Category: H

high-input farming: Intensive agriculture which uses fertilizer, pesticides, and modern machinery to guarantee a large crop output. Comparing low-input farming. Understanding high-input farming techniques can maximize crop yields and profitability.

hirsel: A heft of sheep. A piece of ground and flock looked after by one shepherd. Managing hirsels effectively supports traditional grazing practices and sustainable land use.

heath: An area of acid soil where low shrubs such as heather and gorse grow and which are treeless as a result of grazing by animals. Managing heath areas can provide valuable grazing land for livestock.

horsefly: A general name for many bloodsucking Tabanid flies. Managing horsefly infestations ensures the health and well-being of livestock.

holyrope: Same as hemp nettle. Managing holyrope on farmland ensures healthy crop growth and prevents yield loss.

heaves: A condition of horses, where spores from mouldy hay block the animals’ lungs, making breathing difficult. Preventing mould in hay ensures the health and productivity of horses.

hoe: An implement pulled by a tractor to turn the soil between rows of crops, and so to control weeds. Using hoes effectively manages weeds and promotes healthy crop growth.

hardy: Referring to a plant able to tolerate cold weather, especially below 5°C. Selecting hardy plants helps farmers ensure crop survival and productivity in colder climates.

HRI: Abbreviation for Horticulture Research International. Engaging with HRI can provide farmers with valuable research and support for horticultural practices.

hill drainage: Small open channels about ten to sixty meters apart, dug to drain hilly grazing areas. Implementing hill drainage improves pasture conditions and prevents waterlogging.

hake bar: An attachment which links a trailed plough to the tractor. Using appropriate attachments like hake bars improves the efficiency of ploughing, saving time and labor costs.

henhouse: A small wooden building for keeping hens. Properly maintaining a henhouse provides a safe and comfortable environment for hens, improving their health and productivity.

HYV: Abbreviation for high-yielding variety. Growing high-yielding varieties of crops can maximize farm profitability and food production.

hardpan: A hard cement-like layer in the soil or subsoil, which can be very harmful as it prevents good drainage and stops root development. Identifying and managing hardpan layers in soil improves drainage and root growth, enhancing crop yields.

hoof and horn meal: A fertilizer made from animal hooves and horns. Using hoof and horn meal improves soil fertility and supports healthy crop growth.

haulm: The stalks and stems of peas, beans, and potatoes. Utilizing haulm effectively, such as for composting, can enhance soil fertility and reduce waste.

herbage allowance: The weight of herbage per unit of live weight at a point in time. Calculating herbage allowance helps farmers manage grazing efficiently and maintain pasture health.

Holstein: Friesian cattle imported into Canada from Holland at the end of the 19th century, now a breed of dairy cattle, black and white in color. Raising Holstein cattle provides farmers with high milk production and adaptable livestock.

herd tester: A person who tests a dairy herd for butterfat content. Using herd testers ensures the quality of milk produced and helps in maintaining high dairy standards.

hardwood: A slow-growing broad-leaved tree, e.g., oak, teak, or mahogany. Planting hardwood trees can be a long-term investment for farmers, providing valuable timber and contributing to sustainability.

hydrocool: To cool fresh fruit to prevent it from deteriorating during transport to the retail shop or market. Using hydrocooling ensures the quality and freshness of harvested fruit.

hair balls: Balls of hair which collect in the stomach of animals making digestion difficult. They can cause fits and convulsions in very young calves, and sight may be slightly impaired. Preventing hair balls in livestock through proper grooming and diet can enhance their health and reduce veterinary costs.

heterologous: Differing in structural features or origin. Understanding heterologous traits in livestock and crops can aid in breeding and research.

hairworm: A very thin worm of the species Capillaria, which infests poultry. Managing hairworm infestations in poultry is crucial for maintaining flock health and productivity.

hog cholera: Same as swine fever. Preventing and managing hog cholera ensures the health and productivity of swine herds.

hemlock: A poisonous plant. Managing hemlock on farmland prevents livestock poisoning and ensures the safety of animals.

hazel: A nut-bearing tree (Corylus avellana). Growing hazel trees can provide farmers with a valuable nut crop and contribute to biodiversity.

