October 5, 2024

Queen Bee

The reproductive female in a bee colony, responsible for laying eggs and maintaining the colony’s population. The queen bee is the mother of most of the bees in the hive. For instance, a beekeeper may introduce a new queen bee to a hive to improve colony health and productivity.

Dry Cow Therapy

The use of antibiotics and other treatments during the dry period to prevent and control mastitis. Dry cow therapy helps maintain udder health and improve milk production in the next lactation. For example, administering dry cow therapy to dairy cows to prevent infections during the dry period.

Sorting

The process of separating livestock into groups based on specific criteria such as weight, age, or health. Sorting helps manage and optimize livestock production. For instance, sorting cattle by weight to ensure uniform growth and market readiness.

Pest Scouting

The practice of observing and recording pest populations and damage levels in crops. Pest scouting helps identify pest problems early and determine appropriate control measures. For instance, scouting a cornfield for signs of insect damage and determining the need for pesticide application.

Milk Tanker

A vehicle equipped with refrigerated tanks used to transport milk from dairy farms to processing facilities. Milk tankers ensure milk remains at the proper temperature during transport. For instance, scheduling milk tanker pickups to ensure timely and safe delivery of milk to processors.

Soil Moisture

The amount of water present in the soil, which affects plant growth, nutrient availability, and soil health. Soil moisture is influenced by factors such as precipitation, irrigation, and soil texture. For example, managing soil moisture through proper irrigation practices to support healthy plant growth and optimize water use efficiency.