Category: G

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.

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

genotypic: Relating to a genotype. Knowledge of genotypic variation allows for more precise selection in breeding programs, improving the efficiency and outcomes of agricultural production.

germicide: A substance that can kill germs. Using germicides helps farmers control diseases in crops and livestock, maintaining farm health and productivity.

grow: To grow means for plants to exist and develop well or for animals to increase in size. Cultivating healthy plants and animals ensures farm productivity and profitability.

grade: Grade refers to the classification of agricultural products according to quality or size. Understanding grading helps farmers market their produce more effectively, achieving better prices and customer satisfaction.

greaseband: A greaseband is a strip of paper covered with a sticky substance, wrapped around the trunk of a tree to prevent pests from climbing up. Using greasebands protects trees from pests, ensuring healthy growth and better yields.

Gentile di Puglia: A breed of Italian sheep found in the Foggia region. A fine-wool merino breed used in a transhumance system. Raising Gentile di Puglia sheep can provide high-quality wool and meat, benefiting farmers through diversified production.

grid: A grid is a pattern of equally spaced vertical and horizontal metal rods or bars. Using grids in farming, such as for fencing or planting, improves organization and efficiency on the farm.

genetic improvement: The improvement of an animal or plant by breeding. Genetic improvement programs help in developing breeds with desirable traits such as disease resistance and higher productivity, benefiting farmers by improving livestock and crop performance.

grass staggers: Grass staggers, also known as hypomagnesaemia, is a condition caused by magnesium deficiency in livestock. Preventing grass staggers ensures animal health and productivity, reducing economic losses.

geld: To castrate an animal, especially a horse. Castrating livestock can manage breeding and behavior, improving farm safety and productivity.

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.

growth: Growth is an increase in size or the amount by which something increases. Understanding growth patterns helps farmers manage crops and livestock effectively, supporting farm productivity.

gastro-: Prefix meaning relating to the stomach. Familiarity with gastro-terms helps in understanding and addressing digestive issues in livestock.

goad: A goad is a spiked stick used to prod cattle. It helps farmers manage and control livestock movements, ensuring efficient and safe handling of animals.

growth ring: A growth ring, or annual ring, is a layer of growth produced in a plant during a single year. Analyzing growth rings helps farmers assess plant age and health, supporting forestry and crop management.

generic: Relating to or suitable for a broad range of things or situations. Referring to a genus. Understanding generic terms aids in the classification and management of various species and agricultural products.

groundsel: Groundsel is a common weed (Senecio vulgaris) that affects most crops. Managing groundsel prevents competition with crops, ensuring higher yields and quality.

Green Belt: Green Belt is an area of agricultural land, woodland, or parkland surrounding an urban area where building is restricted. Understanding Green Belt regulations helps farmers maintain agricultural land and prevent urban sprawl.

granary: A granary is a place where threshed grain is stored. Proper granary management ensures grain quality, prevents spoilage, and supports farm profitability.

grass sickness: Grass sickness is a sudden and usually fatal illness affecting sheep and cattle. Understanding and managing grass sickness helps protect livestock health and farm profitability.

gross value added: Gross value added (GVA) is the annual value of goods sold and services paid for inside a country, less tax and government subsidies. Understanding GVA helps farmers assess economic contributions and optimize business strategies.

growth stages: Growth stages are the different stages of development of a crop, measured as an increase in weight or area. Understanding growth stages helps farmers optimize planting and harvesting schedules for better yields.

gangmaster: A person who gathers together and organizes or leads a group of casual and often traveling workers. Using licensed gangmasters ensures legal compliance and fair labor practices.

GLA: Abbreviation for Gangmasters Licensing Authority. Ensuring compliance with GLA regulations promotes fair labor practices and protects farm workers.

gallon: A unit of liquid volume in the Imperial System, approximately equal to 4.5 liters. Accurate measurement of liquids is essential for mixing solutions and ensuring proper irrigation and feeding practices.

grey leaf: Grey leaf is a disease of cereals caused by manganese deficiency. Managing grey leaf disease ensures healthy cereal crops, preventing yield losses and improving farm productivity.

grazier: A grazier is a farmer who looks after grazing animals. Effective grazing management ensures sustainable pasture use and optimal livestock health, enhancing farm productivity.

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.

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade: Full form of GATT. Knowing international trade agreements helps farmers access global markets and improve competitiveness.

gilt: A young female pig. Proper management of gilts is essential for maintaining healthy breeding programs and improving pig production.

Gloucester: A hard British cheese. A rare breed of cattle, mahogany in color, with a white strip passing down the back, over the tail, down the hindquarters, and along the belly. Its milk was originally used in the production of Double Gloucester cheese. Raising Gloucester cattle can provide high-quality milk and cheese, benefiting farmers through diversified dairy production.