November 1, 2024
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Hide

hide: The skin of an animal, which is important commercially both in its raw state and as leather. Properly managing and processing hides can provide additional income for farmers.

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Homogenized Milk

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.

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Hypomagnesaemia

hypomagnesaemia: A condition caused by a lack of magnesium in the bloodstream that makes animals shiver and stagger. Cattle may be affected shortly after being turned out onto spring pastures after having wintered indoors. Also called grass staggers. Preventing and managing hypomagnesaemia ensures the health and productivity of livestock.

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Highland

highland: Referring to a hilly or mountainous area. Highland vegetation is mainly grass, heather, and herbs. Managing highland areas effectively supports grazing livestock and biodiversity.

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Hygiene

hygiene: The state or practice of being clean and keeping healthy conditions. Maintaining good hygiene practices ensures the health and productivity of livestock and farm workers.

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Haulm Silage

haulm silage: Silage made from the stems and leaves of peas and beans left after harvest. Producing haulm silage can provide a valuable feed source for livestock, improving farm sustainability.

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Habitat Restoration

habitat restoration: Activity carried out to return an area to a former more favorable condition for wildlife. Restoring habitats can enhance farm productivity by improving pollination and pest control through natural processes.

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Habitat

habitat: The type of environment in which a specific organism lives. Knowing the habitat needs of crops and livestock ensures they are grown or raised in optimal conditions, leading to healthier and more productive farming.

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Herbicide

herbicide: A chemical that kills plants, especially used to control weeds. Proper use of herbicides helps farmers manage weeds effectively, ensuring healthy crop growth and higher yields.

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Hide-Bound

hide-bound: A condition where dehydration makes it difficult for the animal’s skin to move over the underlying tissues. Preventing hide-bound conditions ensures the health and well-being of livestock.

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Harden Off

harden off: To make plants which have been raised in a greenhouse become gradually more used to the natural temperature outdoors. Hardening off plants ensures they can withstand outdoor conditions, leading to better survival and growth rates.

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Heavy Soils

heavy soils: Soils with a high clay content, which need more tractor power when ploughing and cultivating. Managing heavy soils effectively improves crop growth and soil health.

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Health And Welfare Plan

health and welfare plan: A written report made by a farmer in consultation with a vet, describing how livestock will be cared for. Creating a health and welfare plan ensures the well-being of livestock and compliance with animal welfare standards.

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Half-Standard

half-standard: A type of fruit tree with a trunk shorter than that of a full standard, about 1.2m from the ground to the first branches. Planting half-standard fruit trees can make harvesting easier and more efficient for farmers.

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Humus

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.

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Honeycomb

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

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Heterosis

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.

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Hundredweight

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.