Category: I

immature: Referring to an organism or part that is still developing. Helps farmers manage livestock and crop development stages.

immune: Referring to a person, other animal or plant that is not affected by a specific microorganism. This barley strain is not immune to the virus. Helps farmers select disease-resistant crops.

inoculate: To introduce vaccine into a body in order to stimulate the production of antibodies to a particular organism, giving rise to immunity to the disease. The baby was inoculated against diphtheria. Helps farmers protect livestock from diseases.

inhibit: To prevent or limit the effect of something. Cloud cover inhibits cooling of the Earth’s surface at night. Helps farmers understand and manage environmental factors affecting agriculture.

implement: 1. The process of carrying out a plan. 2. A piece of equipment used for a certain job. Helps farmers use the right tools and techniques for agricultural tasks.

industrial crop: A crop grown for purposes other than food, e.g. flax grown for fibre. Helps farmers diversify their production and income sources.

itch mite: An arachnid (Sarcoptes scabiei) which burrows into the animal’s skin, causing itching. Helps farmers identify and control mite infestations.

indigestible: Referring to food which cannot be digested, e.g. roughage. Helps farmers understand animal nutrition and feed composition.

international: Referring to more than one country. Helps farmers understand global agricultural practices and markets.

irrigator: A device for irrigating, e.g. the Baars irrigator. Helps farmers manage irrigation equipment.

infectious bovine rhinotracheitis: Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis – a virus disease of cattle which affects the reproductive, nervous, respiratory or digestive systems. Milk yield is depressed as adults run a high fever. Abbr IBR. Helps farmers manage and prevent this specific cattle disease.

interculture: The practice of mixed cropping, where two or more different crops are grown together on the same area of land. Helps farmers manage crop diversity and soil health.

insect-borne: Referring to infection which is carried and transmitted by insects. Insect-borne viruses. Malaria is an insect-borne disease. Helps farmers manage and prevent insect-borne diseases.

intensive cultivation: Intensive farming. Helps farmers maximize crop production.

intensify: To use intensive farming methods. Helps farmers achieve higher productivity.

import levy: A tax on farm produce which is imported into the EU. Helps farmers understand trade regulations and costs.

integrated farm management: An approach to farming that combines the best of traditional methods with modern technology, to achieve high productivity with a low environmental impact. Helps farmers adopt sustainable farming practices.

intercropping: The growing of crops with different characteristics and requirements on the same area of land at the same time. Helps farmers optimize land use and manage crop diversity.

International Whaling Commission: An international body set up under an agreement signed in 1946 to control the commercial killing of whales. Abbr IWC. Helps farmers understand regulations on marine resources.

integrated crop management: An approach to growing crops that combines traditional good farm husbandry with reduction in the use of agrochemicals and considers the impact of farming practices on the environment. Benefits farmers by promoting sustainable practices.

Ile de France: A large French breed of sheep, the rams of which are kept to provide crossbred lambs for meat production. Knowledge of sheep breeds helps farmers improve meat production.

introduction: The process of bringing something into being or using something new. The introduction of a new rapid testing method. Helps farmers understand and implement new agricultural innovations.

impregnate: To fertilize a female by introducing male spermatozoa into the female’s body so that they fuse with the female’s ova. Helps farmers manage breeding programs.

irradiate: To subject something to radiation. Helps farmers use radiation for food preservation and pest control.

inspector: An official whose job is to examine animals, soil, buildings, etc., to see if they conform to government regulations. Helps farmers comply with regulations.

impermeable: Referring to a substance which does not allow a liquid or gas to pass through. Rocks which are impermeable to water. Helps farmers manage soil and water resources.

inorganic: Referring to a substance which does not come from an animal or a plant. Inorganic substances include acids, alkalis and metals. Helps farmers understand and use inorganic materials in agriculture.

ILCA: International Livestock Centre for Africa – an organization established in 1974 at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Provides research and resources for livestock farmers in Africa.

IFR: Institute of Food Research – a not-for-profit scientific institute which advises on food safety, diet and health. Ensures farmers have access to the latest research on food safety and nutrition.

isinglass: A pure soluble gelatin, used to make alcoholic drinks clear; formerly used to preserve eggs. Helps farmers understand traditional food preservation techniques.

IAH: Institute for Animal Health – a major center for research into infectious diseases in livestock. Helps farmers stay informed about and manage livestock health issues.

interbreed: To mate and have offspring. To cross animals or plants with different characteristics to produce offspring with distinctive features. Helps farmers manage breeding programs.

IOMC: Interorganisation Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals. Helps farmers understand and comply with chemical safety standards.

iodophor: A disinfectant used to disinfect teats of cows to prevent mastitis. Helps farmers prevent udder infections in dairy cattle.

ILRAD: International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases – an organization established at Nairobi, Kenya in 1974. Farmers benefit from research on animal diseases.

IPCS: International Programme on Chemical Safety. Helps farmers understand chemical safety regulations.

intake: 1. An amount of a substance taken into an organism, either eaten or absorbed. A study of food intake among grassland animals. The bird’s daily intake of insects is more than half its own weight. 2. Hill pasture which has been improved and fenced in. Helps farmers manage animal nutrition and pasture improvement.

International Wheat Council: A group of wheat-exporting countries. Abbr IWC. Helps wheat farmers understand and navigate the international wheat market.

Irish Moiled: A rare breed of medium-sized dual-purpose cattle. The animals have a distinctive white back strip. Helps farmers choose and manage rare cattle breeds.

isolate: To separate and keep objects or organisms apart from others. Helps farmers implement biosecurity measures.

ivy-leaved speedwell: A widespread weed (Veronica hederifolia) which affects most autumn sown crops. Also called bird’s-eye, eye-bright. Helps farmers identify and control this weed.

isoglucose: Same as high fructose corn syrup. Helps farmers understand food ingredients and processing.

isotherm: A line on a map linking points of equal temperature. Helps farmers understand temperature patterns.

inter-: Prefix between. Helps farmers understand terminology related to interactions.

in utero: In the womb. Helps farmers understand reproductive biology.

ion: An atom or a group of atoms that has obtained an electric charge by gaining or losing one or more electrons. Helps farmers understand chemical properties and soil science.

intensive beef production: The production of a young lean beef animal in a period of less than a year. Helps farmers achieve quick beef production.

intensive: Achieving maximum production from land or animals. Helps farmers increase productivity.

intrinsic factor: A protein produced in the gastric glands which reacts with vitamin B12 controls the absorption of extrinsic factor, and which, if lacking, causes pernicious anemia. Helps farmers manage livestock nutrition.

inorganic fertiliser: An artificially synthesized fertilizer. Helps farmers use inorganic fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and crop production.