Category: H

humus: The fibrous organic matter in soil, formed from decomposed plants and animal remains, which makes the soil dark and binds it together. Using humus improves soil fertility and supports healthy crop growth.

honeycomb: A construction of wax, made by bees for storing honey. Maintaining healthy honeycombs ensures efficient honey production and supports bee colony health.

hygrometer: An instrument used for the measurement of humidity. Using hygrometers supports proper growing conditions for crops and livestock.

hl: Abbreviation for hectolitre. Understanding hectolitre measurements helps farmers manage liquid volumes effectively.

heterosis: An increase in size or rate of growth, fertility or resistance to disease found in offspring of a cross between organisms with different genotypes. Also called hybrid vigour. Using heterosis in breeding programs can improve livestock and crop performance.

hundredweight: A measure of weight of dry goods such as grain. Abbreviated after numbers to cwt: 5cwt. The British hundredweight is equivalent to 50.8kg, and the US hundredweight is equivalent to 45.4kg. Understanding hundredweight measurements helps farmers manage crop yields and storage.

hydrophobia: Same as rabies. Preventing and managing hydrophobia ensures the health and safety of livestock.

hybridise: To produce hybrids by crossing varieties of plants or animals. Practicing hybridisation improves crop and livestock performance and productivity.

hay fever: Same as pollinosis. Managing hay fever effectively can improve the health and productivity of farm workers during peak haymaking seasons.

heart: A muscular organ that pumps blood round an animal’s body. Ensuring the health of livestock hearts through proper nutrition and care improves their overall productivity.

herbage: The green plants, especially grass, eaten by grazing animals. Maintaining healthy herbage ensures nutritious feed for livestock and supports their growth and productivity.

horned: With horns. Managing horned livestock ensures their well-being and safe handling.

heredity: The transfer of genetically controlled characteristics from parent to offspring. Managing heredity ensures the propagation of beneficial traits in livestock and crops.

halter: A rope with a noose for holding and leading horses or cattle. Using halters correctly ensures safe handling and management of livestock.

herbivore: An animal that feeds only on plants. Managing herbivores in a farm setting ensures balanced diets and healthy growth for livestock.

humify: To break down rotting organic waste to form humus. Practicing humification improves soil fertility and supports healthy crop growth.

heifer: A young female cow that has not yet borne a calf. Managing heifers properly ensures their health and productivity as future milk or meat producers.

heart rot: A disease of sugar beet and mangolds, caused by boron deficiency. Managing boron levels in soil helps prevent heart rot and ensures healthy crop growth.

halophyte: A plant that is able to grow in salty soil, as in estuaries. Cultivating halophytes can be a sustainable practice for farms in coastal or saline regions.

hedgerow: A line of bushes forming a hedge. Maintaining hedgerows can support biodiversity, provide natural barriers, and improve the aesthetics of the farm landscape.

habitat management: Same as nature management. Effective habitat management can lead to sustainable farming practices, helping maintain soil health and supporting beneficial wildlife.

hydrops uteri: A disease of livestock caused by an excessive amount of fluid in the pregnant womb. The womb may need to be drained. Managing hydrops uteri ensures the health and productivity of pregnant livestock.

husbandry: The activity of looking after farm animals and crops. Practicing husbandry ensures the health and productivity of livestock and crops.

hop: A climbing plant that has long thin groups of green flowers which are used dried in brewing to add flavor to beer. Growing hops provides farmers with a valuable crop for the brewing industry.

HIE: Abbreviation for Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Engaging with HIE can provide farmers with support for business and community development in the Scottish Highlands.

hock: The hind leg joint of mammals, between the knee and the fetlock. Ensuring the health and strength of hocks in livestock supports their overall mobility and productivity.

heather: A plant (Calluna vulgaris) found on acid soils, common in upland areas. It is used by game birds such as grouse for cover and food. Managing heather growth can support game bird populations and provide grazing for livestock.

heat stress: Distress and discomfort suffered by an animal because it is too hot. Managing heat stress through proper shelter and hydration ensures the health and productivity of livestock.

herd health: The welfare of a herd of cattle taken as a whole, particularly regarding the spread of infectious diseases. Ensuring herd health through proper veterinary care and management practices maximizes productivity and prevents disease outbreaks.

half-hardy: Referring to a plant that is able to tolerate cold weather down to about 5°C. Selecting half-hardy plants allows farmers to extend their growing season in cooler climates.

heritage breed: A traditional livestock breed that has been bred for specific traits over many generations. Preserving heritage breeds helps maintain genetic diversity and cultural heritage in agriculture.

halo blight: A disease which affects the pods of peas and beans, making them brown and withered. Managing halo blight through proper crop rotation and disease control methods can improve legume yields.

homogenized milk: Milk which is made more digestible by breaking up the fat droplets into smaller particles which are evenly distributed through the liquid. Using homogenized milk processes ensures milk quality and consumer satisfaction.

hand hoe: A garden implement with a small sharp blade, used to break up the surface of the soil or to cut off weeds. Using a hand hoe allows for precise weeding and soil management, which is essential for maintaining healthy crops.

Hill Farm Allowance: A support payment available for owners of hill farms to help with running costs. Abbr HFA. Utilizing HFA can provide financial support for farmers managing hill and upland farms.

Hordeum: The Latin name for barley. Growing Hordeum provides farmers with a valuable cereal crop for food and feed.

hand: A measure used to show the height of a horse. One hand is 10.16cm, and the measurement is taken from the ground to the withers of the horse. Understanding measurements like ‘hand’ helps farmers and breeders accurately describe and assess horse height.

hayloader: An implement for loading hay from the field into a trailer. Using a hayloader improves the efficiency of hay collection and transport, reducing labor costs and time.

HACCP: A process for identifying and controlling hazards within a process, e.g., in the food industry. Full form Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points. Implementing HACCP ensures food safety, which is crucial for maintaining consumer trust and meeting regulatory standards.

habit: The characteristic way in which a specific plant grows. Understanding plant habits helps farmers select appropriate plants for their environment, ensuring better crop success.

hill farm: A farm in mountainous country, with 95% or more of its land classified as rough grazing, mainly for breeding ewe flocks. Managing hill farms effectively supports sustainable grazing and livestock production.

heterozygous: Relating to a cell or organism that has two or more variant forms (alleles) of at least one of its genes. Understanding heterozygosity helps in developing effective breeding strategies.

humidify: To add water vapor to air to make it more humid. Using humidifiers supports proper growing conditions for crops and livestock.

hopper: A container with a hole at the bottom, for holding seed or fertilizer granules. Using hoppers ensures efficient and accurate distribution of seeds and fertilizers.

high-tech: Technologically advanced (informal). Adopting high-tech solutions can improve farm management, productivity, and sustainability.

hothouse: A heated greenhouse. Using hothouses extends the growing season and improves crop yields.

HTA: Abbreviation for Horticultural Trades Association. Engaging with HTA can provide farmers with valuable support and resources for horticultural practices.

herd: A number of animals such as cattle kept together on a farm or looked after by a farmer. Properly managing a herd ensures the health and productivity of livestock.

hand feeding: Hand rearing, the process of bringing up orphaned animals by feeding them with a bottle. Hand feeding orphaned animals ensures their survival and can contribute to the genetic diversity and productivity of the herd or flock.

hedgebank: A raised strip of earth on which a hedge is planted. Managing hedgebanks can enhance field boundaries and provide habitats for wildlife.