Category: P

processing and marketing grant: A sum of money given to farmers under the ERDP to help with packaging and marketing their products. Helpful content: Processing and marketing grants support farmers in adding value to their products and improving market access. These grants can fund infrastructure improvements, equipment purchases, and marketing initiatives, enhancing farm profitability.

PSPS: Abbreviation for Pesticide Safety Precaution Scheme. Helpful content: The Pesticide Safety Precaution Scheme offers valuable information on safe pesticide use. Farmers can enhance crop protection and ensure environmental safety by adhering to these guidelines.

Poll Dorset: An Australian breed of sheep similar to the Dorset Horn, but with no horns. Helpful content: Poll Dorset sheep are valued for their meat and wool production. Farmers can benefit from raising this breed due to its adaptability, high fertility, and ease of management.

pollute: To discharge harmful substances in unusually high concentrations into the environment. Helpful content: Reducing pollution on farms involves implementing best management practices for waste disposal, nutrient management, and pesticide use. This helps protect soil, water, and air quality, supporting long-term agricultural sustainability.

pellet: A form of feedingstuff, usually mash, which has been moistened and pressed to form small grains. Using pelleted feed ensures consistent nutrition and easy handling for livestock.

parsley: A common herb (Petroselinum crispum) used for garnishing and flavoring. Growing herbs like parsley can provide additional income and diversify farm products.

pony: A small breed of horse, often ridden by children, but also living wild in some parts of the world. Helpful content: Ponies are versatile animals that can be used for riding, light draft work, and as companions for other livestock. Farmers can benefit from their hardiness, low maintenance requirements, and adaptability to various farm tasks.

parasitic gastro-enteritis: An infection of the stomach caused by roundworms, especially Osteragia. It can be cured by anthelmintics. Abbr PGE. Treating parasitic infections promptly ensures the health and productivity of livestock.

power: The energy, especially electricity, which makes a machine or device operate. Helpful content: Efficient use of power on farms is crucial for running machinery, irrigation systems, and other equipment. Farmers can benefit from adopting energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce costs and environmental impact.

production diseases: Metabolic disorders of animals which are caused by high levels of production. Helpful content: Managing production diseases involves monitoring animal health and nutrition. Farmers can prevent these disorders through balanced feeding, proper housing, and regular health checks.

product: Something that is produced by manufacture or in a chemical reaction. Helpful content: Understanding the production process of agricultural products helps farmers improve efficiency and quality. This knowledge can lead to better resource management and higher market competitiveness.

planning authority: A local authority which gives permission for development such as changes to existing buildings or new use of land. Helpful content: Engaging with planning authorities is essential for farmers when expanding or modifying farm infrastructure. Understanding the regulatory framework helps ensure compliance and smooth project approvals.

palatability: The extent to which something is good to eat. Palatable feed encourages better livestock consumption and growth, improving overall health and productivity.

prairie: A large area of grass-covered plains in North America, mainly without trees. Helpful content: Prairies are important for extensive agriculture and grazing. Understanding prairie ecosystems helps farmers manage land sustainably, promoting soil health and biodiversity while supporting livestock production.

pillage pillage pillage: The act of robbing or plundering. Preventing and managing theft and vandalism ensures farm security and protects resources.

preserve: 1. To protect something from damage or decay. 2. To stop food from changing or rotting. Helpful content: Preserving produce through methods like pickling, fermenting, and freezing allows farmers to add value and reduce post-harvest losses. These techniques can open new market opportunities and increase farm income.

palatable: Good to eat. Some types of grass are less palatable than others. Big bales preserve the grass in an almost cut state, which is very palatable. Palatable feed ensures livestock eat more and maintain better health, leading to higher production rates.

patent flour: A very fine good-quality wheat flour. Producing high-quality flour can meet market demands and improve profitability for grain farmers.

pox: Fowl pox, sheep pox, cowpox. Helpful content: Recognizing and managing pox diseases in livestock is crucial for maintaining animal health and preventing outbreaks. Vaccination and biosecurity measures can help protect herds and flocks from these contagious diseases.

pneumatic distributor: A machine which conveys fertilizer from a hopper to nozzles for spreading by a stream of air. Both trailed and mounted models are made. Helpful content: Pneumatic distributors ensure even and efficient fertilizer application, promoting uniform crop growth and reducing nutrient waste. Proper maintenance and calibration of these machines can enhance their performance.

plant: An organism containing chlorophyll with which it carries out photosynthesis. Helpful content: Understanding plant biology is fundamental for successful farming. Knowledge of how plants grow and reproduce helps farmers optimize cultivation practices, leading to healthier crops and higher yields.

paraquat: A herbicide that destroys a wide range of plants by killing their foliage and becomes inert on contact with the soil. It is poisonous to mammals, including humans. Using herbicides responsibly helps in effective weed management while minimizing environmental impact.

piker piker piker: A person who hunts or catches pike. Employing skilled pikers ensures efficient and high-quality fish harvests, improving farm productivity.

point of lay: A term referring to pullets that are approaching the time when they will lay their first eggs. Helpful content: Managing pullets at the point of lay is essential for maximizing egg production. Providing optimal nutrition and housing conditions during this stage can lead to higher egg yields and better flock health.

protein efficiency ratio: A measure of the nutritional value of proteins carried out on young growing animals. The protein efficiency ratio is defined as the gain in weight per gram of protein eaten. Abbr PER. Helpful content: Using protein efficiency ratios helps farmers evaluate and improve feed formulations. This ensures that animals receive adequate nutrition for optimal growth and production.

