Category: G

grassland: Grassland is land covered mainly by grasses. Managing grasslands sustainably supports livestock production and preserves biodiversity, benefiting both the environment and the farm.

genetic modification: The alteration and recombination of genetic material under laboratory conditions, resulting in transgenic organisms. Abbr: GM. Genetic modification can create crops with enhanced traits such as pest resistance and increased yield, benefiting farmers by reducing crop losses and increasing productivity.

grouse: A grouse is a small game bird, with two main species in Europe: the black grouse and the red grouse. Raising grouse provides income from game bird markets and supports biodiversity.

gangrene: A condition in which tissues die and decay, as a result of bacterial action, because the animal has lost blood supply to the affected part of the body through injury. Serious rot affecting potato tubers. Caused by fungi, it spreads in storage. Recognizing and managing gangrene can prevent severe losses in livestock and crops.

grain weevil: A grain weevil is a reddish-brown weevil that lays eggs in stored grain, with larvae feeding inside the grain. Managing grain weevils protects stored grain from infestation, ensuring quality and preventing economic losses.

genetic engineering: Same as genetic modification. Abbr: GE. Genetic engineering allows for the development of crops with improved yields, resistance to pests, and better nutritional profiles, benefiting farmers by enhancing productivity and reducing losses.

grain: Grain is the seed of cereal crops such as wheat or maize. Understanding grain production and storage helps farmers maximize yields, ensure quality, and meet market demands.

grazing cycle: A grazing cycle is the length of time between the beginning of one grazing period and the next. Managing grazing cycles optimizes pasture use, preventing overgrazing and promoting regrowth.

glasshouse: A large structure made of glass inside which plants are grown, especially commercially or for scientific purposes. Using glasshouses allows farmers to extend the growing season and produce high-value crops out of season.

groundnut: Groundnut, or peanut, is a grain legume used for vegetable oil production, cooking, salad dressings, margarine, and peanut butter. Growing groundnuts provides valuable income sources and meets market demands for oil and protein.

glanders: A serious contagious disease of horses, no longer present in Britain but still found in Asia and Africa. Recognizing and preventing glanders protects livestock health and prevents the spread of disease.

glume: A small leaf or scale enclosing a grass spikelet. Most grasses have two glumes. Understanding glume structure aids in identifying and managing grass crops.

grazing management: Grazing management involves looking at how land is grazed and optimizing its use. This ensures efficient use of pasture, prevents overgrazing, and maintains soil health, supporting long-term farm productivity.

garden: An area of land cultivated as a hobby or for pleasure, rather than to produce an income. Market garden. Maintaining a garden can provide supplemental income and enhance biodiversity on the farm.

grist: Grist is corn for grinding or malt crushed for brewing. Understanding grist processing helps farmers produce high-quality flour or malt, meeting market demands and improving profitability.

gamekeeper: A person working on a private estate who manages it to provide wild birds and animals for shooting and hunting. Employing a gamekeeper can enhance the profitability and ecological balance of farm estates.

guinea: A guinea is a former British coin equivalent to the present £1.08, used in quoting prices at livestock sales. Understanding historical pricing terms helps farmers navigate livestock markets.

gymnosperm: A gymnosperm is a seed-bearing plant with seeds carried naked on cone scales rather than inside a fruit. Understanding plant types helps farmers manage forestry and crop production.

growing season: The growing season is the time of year when a plant grows. Planning growing seasons ensures optimal crop production and efficient use of resources.

Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition: Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) covers the proper maintenance of soil, pastureland, stone walls, and hedgerows. Abiding by GAEC ensures sustainable farming practices, preserving the land for future use and enhancing farm productivity.

GAEC: Abbreviation for Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition. Adhering to GAEC standards ensures sustainable farming practices that protect the environment and promote long-term farm productivity.

grit: Grit is small particles of various substances fed to poultry. There are two types: hard insoluble grit for grinding feed in the gizzard and soluble grit for bone formation and eggshell production. Providing grit ensures poultry health and productivity.

gimmer: A female sheep after its first shearing. Managing gimmers effectively ensures a productive sheep flock, contributing to wool and meat production.

gage: A variety of plum, especially the greengage. Growing gages can diversify fruit production on a farm, potentially increasing income through sales of fresh fruit and value-added products like jams.

gosling: A gosling is a young goose. Raising goslings ensures a continuous supply of geese for meat production, supporting farm profitability.

gherkin: A small cucumber grown for pickling. Growing gherkins can diversify farm products and provide additional income through fresh sales and value-added products like pickles.

