Category: D

droppings board: A bench under the perches in smaller poultry houses, on which bird droppings collect. Droppings boards help keep poultry houses clean and make it easier to collect and manage manure.

Derbyshire Gritstone: A black-faced, hornless hardy breed of sheep, which produces a soft fleece of high quality. The name comes from a type of rock, millstone grit, found in the Peak District of Derbyshire. Farmers raising Derbyshire Gritstone sheep should focus on proper grazing management, regular shearing, and health monitoring to maintain flock productivity. Marketing the unique characteristics of Derbyshire Gritstone wool can attract premium buyers and enhance farm profitability.

disk: Alternative spelling of disc. A circular agricultural implement used for tillage and soil preparation. Using disks can improve soil preparation and root penetration for crops. Farmers should select the appropriate type of disk for their needs and use it properly to achieve optimal soil conditions. Understanding the benefits and applications of disks will aid in effective soil management and crop establishment.

disclimax: The most stable community of plants and animals that an area can support, occurring as a result of disturbance. Understanding disclimax is important for managing ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity. Farmers should implement sustainable land management practices to support stable and resilient plant and animal communities. Understanding the factors contributing to disclimax will aid in developing effective conservation and management strategies.

dendrochronology: A scientific method of finding the age of wood by the study of tree rings. Dendrochronology can provide valuable information about tree growth patterns, climate history, and forest management. Farmers and foresters can use dendrochronology to understand the age and health of trees, aiding in sustainable forest management practices. Knowledge of dendrochronology can also support research and conservation efforts.

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.

dairy farm: A farm which is principally engaged in milk production. COMMENT: The UK is Europe’s 3rd largest milk producer, and is limited to an annual production quota of 14.2 billion litres. Although it is largely self-sufficient in milk, related products such as cheese, milk powder, cream and butter are heavily imported and exported between the UK and other EU countries. Running a successful dairy farm requires knowledge of animal husbandry, nutrition, milking technology, and farm management. Farmers should stay updated with the latest research and technology in dairy farming to improve milk production and ensure sustainable practices. Networking with other dairy farmers and attending workshops can provide valuable insights and support.

dry-stone wall: A wall made of stones carefully placed one on top of the other without using any mortar. Dry-stone walls are traditional structures that provide boundaries and shelter on farms and require regular maintenance to remain effective.

diffuse water pollution: Water pollution which is caused by several small sources such as runoff from farms. Managing diffuse water pollution involves implementing practices like buffer strips, cover cropping, and proper nutrient management. Farmers should adopt measures to reduce runoff and prevent contaminants from entering water bodies. Understanding the sources and impacts of diffuse water pollution will aid in developing effective water management strategies.

dairyman: 1. A person who works with dairy cattle. 2. A person employed in a commercial dairy. Dairymen are skilled workers who manage dairy cows and milk production. Proper training in animal care, milking procedures, and dairy management can lead to better milk yields and healthier cows. Farmers should provide ongoing education and support for their dairymen to ensure they have the skills needed to maintain high standards of dairy farming.

derelict: Referring to land which has been damaged and made ugly by mining or other industrial processes, or which has been neglected and is not used for anything. A plan to reclaim derelict inner city sites. Referring to a building which is neglected and in ruins. Derelict barns. Reclaiming and repurposing derelict land can provide new opportunities for farming and conservation. Farmers and land managers should explore programs and funding for land reclamation and restoration. Understanding the potential uses and benefits of reclaimed land can help in planning sustainable land use strategies.

downer animal: A farm animal that is unable to stand or walk because of injury or disease. Proper handling and care are essential to prevent and manage downer animals, ensuring their welfare and reducing the risk of further injury.

dried: Referring to foodstuffs that are preserved by dehydration. Dried foods, such as fruits and grains, have a longer shelf life and can be stored for extended periods without spoiling.

docking: The practice of cutting off part of an animal’s tail, often done to prevent injury or improve hygiene. Proper docking techniques are important for maintaining animal health and welfare. Farmers should use appropriate methods and follow animal welfare guidelines for effective docking. Understanding the benefits and applications of docking will aid in effective livestock management and improved animal welfare.

drying: A method of preserving food by removing moisture, either by leaving it in the sun, as for dried fruit, or by passing it through an industrial process. Drying extends the shelf life of food and makes it easier to store and transport.

dip: A chemical which is dissolved in water, used for dipping animals, mainly sheep, to remove lice and ticks. Dipping animals is an important practice for managing external parasites and maintaining animal health. Farmers should use proper techniques and follow safety guidelines for effective dipping. Understanding the benefits and applications of dips will aid in effective parasite management and improved livestock welfare.

dietary reference values: The nutrients that are essential for health, published as a list by the UK government. Understanding dietary reference values is important for developing balanced and nutritious diets for livestock. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to ensure that animal diets meet these reference values and promote optimal health. Implementing proper dietary practices will enhance the productivity and welfare of livestock.

dungleweed: Same as orache, a common weed found in agricultural areas. Managing dungleweed involves regular weeding and use of herbicides to prevent it from competing with crops for nutrients and water.

