Category: H

hay bale: Hay which has been compressed into a square, rectangular or round bale, so that it can be handled and stored more easily. Using hay bales improves storage efficiency and ease of handling, making it easier to manage livestock feed supplies.

heterotrophic: Referring to a heterotroph. Proper management of heterotrophic organisms supports healthy soil and plant growth.

headage: The number of animals of a specified type, such as cattle, used as a basis for calculating subsidy payments. Understanding headage calculations helps farmers manage their livestock numbers effectively and maximize subsidy benefits.

HGCA: An organization established to improve the production and marketing of UK cereal crops and oilseeds, and to promote research. Full form Home Grown Cereals Authority. Engaging with HGCA can provide farmers with valuable support and resources for cereal production.

horticulture: The cultivation of flowers, fruit, and vegetables in gardens, nurseries, or glasshouses, as a science, occupation, or leisure activity. Practicing horticulture diversifies farm products and provides additional income streams.

hump: The rounded flesh on the back or shoulders of an animal, such as a camel, or certain breeds of cattle. Managing humps in livestock supports their health and well-being.

hydroelectricity: The electricity produced by water power. Utilizing hydroelectricity provides a renewable energy source for farm operations.

HFA: Abbreviation for Hill Farm Allowance. Utilizing HFA can provide financial support for farmers managing hill and upland farms.

headrail: A rail across the front of a cubicle, to which a halter can be attached. Using headrails ensures the safe and secure management of livestock in cubicles.

horn: A hard growth which is formed on the tops of the heads of animals such as cattle, deer, goats, and sheep. Managing horn health in livestock ensures their well-being and productivity.

hop bine: The new shoot of a hop plant, which has to be made to coil round climbing strings. Properly managing hop bines ensures healthy growth and high yields.

humid: Relating to air that contains moisture vapor. Decomposition of organic matter is rapid in hot and humid conditions. Managing humidity ensures proper crop and livestock conditions.

hormone: A substance produced in animals in one part of the body which has a particular effect in another part of the body. Understanding hormones supports livestock health and breeding programs.

Horticultural Development Council: A non-departmental government body providing information and support to people in the horticulture industry, including producers of soft fruit, mushrooms, and tree fruit. Abbr HDC. Engaging with HDC can provide farmers with valuable research and support for horticultural practices.

hurdle: A portable rectangular wooden frame used for temporary fencing for sheep. Using hurdles supports effective livestock management and flexible grazing practices.

hectare: Unit of area equal to 10,000 square meters or 2.471 acres. Understanding hectare measurements helps farmers manage land area more effectively.

Hill Radnor: Radnor. Raising Hill Radnor sheep provides farmers with hardy livestock suited to hilly and upland areas.

HSE: Abbreviation for Health and Safety Executive. Engaging with HSE guidelines helps farmers maintain a safe working environment for themselves and their workers.

herd book: The record of animals kept by breeding societies in which only the offspring of registered animals can be recorded. Maintaining a herd book helps farmers track pedigrees and improve breeding programs.

hoose: A popular name for a lungworm. Preventing and managing hoose ensures the respiratory health of livestock.

hazard: Something with the potential to cause injury, damage or loss. Identifying and managing hazards on the farm ensures the safety of workers and livestock.

hill land: Land on hills, mountains, or moors. Managing hill land effectively supports grazing livestock and prevents soil erosion.

house: A structure where animals or machinery are kept. Properly housing livestock and machinery ensures their safety and efficiency.

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

horse: A hoofed animal with a flowing mane and tail, used on farms as a working animal, now mainly replaced by tractors. Raising horses can provide farmers with versatile working animals and income from equestrian activities.

horsebox: A closed vehicle used for transporting horses. Using horseboxes ensures the safe and efficient transport of horses.

haylage: Hay for silage, cut and compressed in plastic bags so that it stays green without any fungus being able to spread. Producing haylage provides a high-quality feed source that retains more nutrients than traditional hay, benefiting livestock nutrition.

high-performance: Designed to operate very efficiently. Utilizing high-performance equipment and practices can maximize farm productivity and efficiency.

Hagberg: Hagberg test, a test used to determine the milling quality of wheat. Using the Hagberg test, farmers can ensure their wheat meets quality standards, leading to better market prices and higher profitability.

horse bean: A broad bean used as a fodder. Growing horse beans provides a nutritious feed source for livestock.

hybrid vigour: Same as heterosis. Using hybrid vigour in breeding programs can improve livestock and crop performance.

hen in lay: A bird which is laying eggs. Ensuring the health and proper nutrition of hens in lay maximizes egg production and quality.

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.

HTST method: Abbreviation for high temperature short time method. Using HTST pasteurization ensures milk safety and quality, protecting consumer health.

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.

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.

hyphae: Long thin filaments which make up a typical fungus. Understanding hyphae supports effective fungal management and soil health.

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.

header: A machine which removes the seed heads from plants. Using a header improves harvesting efficiency and crop quality.

hornbeam: A tree which produces very hard wood, formerly used in making wheels for farm carts. Growing hornbeam provides farmers with valuable timber and supports biodiversity.

horticulturist: A person who specializes in horticulture. Skilled horticulturists support farm productivity and sustainability through specialized knowledge and practices.

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.

horticultural: Referring to horticulture. Developing horticultural skills and practices supports farm productivity and sustainability.

hardjo: Leptospira hardjo. Monitoring and managing Leptospira hardjo infections in livestock helps prevent economic losses and ensures the health of the herd.

haunch: The hind leg of an animal, especially a deer. Understanding the anatomy of animals like deer helps farmers manage and process meat more effectively.

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.

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.

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.

hogget: A sheep roughly six to twelve months old. Raising hoggets provides farmers with a valuable source of meat and wool.

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.