Category: G

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.

greengage: Greengage is a variety of cooking plum, which is hard and green. Growing greengages adds diversity to farm produce, meeting market demands for fresh and processed fruits.

grey water: Grey water is relatively clean wastewater from sinks, baths, and kitchen appliances. Using grey water for irrigation supports water conservation, reducing costs and enhancing farm sustainability.

graze: To graze means to feed on low-growing plants or to put animals in a field to eat grass. Proper grazing management ensures healthy pastures and livestock, supporting sustainable farming practices.

greasy pig disease: Greasy pig disease is a bacterial disease causing skin abrasions that can rapidly affect an entire litter. Managing this disease ensures healthy piglets, reducing economic losses and improving farm profitability.

grain rolled: Grain rolled is cereal rolled or crushed for feeding livestock. Understanding feed processing improves livestock nutrition, leading to better animal health and farm productivity.

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.

grapevine: A grapevine is the vine on which grapes grow. Proper grapevine management ensures high-quality grape production, supporting wine and fruit industries.

Galway: A breed of sheep found in the Irish Republic. The white-faced Galway is the only native Irish breed and is used to produce store lambs. Farmers benefit from its adaptation to local conditions and good meat production.

gravity feed: Gravity feed is a system where pellets, seeds, or granules fall from a hopper into a distribution channel. Using gravity feed systems improves efficiency and consistency in feeding livestock.

grazing season: The grazing season is the time of year when animals can feed outside on grass. Planning grazing seasons ensures optimal use of pastures, maintains animal health, and supports sustainable farming.

gout fly: A gout fly is a small fly whose larvae feed on cereals, especially barley. Managing gout fly infestations protects cereal crops, ensuring higher yields and quality produce.

galvanized iron: Iron that has been coated with zinc to prevent it from rusting. Sheets of galvanized iron are widely used for roofs, providing durable and long-lasting protection for farm buildings.

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.

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.

genetically modified: Referring to an organism that has received genetic material from another in a laboratory procedure, leading to a permanent change in one or more of its characteristics. Abbr: GM. Genetic modification can enhance crop yields, pest resistance, and nutritional value.

green manure: Green manure is fast-growing vegetation such as mustard or rape that is ploughed into the soil to rot and act as manure. Using green manure improves soil fertility, supports sustainable farming, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

g: Symbol for gram. Understanding measurements is crucial for accurately mixing feed, fertilizers, and pesticides, ensuring optimal use of resources.

genetic variation: The inherited differences between the members of a species. Genetic variation is crucial for the adaptability and resilience of crops and livestock, ensuring long-term sustainability and productivity in farming.