meat products.

Dutch barn: A type of farmyard building used for storage of hay, loose or baled, corn crops, and agricultural implements. The older types of Dutch barn were built of iron with no enclosing side walls. Modern designs incorporate precast concrete, asbestos-cement sheeting with curved roofs. The sides may be partly or completely covered. Dutch barns provide essential storage for farm products and equipment, protecting them from the elements.

desalination: The removal of salt from a substance such as sea water or soil. Proper desalination techniques are essential for improving water and soil quality in saline environments. Farmers should implement desalination methods to enhance the productivity of saline soils and water sources. Understanding the processes and applications of desalination can aid in managing saline conditions and optimizing agricultural production.

Dalesbred: A local sheep of the Swaledale type. It has a white spot on either side of a black face, with a grey muzzle, and provides a long coarse fleece. Farmers raising Dalesbred sheep should focus on wool quality and animal health. Regular shearing, parasite control, and balanced nutrition are key to maintaining the productivity and profitability of the flock. The unique fleece of Dalesbred sheep can also be marketed to niche wool buyers for premium prices.

doctor: A person who has a degree in medicine and practices as a physician. Understanding the role of doctors is important for managing human health and well-being. Farmers should work with medical professionals to ensure the health and safety of farm workers. Understanding the importance of healthcare and medical support will aid in promoting a healthy and productive farm environment.

doctor: A person who has a degree in medicine and practices as a physician. Understanding the role of doctors is important for managing human health and well-being. Farmers should work with medical professionals to ensure the health and safety of farm workers. Understanding the importance of healthcare and medical support will aid in promoting a healthy and productive farm environment.

Durham: A breed of dairy shorthorn cattle developed in the Tees valley of County Durham. Durham cattle are valued for their milk production and adaptability to different farming conditions.

deforest: To cut down forest trees from an area for commercial purposes or to make arable land. Deforestation has significant environmental impacts, including loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and climate change. Farmers should adopt sustainable land management practices, such as agroforestry, reforestation, and conservation tillage, to mitigate the effects of deforestation. Promoting sustainable farming practices can enhance long-term productivity and environmental health.

denitrification: The releasing of nitrogen from nitrates in the soil by the action of bacteria. Managing denitrification is important for maintaining soil fertility and preventing nitrogen loss. Farmers should implement practices like cover cropping, proper fertilization, and soil management to reduce denitrification. Understanding the processes and factors influencing denitrification can help optimize nitrogen use efficiency and improve crop productivity.

double flower: A flower with two series of petals as opposed to a single flower. Double flowers are often more visually appealing and can enhance the aesthetic value of gardens and landscapes.

disposition: The natural behavior or temperament of an animal. Understanding the disposition of livestock is important for effective handling and management. Farmers should consider the temperament of their animals when developing handling and care practices. Understanding the factors influencing disposition will aid in improving animal welfare and farm productivity.

dextrose: A simple sugar found in fruit and also extracted from corn starch. Dextrose is commonly used as a sweetener and in food processing. Farmers producing crops high in dextrose, such as corn, should focus on proper cultivation, harvesting, and processing techniques to maximize yield and quality. Understanding the market demands for dextrose can help optimize production and marketing strategies.

deep-litter: A system of using straw, wood shavings, sawdust, or peat moss for bedding poultry or cattle. COMMENT: For poultry, an inch of well-composted horse manure is laid down first, on which wood shavings, peat moss, or cut straw are placed. The litter is changed after each crop of birds. Deep litter also has value as manure. For cattle, straw, shavings, and sawdust form a deep litter. Warmth is given off as faeces in the litter ferment, and additions of fresh litter can be made on top of the old. Deep-litter systems can improve animal welfare and farm hygiene. Farmers should manage deep litter by regularly adding fresh material and monitoring moisture levels to prevent the buildup of harmful pathogens. The resulting composted litter can be used as a valuable fertilizer, enhancing soil health and reducing waste.

Doyenne du Comice: A variety of dessert pear, originating in France. The fruit are very round and mature slowly. Doyenne du Comice pears are prized for their sweet flavor and juicy texture.

discourage: To try to stop someone from doing something by making it difficult or unpleasant. Discouraging certain behaviors or practices may be necessary for maintaining farm productivity and safety. Farmers should establish clear rules and guidelines for farm operations and ensure that all workers follow them. Implementing proper training and supervision practices will aid in maintaining discipline and achieving farm goals.

dead-in-shell: Referring to chicks which die in the egg because they cannot break out, or can only break part of the way out of the shell. Farmers should monitor incubation conditions to reduce the incidence of dead-in-shell chicks. Maintaining proper temperature, humidity, and ventilation in incubators will improve hatch rates and ensure healthier chicks. Regularly inspecting and adjusting equipment can prevent losses and improve overall productivity.

