April 2, 2025
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Rural Inspectorate Wales

Rural Inspectorate Wales: The organization that is responsible for administering CAP schemes in Wales. Abbreviation: RIW. The RIW supports farmers by ensuring compliance with agricultural regulations and promoting best practices.

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Radnor

Radnor: A breed of small hill sheep similar to the Welsh Mountain. Offers farmers a hardy breed option well-suited for rough terrains, enhancing farm productivity and wool/meat quality.

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Rust

rust: A fungal disease that gives plants a reddish powdery covering. Managing rust is crucial for protecting crop health and ensuring high-quality yields.

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RAS

RAS: Abbreviation for Royal Agricultural Societies. These societies support farmers through research, education, and advocacy, enhancing agricultural practices and policies.

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Retail

retail: The sale of small quantities of goods to the general public. Engaging in retail sales allows farmers to capture higher profit margins and connect directly with consumers.

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Rice

rice: A plant that is the most important cereal crop and the staple food of half the population of the world. Latin name: Oryza sativa. Growing rice provides farmers with a staple crop that has high demand and multiple market applications.

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Restore

restore: To give something back, or put something back to a previous state or position. Restoring soil health and fertility supports sustainable farming practices and ensures long-term productivity.

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Responsible Care

responsible care: An initiative of the chemical industry which requires member firms to follow codes of conduct on such matters as toxic materials, waste reduction, chemical-accident minimization, worker safety, and community consultation. Following responsible care principles ensures safe and sustainable agricultural practices.

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Recessive

recessive: (of a gene or genetically controlled characteristic) suppressed by the presence of a corresponding dominant gene. Understanding genetics helps farmers with selective breeding programs to enhance desirable traits in crops and livestock.

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Residual

residual: Referring to the amount of something that is left behind. Understanding residual levels helps farmers manage pesticide and fertilizer use, ensuring food safety and environmental health.

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Radicle

radicle: The tiny structure in a plant embryo from which the root will develop. Understanding radicle growth is essential for farmers to ensure proper seed germination and healthy crop development.

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Rotation Design

rotation design: A method of conserving soil nutrients in organic farming by planting different crops in different years. Using rotation designs supports sustainable farming practices and soil health.

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Ringworm

ringworm: Any of various infections of the skin by a fungus, in which the infection spreads out in a circle from a central point. Managing ringworm is essential for protecting livestock and human health on the farm.

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Rough Fell

Rough Fell: A hardy moorland breed of horned sheep, closely related to the Swaledale. It has a dark-colored face with irregular patterns. The wool is of coarse quality. Raising Rough Fell sheep supports diversified farm income and sustainable grazing practices.

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Rain Gun

rain gun: A spraying device used for applying irrigation water, which it shoots out in a powerful jet. Rain guns help farmers efficiently irrigate large fields, ensuring crops receive adequate water.

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Rein

rein: A long narrow strap used to control a horse, each end of which is attached to the bit in the horseÂ’s mouth. Proper use of reins ensures safe and effective handling of horses, benefiting farm operations.

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Rent

rent: Money paid to use a farm or land for a period of time; to pay money to hire a farm or land for a period of time. Renting land allows farmers to expand their operations without large capital investments.

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Rig

rig: A male animal in which one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum at the usual time. Managing rigs is important for livestock breeding programs and animal health.

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Rainwater

rainwater: The water which falls as rain from clouds. Collecting and utilizing rainwater can provide farmers with an additional source of irrigation water, reducing dependence on other water sources.

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RRA

RRA: Abbreviation for Rothamsted Research Association. The RRA supports agricultural research and innovation, benefiting farmers through improved crop and soil management techniques.

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Rurban

rurban: Referring to areas that combine the characteristics of agricultural activities found in rural zones with those of suburban living areas and industrialized zones. Understanding rurban areas supports effective land use planning and sustainable development.

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Ranch

ranch: A large farm specializing in raising cattle, sheep, or horses; a large farm specializing in raising any type of animal or growing any type of crop. Ranches contribute significantly to agricultural production and provide diverse income streams for farmers.

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Rural Land Register

Rural Land Register: A digitized map of all registered land parcels in the UK, kept by the Rural Payments Agency. Abbreviation: RLR. The RLR provides farmers with accurate land data, supporting efficient farm management and compliance with regulatory requirements.

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Roller Mill

roller mill: A piece of equipment used in the preparation of flour and animal feed. It has two smooth steel rollers which crush the grain. Using roller mills improves feed processing efficiency and product quality.

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Romagnola

Romagnola: A large docile hardy breed of beef cattle from northeast Italy. The animals are grey with a black muzzle and hooves. Raising Romagnola cattle provides farmers with a source of high-quality beef and adaptable livestock for various environments.

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Rogue

rogue: A plant of a different variety found growing in a crop; to remove unwanted plants from a crop, usually by hand. Managing rogues helps farmers ensure crop purity and optimize yields.

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RCVS

RCVS: Abbreviation for Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. This organization supports farmers by ensuring high standards of veterinary practice, contributing to animal health and welfare.

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Residue

residue: The material left after a process has taken place or after a material has been used. Managing residues ensures environmental safety and compliance with agricultural regulations.

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Rod

rod: An old measurement of land. When used as a measurement of length a rod equals 5 meters, and when used as a measurement of area it equals 25 square meters. Understanding historical land measurements provides context for modern farming practices.

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Runoff Rate

runoff rate: The amount of excess fertilizer or pesticide from farmland that flows into rivers in a specific period. Monitoring runoff rates helps farmers minimize environmental impact and comply with regulations.

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Red Poll

Red Poll: A dual-purpose breed of cattle, which originated in East Anglia. It is deep red in color, with a white swish at the end of the tail. Red Poll cattle offer farmers both high-quality meat and milk, enhancing farm productivity and income.

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RES

RES: Abbreviation for Rural Enterprise Scheme. RES supports rural economic development, providing farmers with opportunities for growth and diversification.