Category: P

pedigree market: The market for animals sold for breeding rather than for slaughter. Compare commercial market. Participating in the pedigree market can provide additional income and improve the quality of breeding stock.

perennial ryegrass: A grass (Lolium perenne) which forms the basis of the majority of long leys in the UK. It is the most important grass in good permanent pasture and is often sown mixed with other grasses and clover (NOTE: Perennial ryegrass has a long growing season, is quick to become established, and responds well to fertilizers. It is best suited to grazing and is highly palatable for animals.) Using perennial ryegrass in pastures ensures high-quality forage and sustainable grazing for livestock.

pumpkin: A large round yellow vegetable, eaten both as a vegetable and in pies as a dessert. Helpful content: Pumpkins are versatile crops with multiple market opportunities. Farmers can maximize profitability by exploring diverse uses, including fresh market sales, processing, and value-added products.

pasteurellosis: A clostridial disease mainly affecting young lambs, adult sheep, and store lambs. It may be caused by contaminated food or water. Symptoms are high temperature and difficult breathing, and death may follow a few days after the symptoms become apparent. Preventing and managing pasteurellosis is vital for livestock health and farm profitability.

precision chop forage harvester: A type of harvester which cuts the crop with flails, chops it into precise lengths, and blows it into a trailer. It may be self-propelled, off-set trailed, or mounted. It is used for harvesting green material for making silage. Helpful content: Precision chop forage harvesters improve silage quality by ensuring consistent chop lengths. This enhances fermentation and feed efficiency, supporting better livestock nutrition and farm profitability.

pig: An animal of the family Suidae, a farm animal reared for its meat. Domestic pigs are thought to be descended from the European wild boar. Managing pig farming efficiently provides valuable meat products and ensures animal welfare.

potato planter: A machine for planting potatoes. Helpful content: Potato planters ensure precise and consistent planting, leading to uniform crop establishment. Farmers can benefit from improved planting efficiency and better crop management using these machines.

pig-producer, pig producer: A person or company that raises pigs for meat. Supporting pig producers ensures a stable supply of pigmeat and contributes to the agricultural economy.

pathology: The study of diseases and the changes in structure and function which diseases can cause. Research in pathology contributes to better disease diagnosis and management in crops and livestock.

PRRS: Abbreviation for porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome. Helpful content: Managing PRRS involves implementing strict biosecurity measures and vaccination programs. Early detection and intervention can reduce the spread of the disease and improve herd productivity.

parasitic: Referring to animal or plant parasites. Controlling parasitic infestations can improve crop and livestock health and productivity.

pathogenic organism: An organism responsible for causing a disease. Identifying pathogenic organisms is crucial for effective disease management in agriculture.

ped: An aggregate of soil particles. Understanding soil structure and the formation of peds helps in improving soil management and crop production.

pomology: The study of fruit cultivation. Helpful content: Knowledge of pomology helps farmers improve fruit production through better orchard management, pest control, and cultivar selection. This expertise can lead to higher yields, better fruit quality, and increased profitability.

piglet: A young pig. Ensuring proper care and nutrition for piglets improves their growth and health, leading to better productivity.

pollinator: 1. An organism which helps pollinate a plant, e.g., a bee or bird. 2. A plant from which pollen is transferred by bees to pollinate another plant, especially a fruit tree that is not self-fertile. Helpful content: Promoting pollinator health and habitat is crucial for sustainable agriculture. Farmers can enhance crop yields by supporting pollinator populations through habitat conservation and integrated pest management.

Plant Variety Rights Office: The certifying authority for agricultural and horticultural seeds in England and Wales, based in Cambridge. Abbr PVRO. Helpful content: The Plant Variety Rights Office helps protect the intellectual property of plant breeders, encouraging innovation and the development of new plant varieties. Farmers benefit from access to improved seeds that enhance productivity and sustainability.

plot: A small area of cultivated land, which has been clearly defined. Helpful content: Managing small plots effectively can allow farmers to experiment with different crops and techniques. Small-scale farming on plots can be highly productive and sustainable, providing diverse produce for local markets.

prick out: To transplant seedlings from trays or pans into pots or flowerbeds. Helpful content: Pricking out is essential for thinning seedlings and promoting strong, healthy growth. Properly spaced seedlings develop better root systems and are more resilient when transplanted into the field.

Penistone: Same as White-faced Woodland. Knowing different breeds and their characteristics helps in selecting suitable livestock for specific farming conditions.

polyculture: The rearing or growing of more than one species of plant or animal on the same area of land at the same time. Helpful content: Polyculture systems can increase biodiversity, improve soil health, and reduce pest and disease pressure. Farmers can benefit from diversified production, leading to more resilient and sustainable farming practices.

plumage: The feathers of a bird. Helpful content: Understanding plumage is important for poultry farmers, as it can indicate the health and breed characteristics of birds. Good plumage can also enhance the market value of poultry products.

palynology: The scientific study of pollen, especially of pollen found in peat and coal deposits. Also called pollen analysis. Studying pollen helps in understanding past climates and ecosystems, aiding in crop planning and biodiversity conservation.

