Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
Old English game: A breed of poultry, now mainly a fancy breed. The birds are colored black and white with blue wing tips. Raising Old English game can provide farmers with niche market opportunities for ornamental and exhibition purposes. Understanding the breed’s characteristics and care requirements can enhance profitability.
overproduction: The production of more of something than is wanted or needed. Managing production levels to match market demand is important for profitability. Farmers can benefit from understanding market trends and adjusting production strategies to avoid overproduction and maximize returns.
oestrogen: A steroid hormone that controls the reproductive cycle and the development of secondary sexual characteristics in female primates. Understanding oestrogen’s role is important for managing livestock reproduction. Farmers can benefit from hormone management practices to optimize breeding programs and improve reproductive efficiency.
orchard: An area of land used for growing fruit trees. Orchards can provide farmers with high-value crops and diversified income streams. Farmers can benefit from implementing best practices in orchard management, including pruning, pest control, and irrigation, to enhance fruit quality and yields.
overfertilisation: The application of too much fertiliser to land. Excessive fertilisation can lead to nutrient runoff and environmental pollution. Farmers can benefit from precision fertilisation techniques to apply the right amount of nutrients based on soil and crop needs, ensuring efficient use and minimizing environmental impact.
on-off grazing: A rotational grazing system. Implementing on-off grazing can improve pasture health and livestock nutrition. Farmers can benefit from understanding and applying rotational grazing practices to enhance forage availability, reduce soil erosion, and improve animal performance.
OFS: Organic Farming Scheme. The OFS supports farmers in transitioning to and maintaining organic farming practices by providing financial assistance. Participating in the OFS can help farmers adopt sustainable practices, improve soil health, and meet the growing market demand for organic products.
Oxford Down: The largest of the down breeds of sheep, produced by crossing Southdown improved stock with the longwoolled Cotswold. It has a dark-brown face and legs and a conspicuous topknot. Oxford Down sheep are valued for their meat quality and hardiness. Farmers can benefit from raising Oxford Down sheep to produce high-quality lamb and improve farm resilience.
organophosphorous insecticide: An organic compound containing phosphorus used as an insecticide. Organophosphorous insecticides are effective but highly toxic. Farmers can benefit from using integrated pest management practices to reduce reliance on organophosphates and minimize health and environmental risks.
orphaned animal: A young animal whose mother has died, and is therefore either fostered onto another animal or has to be hand-reared. Managing orphaned animals requires special care to ensure their health and development. Farmers can benefit from fostering techniques and proper nutrition to raise healthy orphaned animals and maintain productivity.
organochlorine: A chemical compound containing chlorine, used as an insecticide. Organochlorine insecticides are persistent and can accumulate in the environment. Farmers can benefit from using integrated pest management practices to reduce reliance on persistent chemicals and minimize environmental impact.
organically: Using only a restricted number of permitted pesticides and fertilizers in growing a crop. Organic practices promote healthier soil and reduce environmental impact. Farmers can benefit from organic certification to access premium markets and enhance farm sustainability.
oak: A deciduous or evergreen hardwood tree with strong, durable wood used in construction and furniture making. Farmers with oak trees on their land can benefit from sustainable timber harvesting, which provides additional income. Acorns from oak trees can also be used as supplemental livestock feed, offering a natural source of nutrition.
oilcake: A feedingstuff concentrate, high in protein, made from the residue of seeds which have been crushed to produce oil. Oilcake is a valuable livestock feed that can enhance nutrition and productivity. Farmers can benefit from integrating oilcake into animal diets to improve feed efficiency and growth rates.
onion fly: An insect pest whose maggots cause damage to onions by eating into the developing bulb. Effective pest management is crucial for protecting onion crops. Farmers can benefit from monitoring and controlling onion flies through integrated pest management practices to reduce crop losses.
ovary: One of two organs in a woman or female animal that produce ova or egg cells and secrete the female hormone oestrogen. Proper management of ovarian health is essential for successful breeding and reproductive efficiency. Farmers can benefit from monitoring and supporting ovarian function in livestock to enhance fertility and productivity.
oilseeds: Crops grown for the oil extracted from their seeds, such as oilseed rape or linseed. Oilseeds are valuable for their oil content and by-products like meal and cake, used in livestock feed. Farmers can benefit from growing oilseeds to diversify income streams and improve soil fertility.
outcrossing: The process of bringing some new genetic variation (‘new blood’) into a flock or herd, usually by introducing a new male. Outcrossing can enhance genetic diversity and improve livestock health and productivity. Farmers can benefit from implementing outcrossing strategies to strengthen their herds and flocks.
offspring: A child, the young of an animal, or a descendant of a plant. Ensuring the health and well-being of offspring is critical for maintaining productive livestock and crop systems. Farmers can benefit from best practices in breeding, nutrition, and care to optimize the growth and development of offspring.
officinalis: Used in medicine, often part of the generic name of plants. Growing officinalis plants can provide farmers with additional income streams through the sale of medicinal plants. Understanding the cultivation and market demand for these plants can enhance farm diversification and profitability.
onion: A vegetable crop grown either for cooking or for eating in salads. Onions are versatile and in high demand. Farmers can benefit from growing onions to diversify crops and increase market opportunities. Understanding best practices for onion cultivation can improve yields and quality.
oxytocin: A hormone which activates the release of milk in the udder and the contractions in the uterus during birth. Proper management of oxytocin levels is essential for successful lactation and birthing in livestock. Farmers can benefit from understanding the role of oxytocin and implementing practices to support reproductive health and milk production.