Hagberg falling number: The falling time in seconds in the Hagberg test. Understanding and utilizing Hagberg falling numbers allows farmers to improve their wheat’s market value by ensuring it meets industry standards.

habitat action plan: A detailed description of a specific habitat together with the detailed actions and targets proposed for conserving it. Abbr HAP. Implementing habitat action plans can help farmers contribute to biodiversity conservation, which can improve ecosystem health and resilience on their land.

herringbone parlour: A type of milking parlour with no stalls and where the operator works from a central pit. The cattle stand side by side at an angle on each side of the central pit. Using herringbone parlours improves milking efficiency and cow comfort.

halothane gene: A recessive gene found in some breeds of pigs which affects the animal’s susceptibility to stress and can lead to porcine stress syndrome. Understanding genetic traits like the halothane gene allows farmers to select for healthier, more resilient livestock.

Hebridean sheep: A rare breed of small black sheep of Scandinavian origin. The fleece is jet-black in color, and the animals have one pair of horns curling downwards and another pair almost upright. Raising Hebridean sheep can provide farmers with a unique and valuable breed known for its hardiness and quality wool.

hydrated lime: A substance produced when burnt lime is wetted. It is a mixture of calcium oxide and water, used to improve soil quality. The lime is in powder form, having been burnt to break it down from large lumps. Also called slaked lime. Using hydrated lime improves soil fertility and supports healthy crop growth.

headfly: A parasitic insect Hydrotaea irritans which mainly affects sheep and can transmit summer mastitis. Managing headfly infestations helps maintain sheep health and productivity.

Herdwick: A mountain breed of sheep, native to the Lake District, which are able to survive in bitter winter conditions. The rams have horns. Raising Herdwick sheep provides farmers with hardy livestock suited to harsh climates.

hack: 1. A riding horse 2. A horse let out to hire. To ride a horse, especially to ride a horse to a show, as opposed to taking the horse in a box. Horses used for hacking can be a source of income for farmers through rentals or participation in local shows and events.

ham: 1. The thigh of the back leg of a pig 2. Meat from this part of the pig, usually cured in brine and dried in smoke. Producing high-quality ham can be a valuable product for farmers to market and sell.

hormonal: Referring to hormones. Properly managing hormonal health in livestock ensures their growth and productivity.

heat: 1. To sow lettuces under heat to sow lettuce seed in a heated greenhouse 2. The period when a female animal will allow mating. Properly managing heat periods in livestock ensures successful breeding and optimal productivity.

humate: A salt that is derived from humus. Using humates improves soil fertility and supports healthy crop growth.

hedgelaying: A traditional method of cultivating hedges, where tall saplings are cut through halfway and then bent over so that they lie horizontally and make a thick barrier. Practicing hedgelaying maintains dense, effective hedges that support wildlife and prevent livestock escape.

holly: An evergreen tree (Ilex aquifolium) producing hard white timber. Growing holly can provide valuable timber and ornamental products for farmers.

homologous pair: A pair of chromosomes in a diploid organism that are structurally similar and have the same arrangement of genes, although they may carry different alleles. Understanding homologous pairs aids in genetic research and breeding programs.

Hampshire Down: A short stocky early-maturing sheep, originating from Berkshire ewe flocks and Southdown rams. Raising Hampshire Down sheep offers farmers a breed known for early maturity and good meat quality.

high-yielding: Producing a large crop. Growing high-yielding varieties of crops can maximize farm profitability and food production.

herdmark: A unique marker assigned to each herd of pigs by Defra and used to identify the animals when being moved from the farm. Using herdmarks ensures traceability and compliance with animal movement regulations.

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.

heterotroph: An organism that requires carbon in organic form and cannot manufacture it. Animals, fungi, and some algae and bacteria are heterotrophs. Managing heterotrophic organisms ensures balanced ecosystems and efficient nutrient cycles on the farm.

hydraulic conductivity: The rate at which water can move through soil, used as a factor in soil management. Understanding hydraulic conductivity supports proper soil and water management.

haycock: Formerly, a conical heap of raked hay. Understanding traditional hay storage methods like haycocks can provide insights into sustainable practices and historical agricultural techniques.