Duroc: A breed of pig originating in the eastern USA, imported into the UK for cross-breeding. The pigs are red in color. Duroc pigs are known for their meat quality and growth efficiency, making them a popular choice for pig farmers.

DOM: An abbreviation that can refer to digestible organic matter or dry organic matter. Understanding these terms is crucial for farmers managing soil health and composting processes, ensuring that organic matter is effectively used to improve soil fertility.

drift: To float in the air onto areas that are not to be sprayed. Drift can lead to unintended exposure of crops or areas to pesticides or fertilizers, which can be harmful. Farmers should use techniques to minimize drift, such as proper nozzle selection and application methods.

desiccant: A substance which dries something. A type of herbicide which makes leaves wither and die. Desiccants can be used to manage moisture levels in storage or as herbicides in crop management. Farmers should use desiccants carefully, following label instructions and safety guidelines. Understanding the applications and impact of desiccants can help in selecting the right product and application method for specific needs.

dobro: A type of guitar with a metal resonator instead of a wooden soundboard. While not directly related to farming, understanding traditional and cultural practices like playing the dobro can provide valuable insights into rural life. Farmers should engage with cultural activities to enhance their knowledge and appreciation of rural heritage. Understanding the significance of cultural practices will aid in promoting community engagement and resilience.

dairying: An agricultural system which involves the production of milk and other dairy products from cows kept on special farms. Successful dairying requires knowledge of cow physiology, milking techniques, and dairy product processing. Farmers should invest in quality milking equipment and ensure strict hygiene standards to produce high-quality milk. Continuous learning and adapting to new technologies can enhance dairy farm efficiency and sustainability.

DARD: Abbreviation for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Farmers should be aware of the resources and support provided by DARD, including grants, advisory services, and regulations. Utilizing these resources can help improve farm practices, comply with regulations, and access funding opportunities.

digester: A device that produces gas such as methane from refuse. Digesters can be used to process organic waste and produce biogas and compost. Farmers should consider installing digesters to manage waste and generate renewable energy. Understanding the operation and benefits of digesters will aid in effective waste management and energy production on the farm.

draw hoe: A hoe whose blade is at right angles to the handle and is pulled backwards towards the worker. Draw hoes are used for weeding and soil cultivation, helping to manage weeds and improve soil structure.

dried fruit: Fruit that has been dehydrated to preserve it for later use. Dried fruit retains most of its nutritional value and can be a convenient snack or ingredient in various recipes.

degressivity: A proposed reduction in the amount of subsidies paid under the CAP. This proposal was rejected as a method of keeping the CAP budget under control. Understanding subsidy policies and their impacts on farm income is important for financial planning. Farmers should stay informed about changes in subsidy programs and explore alternative income sources to ensure economic stability. Adapting to policy changes and diversifying farm activities can mitigate the effects of reduced subsidies.

Douglas fir: A North American softwood tree widely planted throughout the world, producing strong timber. Latin name: Pseudotsuga menziesii. Douglas firs are valued for their timber quality and are used in construction, furniture making, and paper production.

definite inflorescence: A type of inflorescence in which the main stem ends in a flower and stops growing when the flower is produced. Compare indefinite inflorescence. Understanding plant growth patterns, such as definite inflorescence, can help farmers manage crops more effectively. Knowledge of inflorescence types can aid in pruning, training, and optimizing flowering and fruiting in crops. Proper management of flowering can lead to higher yields and better quality produce.

draft ewe: An ewe sold from a breeding flock of sheep while still young enough to produce lambs. Draft ewes are often sold to other farms to continue their productive lives.

dunging passage: A passage at the back of a cow shed, into which dung can be washed with water. Dunging passages help maintain cleanliness and hygiene in livestock housing, preventing the buildup of waste.

dessert fruit: Fruit which are sweet and can be eaten raw, as opposed to being cooked. Dessert fruits are valuable for fresh consumption and can provide a profitable income stream for farmers. Proper cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling techniques are essential for maintaining the quality of dessert fruits. Understanding market demands and consumer preferences can help farmers optimize their production and marketing strategies for dessert fruits.

