Category: G

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.

Game Conservancy Trust: An organization concerned with the conservation of game species, which advises on shoots and woodland management. Farmers benefit from the trust’s guidance on sustainable game management and habitat conservation.

germination percentage: The number of seeds which germinate, taken from a representative sample of 100 seeds. Monitoring germination percentage ensures that farmers use high-quality seeds, leading to better crop stands and yields.

Gasconne: A breed of beef cattle from the Gascony area of southwest France. The animals are silver-grey in color with medium-length horns. Raising Gasconne cattle can provide high-quality beef and adaptability to different environmental conditions.

ground: Ground refers to a surface layer of soil or earth, or an area of land used for a particular purpose. Managing ground effectively supports crop production and land use planning.

germ: A microorganism that causes a disease, e.g., a virus or bacterium (informal). A part of an organism that develops into a new organism. The central part of a seed, formed of the embryo. It contains valuable nutrients. Wheatgerm. Knowledge of germs and their effects is essential for preventing and managing diseases in crops and livestock, ensuring farm productivity and health.

gelding: A castrated horse. Geldings are often easier to manage and are suitable for work and recreational purposes.

genetically modified organism (GMO): An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Understanding GMOs is important for making informed decisions about crop and livestock production.

grading up: Grading up is a selective breeding process using males of one breed to mate with females of another for at least four generations. This process improves the herd’s genetic quality, leading to better production traits and farm profitability.

glidewort: Same as common hemp nettle. Managing glidewort helps prevent competition with crops and ensures better yields.

gander: A male goose. Knowledge of breeding practices involving ganders can improve flock management and production of geese.

Gerber test: A test to determine the butterfat content of milk. Conducting the Gerber test ensures that farmers can accurately measure milk quality, improving the value and marketability of dairy products.

GE: Abbreviation for genetic engineering. Genetic engineering techniques can improve crop yields, pest resistance, and overall farm productivity.

green claim: A green claim is any text, symbols, or graphics on food packaging that tells the consumer about its environmental impact. Meeting green claim standards helps farmers market eco-friendly products and meet consumer demand.

gastric juices: Mixture of hydrochloric acid, pepsin, intrinsic factor, and mucus secreted by the cells of the lining membrane of the stomach to help the digestion of food. Understanding gastric juices is crucial for optimizing animal nutrition and health.

grub: A grub is a small caterpillar or larva. Grubbing up or out means to dig up a plant with its roots. Managing grubs and properly removing unwanted plants ensures healthy crops and efficient land use.

goatling: A goatling is a female goat between the ages of one and two years, which has not yet borne a kid. Understanding goat development stages helps farmers manage breeding programs and improve herd health.

glyphosate: Glyphosate is a systemic herbicide effective against a wide range of species. Some crops are genetically modified to tolerate it. Farmers can use glyphosate to manage weed growth efficiently, leading to higher crop yields and reduced labor costs.

government assistance: Government assistance includes financial aid in the form of grants and subsidies for farmers. Accessing these funds supports farm development and sustainability, helping farmers invest in new technologies and infrastructure.

greens: Greens are green vegetables such as cabbages. Growing and marketing greens meets consumer demand for fresh, nutritious vegetables, supporting farm income and health.

grain pan: A grain pan is the part of a combine where threshed grain collects and is shaken through to the bottom of the machine. Understanding combine mechanics helps farmers maintain equipment and optimize grain collection, improving efficiency.

gelding: A castrated horse. Geldings are often easier to manage and are suitable for work and recreational purposes.

genetic manipulation: Same as genetic modification. Genetic manipulation techniques enable the development of crops and livestock with enhanced characteristics, aiding farmers in achieving higher efficiency and sustainability.

greenhouse gas: A greenhouse gas is a gas that occurs naturally or is produced by burning fossil fuels and rises into the atmosphere, forming a barrier that prevents heat loss. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions supports sustainable farming and environmental health.

GMGM: 1. Genetically modified 2. Genetic modification. Understanding GM technology helps farmers adopt crops with beneficial traits, such as pest resistance or drought tolerance, enhancing productivity and sustainability.

grass: Grass is a flowering monocotyledon, including wheat, barley, and rice. Managing grass crops effectively provides essential food for herbivores and humans, supporting farm sustainability.

genetic resources: The genes found in plants and animals that have value to humans. Modern plant varieties have been developed from genetic resources from South America. Preserving genetic resources ensures a diverse gene pool for future breeding and adaptation to changing conditions.

grapefruit: Grapefruit is a citrus fruit similar to the orange. Growing grapefruit diversifies farm products and meets consumer demand for healthy, nutritious fruits.