Category: H

Hg: Symbol for mercury. Understanding mercury levels is important for maintaining environmental and animal health on the farm.

holdover: A situation where a tenant farmer uses buildings and crops on a farm, after leaving the farm at the end of a tenancy. Managing holdover situations ensures smooth transitions and continued farm productivity.

hatch: To become mature and break out of the egg. Managing the hatching process effectively ensures the healthy growth of poultry, increasing flock productivity.

honey fungus: A fungus which primarily attacks trees and shrubs. Managing honey fungus ensures healthy tree and shrub growth on the farm.

high mortality rate: A high percentage of animals in a group which die. Managing animal health and welfare effectively reduces mortality rates and ensures a productive livestock operation.

hybridisation: The production of hybrids. Practicing hybridisation improves crop and livestock performance and productivity.

hand pulling: The act of pulling weeds or plants out of the ground by hand. Hand pulling weeds helps maintain crop health and reduces the need for chemical herbicides, promoting sustainable farming practices.

hydropower: Same as hydroelectric power. Utilizing hydropower provides a renewable energy source for farm operations.

high tunnel: A type of greenhouse that extends the growing season for crops. Using high tunnels can increase crop production and protect plants from adverse weather conditions.

HDC: Abbreviation for Horticultural Development Council. Engaging with HDC can provide farmers with valuable research and support for horticultural practices.

Higher Level Stewardship: One of the categories under the Environmental Stewardship scheme, where farmers can apply for funding in return for implementing complex environmental management schemes on their land. Abbr HLS. Utilizing HLS can provide financial incentives for sustainable farming practices.

Hosier system: A system of dairy cattle management, where the milking of cows is done in the field using a milking pail. Implementing the Hosier system can improve milking efficiency and cow comfort.

herb: A plant that is used to add flavor in cooking or has medicinal properties. Growing herbs can diversify farm products and provide additional income streams.

headland: An uncultivated area of soil at the edge of a field, where a tractor turns when ploughing. Managing headlands effectively can improve field operations and reduce soil compaction.

hatchery: A place where eggs are kept warm artificially until the animal inside becomes mature enough to break out. Running a hatchery efficiently can provide farmers with a steady supply of healthy chicks, improving poultry production.

hereditary: Referring to a genetically controlled characteristic that is passed from parent to offspring. Understanding hereditary traits helps farmers select for desirable characteristics in breeding programs.

hedgecutter: An implement attached to a tractor, used to trim hedges. Using hedgecutters ensures efficient and safe hedge maintenance, promoting healthy growth and clear field boundaries.

Hampshire: An American breed of black-haired pig with white markings. It is similar to the British Saddleback which has black skin and a white saddle. Raising Hampshire pigs can provide farmers with a robust breed known for its meat quality and adaptability.

harvest: The time when a crop is gathered. Effective harvesting techniques help maximize crop yield and quality, leading to better profitability for farmers.

hammer mill: A machine used in the preparation of animal feed by grinding cereals into meal. Using a hammer mill helps farmers produce consistent and high-quality animal feed, improving livestock nutrition and productivity.

hay rake: An implement used for raking hay prior to collection or baling. Using a hay rake improves the efficiency of haymaking, saving time and labor.

home farm: A farm on a large estate, usually farmed by the owner. Properly managing home farms supports farm productivity and sustainability.

hare: A long-eared furry animal, similar to but larger than a rabbit, with hind legs longer than forelegs. Managing hare populations on farmland can help prevent crop damage and maintain ecological balance.

haystack: A heap of hay, built in the open air and protected by thatching. Building haystacks can provide long-term storage for hay, ensuring a steady feed supply for livestock.

HFCS: Abbreviation for high fructose corn syrup. Producing HFCS can add value to corn crops and provide an additional revenue stream for farmers.

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.

haricot bean: The dry ripe seed of the French bean. Growing haricot beans can provide a nutritious and marketable crop for farmers, contributing to dietary diversity and income.

Hereford: A breed of large, hardy cattle that are deep red in color, with a white head and chest. Herefords are an early-maturing breed, and are important for beef production. Raising Hereford cattle provides farmers with high-quality beef and adaptable livestock.

heat treatment: The use of high temperatures, typically 45°C, to disinfest storage areas or containers. Using heat treatment helps prevent pest infestations and maintain the quality of stored crops.

heft: A group of mountain sheep which graze the same area in which they were born, although not kept in by fences. Managing hefted sheep helps maintain traditional grazing practices and supports sustainable land use.

hydropower: Same as hydroelectric power. Utilizing hydropower provides a renewable energy source for farm operations.

Horticulture Research International: The horticultural research department of the University of Warwick. Abbr HRI. Engaging with HRI can provide farmers with valuable research and support for horticultural practices.

hornless: Without horns. Raising hornless breeds can reduce handling risks and improve livestock management.

holding: Land and buildings held by a freehold or leasehold occupier. Properly managing holdings supports farm productivity and sustainability.

high temperature short time method: The usual method of pasteurizing milk, where the milk is heated to 72°C for 15 seconds and then rapidly cooled. Abbr HTST. Using HTST pasteurization ensures milk safety and quality, protecting consumer health.

halomorphic soil: Soil that contains large amounts of salt. Recognizing and managing halomorphic soils helps farmers prevent crop damage and maintain soil health.

hop mildew: A fungal disease of hops. Preventing and managing hop mildew ensures healthy hop growth and high yields.

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

heavy grains: Cereal crops such as maize, rye and wheat. Abbr HG. Growing heavy grains can provide valuable food and feed resources for farmers.

hydrochloric acid: An inorganic acid which forms in the stomach and is part of the gastric juices. Properly managing hydrochloric acid levels supports livestock health and digestion.

hybrid: A new form of plant or animal resulting from a cross between organisms that have different genotypes. Growing hybrids can improve crop and livestock performance and productivity.

hay seed: Grass seed obtained from hay. Utilizing hay seed can help farmers establish new pastures and improve soil quality.

hog: A castrated male pig. In the US, any pig. Properly managing hogs ensures healthy and productive livestock operations.

herbage consumed: The mass of herbage once it has been consumed by grazing animals. Monitoring herbage consumption ensures proper feed management and prevents overgrazing.

haulm roller: A roller found on potato harvesters and grading machinery. Using a haulm roller helps in the efficient separation of haulm from the crop, improving the quality of harvested produce.

handle: A term used to describe the texture or feel of wool. Understanding the handle of wool helps farmers and breeders evaluate the quality of wool, ensuring better pricing and marketability.

heathland: A wide area of heath. Maintaining heathland can provide valuable grazing and support biodiversity.

Health and Safety Executive: A UK government organization responsible for checking people’s working environment. Abbr HSE. Engaging with HSE guidelines helps farmers maintain a safe working environment for themselves and their workers.

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points: Full form of HACCP. Implementing HACCP ensures food safety and quality, which is crucial for maintaining consumer trust and meeting regulatory standards.

hull: The outer covering of a cereal seed. Hulls form bran. Properly managing hulls ensures efficient processing and use of cereal grains.