dry period: In cattle, a period of six to eight weeks between lactations when a cow is rested from giving milk. Properly managing the dry period is crucial for the health and productivity of dairy cows, allowing them to recover and prepare for the next lactation.

denatured wheat: Wheat which has been stained to make it unusable for human consumption. Denaturing wheat can prevent it from entering the food supply chain and ensure its use in animal feed or other non-food applications. Farmers and processors should use proper techniques and follow regulations for denaturing wheat. Understanding the market and regulatory requirements for denatured wheat can help optimize its use and management.

draught: The effort needed to pull an implement through the soil. Understanding draught requirements helps farmers choose appropriate equipment and manage soil conditions.

disjointed: Not connected in any way. Managing disjointed operations involves implementing proper planning and coordination practices. Farmers should ensure that all aspects of their operations are connected and aligned to achieve farm goals. Understanding the benefits of integrated management will aid in effective farm operations and productivity.

drawbar: A metal bar at the back of a tractor used to pull trailed implements. Some tractors have a drawbar that can be attached to the hydraulic linkage. Drawbars are essential for connecting various types of farm equipment.

drupe: A fruit with a single seed and a fleshy body. Stone fruits such as cherries or plums are drupes. Drupes are important crops that provide valuable nutrients and can be consumed fresh or processed.

dietetic: Referring to diet. Dietetic practices are essential for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock. Farmers should ensure that animals receive a balanced and nutritious diet, tailored to their specific needs. Working with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop proper dietetic plans will help optimize animal health and farm productivity.

divest: To sell or dispose of assets or interests. Managing divestment involves making informed decisions about selling or disposing of farm assets. Farmers should consider market trends, financial goals, and operational needs when planning divestment. Understanding the benefits and impacts of divestment will aid in effective farm management and financial planning.

domestic livestock: Pigs, goats, sheep, cows, and other animals which are kept by human beings. These animals are crucial for food production, labor, and other agricultural activities. Proper management practices ensure their health and productivity.

digest: To break down food and convert it into elements which can be absorbed by the body. To use bacteria to process waste, especially organic waste such as manure, in order to produce biogas. 55% of UK sewage sludge is digested. Wastes from food processing plants can be anaerobically digested. Digesting organic matter is essential for nutrient cycling and soil health. Farmers should implement composting and anaerobic digestion practices to process waste and produce valuable biogas and compost. Understanding the benefits and processes of digestion will aid in effective waste management and soil fertility improvement.

dispose: To get rid of something such as waste. Proper disposal practices are important for maintaining farm hygiene and preventing pollution. Farmers should implement appropriate waste management techniques to dispose of waste safely and effectively. Understanding the benefits and applications of proper disposal will aid in maintaining a healthy and productive farm environment.

dog: A domesticated carnivorous mammal (Canis lupus familiaris) that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, non-retractable claws, and a barking, howling, or whining voice. Dogs can serve various roles on a farm, including herding livestock, guarding property, and providing companionship. Proper training and care are essential for farm dogs to ensure they are healthy and effective in their roles.

dyke: A long wall of earth built to keep water out or a ditch for drainage. Dyke pond farming is a system of organic agriculture combining crop growing on the dykes that surround ponds in which fish are bred. It is common in China. Proper management of dykes is essential for controlling water levels and preventing flooding.

digging stick: One of the earliest agricultural implements, still used in areas where shifting cultivation is practiced. The stick has a sharpened end, sometimes with a metal tip, and is used to dig holes to plant crops. Using a digging stick can be an effective method for small-scale farming and shifting cultivation. Farmers should understand the proper techniques for using a digging stick to achieve successful crop establishment. Implementing traditional and sustainable farming practices can enhance productivity and resilience.

drag harrow: A heavy type of harrow used in the preparation of seedbeds. Drag harrows help break up soil clumps and create a smooth surface for planting.

double cropping: A type of multi-cropping, taking more than one crop off a piece of land in one year. Double cropping can increase farm productivity and profitability by maximizing the use of land resources. Farmers must plan carefully to ensure soil fertility and moisture levels are maintained for multiple crops.

dwarf bean: A term used for French or kidney beans, which make a bushy plant as opposed to runner beans which climb. Dwarf beans are popular in home gardens and commercial agriculture for their ease of cultivation and versatility in cooking.