Category: G

grunt: A grunt is a sound made by a pig. Understanding animal behavior, such as grunting, helps farmers monitor livestock health and well-being.

gypsum: Gypsum is a soft white or colorless mineral consisting of hydrated calcium sulfate, used in cement, plaster, and fertilizers. Using gypsum improves soil structure and supports sustainable crop production.

game: Animals that are hunted and killed for sport or food or both. Game, such as pheasants and partridges, is an important asset on some farms, and letting land for sport shooting is a source of high income.

greening: Greening is the process of planting trees and vegetation or increasing awareness of environmental issues. Adopting greening practices improves farm sustainability, enhances biodiversity, and supports environmental conservation.

greenhouse mealy bug: A greenhouse mealy bug is a horticultural pest that spoils the appearance of glasshouse crops, particularly orchids. Managing mealy bugs ensures healthy crops and maintains aesthetic quality, enhancing marketability.

gamete: A sex cell. Understanding gametes is crucial for animal breeding and improving livestock genetics.

grain lifters: Grain lifters are attachments to the cutter bar of a combine harvester that lift stems of beaten-down crops. Using grain lifters ensures efficient harvesting, minimizing crop loss and improving yield.

greenhouse: A greenhouse is a structure made of glass inside which plants are grown. Using greenhouses allows farmers to extend growing seasons, protect plants from adverse weather, and increase crop yields.

grind: To grind means to reduce a substance to fine particles by crushing or to move or work noisily with difficulty. Grinding feed or grain ensures proper animal nutrition and efficient use of farm resources.

guinea fowl: A guinea fowl is a table bird found wild in savanna regions of Africa, now raised for its meat. Raising guinea fowl provides high-quality meat and supports farm diversification.

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

gang: A group of workers working together, e.g., a gang of sheep shearers. Effective management of work gangs can increase efficiency and productivity during peak labor times.

granule: A granule is a small artificially made particle. Granules are easier to handle and distribute than powder, making them ideal for fertilizers and pesticides.

grazing: Grazing is the action of animals feeding on growing grass, legumes, or other plants. Proper grazing management maintains pasture health and supports efficient livestock production.

genetic material: The parts of a cell that carry information that can be inherited, e.g., DNA, genes, or chromosomes. Knowledge of genetic material is essential for breeding programs and genetic research, helping farmers produce superior crops and livestock.

gangrenous mastitis: A form of mastitis disease affecting cattle. It may begin as staphylococcal mastitis. The udder becomes blue and cold. Early detection and treatment of gangrenous mastitis can save affected cattle and prevent the spread of infection.

guano: Guano is a mass of accumulated bird droppings, found especially on small islands, used as organic fertilizer. Using guano improves soil fertility, supporting sustainable crop production.

Groningen Whiteheaded: Groningen Whiteheaded is a dual-purpose breed of cattle developed in the Netherlands, with a black body and white head. Raising dual-purpose breeds provides both milk and meat, enhancing farm efficiency and income.

genera: Plural of genus. Identifying genera is important for classification and breeding programs in agriculture.

gourd: A gourd is the fruit of a trailing or climbing plant, cultivated for ornamental purposes or as utensils. Growing gourds diversifies farm products, providing additional income sources.

grain drill: A grain drill is a machine used for sowing cereals in rows. Employing grain drills ensures uniform crop planting, leading to better yields and efficient use of farm resources.

gestation period: The period from conception to birth when a female mammal has live young in her womb. Knowledge of the gestation period is crucial for managing breeding programs and ensuring the health of pregnant livestock.

Gloucester Old Spot: A breed of pig from the Southwest of England, Wiltshire, Somerset, and Gloucester. It is large, with clearly defined black spots on a white coat, and is now a rare breed. Raising Gloucester Old Spot pigs can provide high-quality meat and contribute to the conservation of heritage breeds.

goose: A goose is a large heavy bird, raised for meat, especially for Christmas. Understanding the economic value and market demands for geese can help farmers diversify their production and increase profitability.

green currencies: Green currencies, or green rates, are fixed exchange rates for currencies used for agricultural payments in the EU. Understanding green currencies helps farmers navigate international markets and optimize financial transactions.

groundnut cake: Groundnut cake is the residue left after oil extraction from groundnuts, a valuable protein concentrate for livestock. Using groundnut cake in animal feed improves nutrition and farm productivity.

gene: A unit of DNA on a chromosome which governs the synthesis of one protein and may combine with other genes to determine a particular characteristic. Understanding genetics helps in selective breeding for desirable traits in crops and livestock.

gadfly: A fly that bites cattle, such as the horsefly or bot fly, most common from late May onwards and causing considerable trouble to cattle. Awareness and management of gadflies can help reduce cattle stress and potential injuries, leading to better overall herd health and productivity.

growing point: A growing point is a point on the stem of a plant where growth occurs, often at the tip of the stem or branch. Understanding growing points helps farmers optimize pruning and plant management for better yields.

gleying: A set of properties of soil which indicate poor drainage and lack of oxygen. The signs are a blue-grey color, rusty patches, and standing surface water. Identifying gleying helps farmers address drainage issues and improve soil health.

grain drier: A grain drier is a machine that dries moist grain before storage. Using grain driers prevents spoilage and ensures the grain’s quality, improving marketability and storage efficiency.

ground water: Ground water is water that stays in the top layers of soil or in porous rocks and can collect pollution. Managing ground water resources supports sustainable water use and protects crop health.

gut: Gut is another term for the alimentary canal. Understanding animal digestion helps farmers optimize feed and improve livestock health.

glume blotch: A fungal disease of wheat. Recognizing and managing glume blotch can prevent crop losses and improve wheat yield.

globe: A ball-shaped vegetable such as the globe artichoke or a variety of mangel. Growing globe-shaped vegetables can diversify farm products and provide additional income.

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

groom: A groom is a person who looks after horses. Proper grooming ensures horse health and well-being, supporting equestrian activities and farm operations.

gr: Grain. Knowing grain types and their uses helps farmers produce crops that meet market demands and optimize storage and processing methods.

green tea: Green tea is tea where the leaves are heated to prevent fermentation. Cultivating green tea provides a high-value crop, meeting consumer demand for healthy beverages and enhancing farm profitability.

genetics: The study of the way in which the characteristics of an organism are inherited. Understanding genetics allows farmers to implement effective breeding programs, enhancing the quality and productivity of their livestock and crops.

guinea corn: Guinea corn is sorghum, a versatile crop used for food, fodder, and industrial products. Growing guinea corn diversifies farm production and meets market demands for cereals.

grafting: The process of joining two plants together so that they grow as one. Grafting can improve plant health, increase yields, and produce new plant varieties.

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.

government agencies: Government agencies provide specialist advice for farmers, such as ADAS in the UK. Utilizing these resources helps farmers adopt best practices, improve efficiency, and comply with regulations.

Galloway: A hardy breed of completely black hornless cattle, mainly reared for beef. The breed’s hardiness makes it suitable for less fertile land, providing a reliable source of beef.

graminicide: Graminicide is a herbicide that kills grasses. Using graminicides effectively controls grass weeds, improving crop yields and farm productivity.