on-the-hoof: Referring to animals which are sold live for slaughter. Understanding on-the-hoof sales can help farmers maximize livestock value. Farmers can benefit from optimizing animal health and market timing to achieve better prices and reduce transportation stress.
orange: The fruit of the Citrus aurantium, a native tree of China, whose nutritional value is due mainly to its high vitamin C content. Oranges are a high-value crop with strong market demand. Farmers can benefit from growing oranges by understanding best practices for cultivation, pest control, and marketing to maximize profitability and product quality.
occupational asthma: Asthma caused by materials with which people come into contact at work, such as hay in farm workers. Managing occupational asthma is important for farmers to ensure a healthy working environment. Implementing dust control measures and providing protective equipment can reduce the risk of asthma and improve overall farm safety.
oxygenation: The process of becoming filled with oxygen. Proper oxygenation is crucial for livestock health and productivity. Farmers can benefit from ensuring adequate ventilation and air quality in barns to support animal well-being and performance.
oven-ready poultry: Poultry which has been slaughtered and dressed so that it can be cooked without any further preparation. Producing oven-ready poultry can provide farmers with value-added products and market opportunities. Farmers can benefit from understanding processing techniques and market demands to enhance profitability.
OELS: Organic Entry Level Stewardship. The OELS offers financial incentives for farmers to implement environmental management practices on their land. Participating in OELS can help farmers adopt sustainable practices, enhance biodiversity, and improve soil and water quality, while also receiving financial support.
onion couch: A grass weed that grows to 24–48 inches and develops long oat-like hairs like flower heads. Managing onion couch is important to prevent competition with crops. Farmers can benefit from integrated weed management strategies to control this and other weeds, ensuring better crop performance.
overexploit: To cultivate soil too intensely. Avoiding overexploitation is crucial for maintaining soil health and long-term productivity. Farmers can benefit from implementing sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation and cover cropping, to prevent soil degradation.
overshot wheel: A type of waterwheel where the water falls on the wheel from above. It is more efficient than an undershot wheel, where the water flows underneath the wheel. Using overshot wheels can improve the efficiency of water-powered machinery. Farmers can benefit from understanding the mechanics and applications of different waterwheel types to optimize their use for irrigation and energy generation.
Ordnance Survey: An agency which generates accurate mapping data for Great Britain. Abbr OS. Access to accurate mapping data can help farmers with land planning, management, and compliance. Farmers can benefit from using Ordnance Survey maps for precision agriculture, resource management, and infrastructure development.
orache: A common weed which affects sugar beet and maize crops, and makes harvesting the crop difficult. Managing orache is important to prevent competition with crops. Farmers can benefit from integrated weed management strategies to control this and other weeds, ensuring better crop performance.
organic matter: A combination found in soil of plant material that is decomposing, microorganisms such as fungi, and humus. Organic matter is crucial for soil health, improving water retention, nutrient availability, and soil structure. Farmers can benefit from incorporating organic matter through composting, cover cropping, and reduced tillage to enhance soil fertility and sustainability.
osmotic pressure: The pressure required to prevent the flow of a solvent into a solution through a semi-permeable membrane. Managing osmotic pressure is crucial for plant water uptake and health. Farmers can benefit from understanding soil moisture dynamics and irrigation practices to ensure optimal crop hydration and productivity.
organic farming: A method of farming which does not involve the use of artificial fertilizers or pesticides. Organic farming emphasizes sustainable practices that improve soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance. Farmers can benefit from organic certification to access premium markets and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development: An international intergovernmental association set up in 1961 to coordinate the economic policies of member nations. Abbr OECD. The OECD provides valuable economic data and policy recommendations that can help farmers stay informed about global market trends and make strategic decisions. Engaging with OECD resources can support farm business planning and improve competitiveness.
oestrous cycle: The pattern of reproductive activity shown by most female animals, except most primates. Understanding the oestrous cycle is crucial for effective livestock breeding. Farmers can benefit from monitoring and managing the oestrous cycle to improve reproductive success and increase herd productivity.
outfall: A pipe from which sewage, either raw or treated, flows into a river, lake, or the sea. Also called outfall sewer. Managing outfalls is crucial for preventing water pollution and protecting environmental health. Farmers can benefit from implementing proper waste management practices to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
outhouse: A farm building which is not attached to the main farmhouse, and may be used for storage or for keeping poultry. Proper management and maintenance of outhouses can improve farm efficiency and biosecurity. Farmers can benefit from using outhouses for organized storage, equipment housing, and livestock shelter.
organic fertiliser: A fertiliser made from dead or decaying plant matter or animal wastes, such as leaf mould, farmyard manure, or bone meal. Organic fertilizers improve soil fertility and structure. Farmers can benefit from using organic fertilizers to enhance soil health, reduce input costs, and support sustainable farming practices.
optimise: To make something as efficient as possible. Optimizing farm operations can improve productivity and profitability. Farmers can benefit from applying best practices in resource management, technology adoption, and process improvement to achieve sustainable growth and efficiency.
Over Thirty Month Scheme: A scheme supporting farmers by providing payment and support for the disposal of cattle born or reared in the United Kingdom before August 1996. This helps farmers manage older cattle, comply with regulations, and maintain a healthy and productive herd.
overtopping: Cutting too much off the top of a plant when preparing it, such as when preparing sugar beet. Avoiding overtopping is important for maintaining plant health and maximizing yields. Farmers can benefit from understanding proper pruning and harvesting techniques to optimize crop performance.
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