DADA: Abbreviation for Disadvantaged Area. Understanding the classification of a Disadvantaged Area (DADA) is crucial for farmers because it often means eligibility for financial aid and support programs aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and economic stability in these regions. Knowing if your farm is in a DADA can help you access grants, subsidies, and technical support to improve farm operations and sustainability.

digestive system: The set of organs in the body associated with the digestion of food. Understanding the digestive system is important for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop balanced and nutritious diets that support the digestive system. Implementing proper dietary practices and monitoring digestive health will enhance the well-being and performance of livestock.

decoupling: The breaking of the link between the amount of money paid to farmers as a subsidy and the amount they produce. Single Payment Scheme. Decoupling policies can impact farm income and production decisions. Farmers should stay informed about subsidy programs and their requirements to maximize financial support. Understanding decoupling can help farmers plan their production more strategically, focusing on sustainability and market demands rather than subsidy-driven production.

discomfort: A mild form of pain or a feeling of unease. Proper management of discomfort in livestock involves identifying the cause, providing appropriate care, and implementing preventive measures. Farmers should work with veterinarians to ensure the health and welfare of their animals. Understanding the factors contributing to discomfort will aid in developing effective management strategies.

damp off: To die from a fungus infection that spreads in warm damp conditions and attacks the roots and lower stems of seedlings. Damping off is a common cause of seedling loss in greenhouses and nurseries. Farmers can prevent damping off by using sterilized soil, avoiding overwatering, and ensuring proper ventilation. Fungicide treatments and proper spacing of seedlings can also help reduce the risk of this disease.

distill: To purify a liquid by heating it so that it becomes a gas and then condensing it to form a pure liquid again. Distillation is an important process for producing high-quality products like essential oils and spirits. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and techniques for effective distillation. Understanding the benefits and applications of distillation will aid in optimizing production and product quality.

decay: A process by which tissues become rotten and decompose, caused by the action of microorganisms and oxygen. Proper management of decaying organic matter is important for farmers to maintain soil health and prevent the spread of diseases. Composting is an effective way to recycle decaying material into valuable nutrients for crops. Farmers should monitor and manage decay processes to enhance soil fertility and reduce waste.

dry feeding: The feeding of meal to animals without the addition of water. This may cause problems with pigs and poultry. Ensuring proper hydration and balanced nutrition is essential for the health and productivity of livestock.

dead stock: A comprehensive term for all implements, tools, appliances, and machines used on a farm. It can also include seed, fertilizer, and feeding stuffs. Managing dead stock effectively involves regular maintenance, proper storage, and inventory management. Farmers should keep detailed records of their equipment and supplies to ensure they are in good working condition and available when needed. This practice can help reduce downtime and improve farm efficiency.

drum: The cylinder of a combine harvester that rotates and has rasp-like beater bars that thresh the grain. The drum is a critical component of the combine harvester, ensuring efficient separation of grain from the stalks.

dried grass: Grass that has been artificially dried and is used as an animal feed of high nutritional value. Dried grass provides essential nutrients to livestock, especially during periods when fresh forage is not available.

dichotomous branching: A pattern of plant growth that develops when a growing point forks into two points that later divide into two. Understanding dichotomous branching is important for managing plant growth and development. Farmers should use proper pruning and training techniques to optimize branching patterns and improve crop yields. Knowledge of plant growth patterns can aid in effective cultivation and management practices.

divide: To separate or allocate something into parts or sections. Managing the division of land, resources, or tasks is important for effective farm operations. Farmers should use appropriate planning and management techniques for efficient division. Understanding the benefits and applications of proper division will aid in effective farm management and productivity.

dysentery: An infection and inflammation of the colon causing bleeding and diarrhea. Managing dysentery involves ensuring proper sanitation and hygiene to prevent the spread of infection among livestock and humans.

deciduous: Referring to trees that shed all their leaves in one season. Beech, oak, and other deciduous trees. Deciduous trees can be beneficial in agroforestry systems, providing seasonal shade and organic matter. Farmers can integrate deciduous trees into their land management plans to improve biodiversity, soil health, and microclimate regulation. Understanding the growth patterns and benefits of deciduous trees can help optimize their use in farming systems.

dunes: An area of sand blown by the wind into small hills and ridges, which may have plants growing on them. Managing dunes involves preventing soil erosion and promoting the growth of vegetation to stabilize the sand.