pollard: A tree of which the branches have been cut back to a height of about 2m above the ground. Helpful content: Pollarding is a sustainable tree management practice that provides fodder for livestock and wood for fuel or construction. This method helps farmers maintain tree health and productivity while supporting diverse farm needs.

pathogenetic: Referring to pathogenesis. Knowledge of pathogenetic processes aids in the development of disease-resistant crop varieties and livestock breeds.

pitch pole: A harrow with double-ended tines. Helpful content: Using a pitch pole can significantly improve soil aeration and preparation, leading to better crop yields. By breaking up the soil more effectively, it helps roots to penetrate deeper, promoting healthier and more robust plant growth.

potato: A tuber of Solanum tuberosum, one of the most important starchy root crops. Helpful content: Potatoes are a versatile and high-yield crop that can be grown in various climates. Understanding proper cultivation techniques, pest management, and storage methods can help farmers achieve high productivity and profitability.

pinto pinto pinto: A horse with irregular patches of white and another color. Understanding livestock color patterns helps in selecting animals for breeding and meeting market preferences.

phototoxic: Able to cause harm to living organisms in the presence of light. Managing phototoxic substances ensures the safety of crops and livestock.

primary commodity: A basic raw material or food. Helpful content: Producing and marketing primary commodities, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables, requires understanding market demands and quality standards. Farmers can optimize production practices to meet these requirements and enhance profitability.

porker: A pig specially reared for fresh meat, as opposed to bacon or other processed meats. Helpful content: Raising porkers requires attention to feed, health, and growth management. Farmers can achieve better growth rates and meat quality by implementing best practices in pig farming.

pork belly: The part of a pig which is processed to produce bacon. Helpful content: Pork belly is a valuable product for farmers, often commanding premium prices. Understanding processing techniques and market preferences can help farmers maximize the value of their pork products.

p.t.o.: Abbreviation for power take-off. Helpful content: The power take-off is a critical component for operating various farm machinery. Understanding its use and maintenance ensures efficient operation of equipment like mowers, balers, and harvesters, improving farm productivity.

plague: An infectious disease that occurs in epidemics, killing many organisms, or a widespread infestation by a pest. Helpful content: Awareness and preparedness for plagues can help farmers take preventive measures to protect their crops and livestock. Early detection and response plans can mitigate the impact of outbreaks.

pine pine pine: A type of evergreen tree. Raising trees like pine can provide valuable timber and meet market demands for wood products.

prostaglandin: A hormone that is used to make oestrus happen in many animals at the same time and to start the birth process or abortion. Helpful content: Prostaglandins are valuable for synchronizing breeding cycles and managing reproduction in livestock. Proper use can improve herd fertility and streamline breeding programs.

phase separation: The splitting of a mixture into two layers, e.g., in milk, the fat separates from the watery part. Understanding phase separation aids in food processing and ensuring product quality.

pedigree records: Records of pedigree stock kept by the breeder and by breed societies. Pedigree animals are registered at birth and given official numbers. Maintaining pedigree records ensures traceability and the quality of breeding programs.

phosphorite: Any rock that contains phosphorus, used to make fertilizers. Utilizing phosphorite in fertilizer production enhances soil fertility and crop yields.

paratyphoid: A disease of pigs caused by infection with salmonella bacteria. Young pigs run a high fever and may die within 24 hours. Preventing and managing infections like paratyphoid is essential for livestock health and farm profitability.

pulse: Crops harvested for their dry seeds, such as beans, lentils, and peas. Pulses are important for their nutritional value and ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.

protectant fungicide: A fungicide applied to the leaves of plants. It can be washed off by rain, so removing the protection. Helpful content: Using protectant fungicides helps prevent fungal infections and protect crop health. Farmers should reapply as needed, especially after rainfall, to maintain effective disease control.

polled stock: 1. Animals that are naturally hornless. 2. Animals that have had their horns removed. Helpful content: Polled stock are easier to handle and pose fewer risks to other animals and handlers. This trait can improve farm safety and reduce management challenges associated with horned livestock.

polder: A piece of low-lying land that has been reclaimed from the sea and is surrounded by earth banks, especially in the Netherlands. Helpful content: Polder farming involves managing water levels and soil salinity. Farmers in these areas can benefit from advanced drainage systems and crop selection suited to reclaimed land conditions.

patch: A small cultivated area with one type of plant growing in it, e.g., a pumpkin patch or onion patch. Managing small patches allows for intensive cultivation and experimentation with different crops.

PDA: Abbreviation Potash Development Association. The association provides valuable information and resources for optimizing potash use in agriculture.

pyridoxine: Vitamin B6. Helpful content: Pyridoxine is essential for animal health, supporting metabolism and nervous system function. Ensuring adequate vitamin B6 in livestock diets promotes overall health and productivity.

pathogenicity: The ability of a pathogen to cause a disease. Assessing pathogenicity helps in determining the potential impact of diseases on crops and livestock.

parent: A male or female that has produced offspring. Breeding healthy parents ensures the quality and productivity of future livestock generations.

plough pan: A hard layer in the soil caused by ploughing at the same depth every year. Helpful content: Recognizing and managing plough pans is important for maintaining soil health. Breaking up these compacted layers through deep tillage or no-till practices can improve water infiltration and root penetration, enhancing crop growth.