Golden Guernsey: Golden Guernsey is a breed of goat. Knowledge of specific breeds allows farmers to choose the best animals for milk or meat production, improving farm efficiency and product quality.

genus: A group of closely related species. (NOTE: The plural is genera.) Identifying the genus of plants and animals aids in classification and understanding of their characteristics, helping farmers manage their crops and livestock effectively.

grazing pressure: Grazing pressure is the number of animals per unit weight of herbage at a point of time. Managing grazing pressure helps maintain pasture quality and ensures sustainable livestock production.

growth hormone: A growth hormone is a natural or artificial chemical that makes an animal grow more quickly. Using growth hormones responsibly supports livestock development and farm profitability.

gantry: A type of farm machine consisting of a long steel beam with implement carriers. The engine and cab are at one end of the beam, and the drive wheel is at the other end. Gantry systems can improve efficiency in large-scale farming operations by streamlining the use of various implements.

GATT: An international organization aiming to reduce restrictions on trade between countries. It was replaced in 1995 by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Full form: General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Understanding GATT helps farmers navigate international trade regulations and opportunities.

growth regulator: A growth regulator is a chemical used to control plant growth, mainly for weed control in cereals and grassland. Using growth regulators ensures efficient weed management and enhances crop yields.

genetically modified organism: A plant or animal produced by the technique of genetic modification. Abbr: GMO. GMOs can provide solutions to agricultural challenges such as pest resistance and increased productivity.

germination: The process by which a seed develops into a new plant. Ensuring proper germination conditions is crucial for successful crop establishment.

green top milk: Green top milk is untreated milk, identified by the green tops of the bottles. Understanding the regulations and market for green top milk helps farmers produce and market dairy products effectively.

goosegrass: Goosegrass, also known as cleavers, is a common weed. Managing goosegrass effectively prevents it from competing with crops for nutrients and water, improving overall farm productivity.

grain aphid: A grain aphid is an insect that feeds on crops like barley, potentially destroying them. Managing grain aphids protects crops from damage, ensuring higher yields and quality produce.

glucosinolate: A compound left in rape meal after the oil has been extracted. Also called glucos. The animals convert the compound to toxin after eating it. Although glucosinolates can be removed by processing, plant breeders are trying to breed new varieties of rape that are low in glucos, and therefore avoid the extra production cost. Managing glucosinolate levels in feed ensures livestock health and prevents toxicity.

genetic: Referring to genes or genetics. Genetic research and techniques are vital for crop improvement and livestock breeding.

Granadilla: Granadilla is the passion fruit, a climbing plant with purple juicy fruit. Cultivating passion fruit provides diverse income sources and meets market demand for exotic fruits.

GH: Abbreviation for growth hormone. Growth hormones can be used to enhance the growth rates of livestock, improving meat production and farm profitability.

greenfield site: A greenfield site is a place in the countryside not previously built on, chosen for new development. Knowing about greenfield sites helps farmers understand land use regulations and potential impacts on agricultural land.

Global Environment Facility: An organization set up in 1991 to tackle environmental problems that go beyond country boundaries. It is funded by the World Bank. Participating in Global Environment Facility programs can help farmers access resources and support for sustainable practices.

garlic: A plant (Allium sativum) with a strong-smelling pungent root used as a flavoring in cooking. The bulb consists of a series of wedge-shaped cloves, surrounded by a white fibrous skin. Growing garlic can diversify farm products and provide additional income through sales of fresh garlic and value-added products.

gully: A gully is a deep channel formed by soil erosion, unable to be filled in by cultivation, or a small channel for water. Managing gullies prevents soil erosion and supports sustainable land use.

GHG: Abbreviation for greenhouse gas. Understanding greenhouse gases and their impact helps farmers adopt practices that reduce emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.

germinate: (Of a seed or spore) to start to grow. Ensuring proper conditions for germination is essential for successful crop production and achieving high yields.

gid: A brain disease of young sheep which also occurs in cattle. Caused by ingestion of tapeworm eggs voided by dogs and foxes. Blindness is an early symptom. Recognizing and managing gid can prevent severe losses in livestock and improve herd health.

gapes: A disease affecting the breathing function of poultry, caused by small worms in the windpipe. Preventing and treating gapes can ensure the health and productivity of poultry flocks.