Dutch elm disease: A fungal disease that kills elm trees, caused by Ceratocystis ulmi and spread by a bark beetle. Managing Dutch elm disease involves monitoring tree health, removing infected trees, and preventing the spread of the bark beetle.

dry pluck: The process of removing the feathers when the bird is dry, so avoiding harming the skin. Dry plucking is a method used in poultry processing to ensure the quality of the meat.

diversity: The variety of different species, genetic variation, or ecological complexity in an area. Promoting diversity is important for maintaining ecosystem health and resilience. Farmers should implement practices like crop rotation, intercropping, and habitat conservation to enhance diversity. Understanding the benefits of diversity will aid in sustainable land management and farm productivity.

dairy: Relating to the production and processing of milk and milk products. Effective dairy farming practices ensure high-quality milk production and animal welfare.

Danish red: A dual-purpose breed of cattle, originating in Jutland, Denmark. Danish Red cattle are valued for their milk and meat production. Farmers interested in dual-purpose breeds can benefit from the hardiness and productivity of Danish Red cattle. Proper feeding, regular health check-ups, and good breeding practices will ensure high yields and profitability.

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.

Dorset Down: A medium-sized down breed of sheep with a brown face and wool growing over the forehead. It provides a good-quality fine stringy fleece. Dorset Downs are valued for their meat and wool production, requiring proper care and management to ensure their health and productivity.

down: The small soft feathers of a young bird or soft feathers below the outer feathers in some adult birds. Down is highly valued for its insulating properties and is used in clothing and bedding products.

doe: A female deer, goat, rabbit, or hare. Does are important in breeding programs and require proper care to ensure successful reproduction and the health of their offspring. Farmers should monitor their nutrition, health, and birthing conditions.

die back: To be affected by the death of a branch or shoot. Roses may die back after pruning in frosty weather. Managing die back involves identifying the cause and implementing proper pruning, disease control, and care practices. Farmers and gardeners should monitor plants for signs of die back and take corrective actions to maintain plant health and productivity. Understanding the factors contributing to die back will aid in developing effective management strategies.

double lows: Varieties of oilseed rape with low erucic acid and glucosinolate contents. These varieties are valued for their improved nutritional profile and reduced toxicity, making them suitable for animal feed and human consumption.

Dorset Horn: A breed of sheep in the south-west of England, both rams and ewes of which have long curly horns. It produces a fine white clear wool and is unique among British breeds in that it can lamb at any time of the year. Proper breeding and management practices can maximize their productivity.

diffuse water pollution: Water pollution which is caused by several small sources such as runoff from farms. Managing diffuse water pollution involves implementing practices like buffer strips, cover cropping, and proper nutrient management. Farmers should adopt measures to reduce runoff and prevent contaminants from entering water bodies. Understanding the sources and impacts of diffuse water pollution will aid in developing effective water management strategies.

degrade: To reduce the quality of something. For example, the land has been degraded through overgrazing. Ozone may worsen nutrient leaching by degrading the water-resistant coating on pine needles. To make a chemical compound decompose into its elements. Farmers should implement sustainable land management practices to prevent degradation. Reducing overgrazing, managing irrigation, and using cover crops can help maintain soil quality and productivity. Understanding the factors contributing to degradation will aid in developing effective conservation strategies.

deep ploughing: Ploughing very deep into the soil, used when reclaiming previously virgin land for agricultural purposes. Deep ploughing can improve soil structure and root penetration for crops. Farmers should consider the benefits and potential drawbacks of deep ploughing, such as soil erosion and disturbance of soil life. Implementing deep ploughing as part of a broader soil management plan can optimize its benefits while minimizing negative impacts.

disease: A condition caused by infection or by a defect of the body. Managing disease involves implementing proper biosecurity measures, vaccination, and regular health monitoring. Farmers should work with veterinarians to develop effective disease management plans and prevent outbreaks. Understanding the signs and symptoms of diseases will aid in early detection and treatment, ensuring the health and productivity of the herd.