pilot plot pilot plot pilot plot: A small experimental plot used to test new crops or farming techniques. Using pilot plots for research and development improves farming practices and productivity.

potting compost: A mixture usually of soil and fibrous matter used to fill containers in which plants are grown. Helpful content: Using high-quality potting compost provides essential nutrients and support for plant growth. Farmers can improve seedling health and transplant success by selecting appropriate compost mixtures.

proteolytic: Referring to proteolysis. Helpful content: Knowledge of proteolytic processes helps farmers manage livestock diets effectively. Ensuring efficient protein digestion can improve feed efficiency and animal performance.

production ration: The quantity of food needed to make a farm animal produce meat, milk, or eggs, which is always more than the basic maintenance ration. Helpful content: Calculating accurate production rations ensures that livestock receive adequate nutrition for optimal growth and productivity. This can lead to higher yields and improved animal health.

parent plant: A plant from which others are produced. Selecting high-quality parent plants ensures better yields and crop quality.

powdery mildew: A fungal disease (Erysiphe graminis) affecting cereals and grasses. Another form also affects sugar beet and brassicas. Helpful content: Managing powdery mildew involves using resistant varieties, proper spacing, and fungicide applications. Early detection and treatment can prevent significant crop losses and maintain healthy plants.

peach-leaf curl: A fungal disease which affects peaches, where the leaves swell and become red. Managing peach-leaf curl is essential for maintaining healthy peach orchards and ensuring high-quality fruit production.

pigging: Producing pigs. Efficient pigging practices improve productivity and meet market demands for pork products.

promote: To encourage or enable something to take place. Helpful content: Promoting best practices and innovations in farming can lead to increased productivity and sustainability. Farmers can benefit from continuous learning and adopting new technologies to improve their operations.

pond: A small area of still water formed artificially or naturally. Helpful content: Ponds provide essential water sources for irrigation, livestock, and wildlife. Proper management of farm ponds can enhance water availability, support biodiversity, and improve overall farm sustainability.

pyrethrum: 1. An organic pesticide, developed from a form of chrysanthemum, which is not very toxic and is not persistent. 2. An annual herb, grown for its flowers which are used in the preparation of pyrethrum. Helpful content: Pyrethrum is a valuable tool for organic pest control, offering effective protection with minimal environmental impact. Farmers can use pyrethrum to manage pests while maintaining organic certification and sustainability.

planter: 1. A person who plants, especially a person who plants and looks after a plantation. 2. A device for planting. Helpful content: Using efficient planting devices can save time and labor for farmers, leading to more precise planting and better crop establishment. Skilled planters ensure that crops are properly spaced and cared for, enhancing productivity.

pandemic: Referring to an epidemic disease which affects many parts of the world. Managing pandemics and biosecurity measures is crucial to preventing widespread agricultural losses.

prick ears: Ears of an animal which stand up straight. Compare lop ears. Helpful content: Recognizing breed characteristics, such as prick ears, helps farmers select and manage livestock according to their specific needs and purposes. Breed-specific traits can influence animal behavior, health, and productivity.

pregnancy toxaemia: A metabolic disorder affecting ewes and does during late pregnancy. Animals wobble and fall, breathing is difficult, and death may follow. It is associated with a lack of feed in late pregnancy. Also called twin lamb disease. Helpful content: Managing nutrition and monitoring pregnant ewes and does can prevent pregnancy toxaemia. Providing adequate feed and minimizing stress during late pregnancy ensures the health of both the mother and the offspring.

progeny: The young or children produced by any living thing. Helpful content: Monitoring progeny performance helps farmers select the best breeding stock. This practice ensures genetic improvement and higher productivity in future generations of crops or livestock.

plant breeder: A person who produces new forms of ornamental or crop plants. Helpful content: Plant breeders play a crucial role in agriculture by developing new plant varieties that are more resilient, productive, and suited to specific growing conditions. This innovation can help farmers improve crop performance and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

pruning: The practice of selectively removing parts of a plant to improve its health and productivity. Pruning helps shape plants, remove diseased wood, and encourage fruiting.

propagate: To produce new plants by a technique such as taking cuttings, grafting, budding, or layering. Helpful content: Propagation techniques are essential for expanding plant stock and maintaining genetic diversity. Farmers can use these methods to produce high-quality plants and improve crop yields.

productive soil: Soil which is very fertile and produces large crops. Helpful content: Maintaining productive soil involves proper fertilization, crop rotation, and organic matter addition. Healthy soil supports robust plant growth and high yields, contributing to overall farm success.

pepper and salt: Same as shepherd’s purse. Knowing alternative names for plants aids in effective weed identification and management.

pneumonia: The inflammation of a lung, where the tiny alveoli of the lung become filled with fluid. Helpful content: Early detection and treatment of pneumonia in livestock are crucial for maintaining herd health. Proper ventilation, hygiene, and vaccination can prevent the spread of this disease, ensuring the well-being of animals.

pile pile pile: A large quantity of something, e.g., a pile of hay. Managing farm resources efficiently ensures sustainable production and reduces waste.

phytotoxic: Able to damage plants. Understanding and managing phytotoxic substances ensures healthy crop growth and prevents damage.

pin pin pin: A small, pointed object used to fasten things together. Using pins in construction and repair improves farm infrastructure and supports sustainable development.