Category: R

Red Data Book: A catalogue formerly published by the IUCN, listing species which are rare or in danger of becoming extinct. The information is now available in a searchable database. The Red Data Book helps farmers and conservationists identify and protect endangered species, promoting biodiversity.

resistant: Referring to something which is unaffected by a disease, stress factor, process, or treatment. Developing resistant crop and livestock varieties enhances farm resilience and productivity.

Rural, Agricultural and Allied Workers: Full form of RAAW. RAAW supports farmworkers by ensuring fair working conditions and promoting labor rights.

regeneration: The process of vegetation growing back on land which has been cleared or burnt. Supporting regeneration helps farmers restore soil fertility and biodiversity, improving long-term farm productivity.

RSPB: Abbreviation for Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The RSPB supports farmers by promoting sustainable land management practices that protect bird habitats.

Rouen: A breed of table duck. The drake has a green head and neck, rich claret-colored breast, and grey-black body. The female is mostly brown. Raising Rouen ducks provides farmers with a reliable source of high-quality meat and eggs.

redistribution of land: The practice of taking land from large landowners and splitting it into smaller plots for many people to own. Land redistribution can support smallholder farmers, increasing agricultural productivity and rural development.

regrowth: The growth that occurs after a cut or harvest, or after accidental damage or fire. Managing regrowth helps farmers maintain productive fields and pastures, supporting sustainable farming practices.

root harvester: A machine for lifting root crops out of the ground, e.g. a sugar beet harvester. Using root harvesters improves harvesting efficiency and protects crop quality.

rush: A common weed (Juncus) growing near water, in moors and marshes, of little nutritional value. Managing rushes supports pasture health and productivity.

Rothamsted: The site of the Agricultural Experimental station, established in 1843 by John Bennett Lawes. The station specialized in research into plant nutrition and demonstrated the importance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to plants. Today it is important for its research into biotechnology and is to a large extent sponsored by the BBRSC. Rothamsted research supports agricultural innovation and best practices, benefiting farmers through improved crop and soil management techniques.

respiration: The action of breathing. Understanding respiration is crucial for managing livestock health and addressing respiratory issues.

RSPCA: Abbreviation for Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The RSPCA supports farmers by promoting animal welfare and ensuring compliance with animal protection laws.

rural tourism: Holiday and leisure activities carried out in the countryside. Promoting rural tourism supports agritourism and enhances farm income.

runholder: A farmer who owns a sheep run. Understanding run management supports effective livestock production and grazing practices.

resinous: Like resin, or producing resin. Understanding resinous properties helps farmers manage tree health and utilize forest products effectively.

RCGM: Abbreviation for rectified concentrated grape must. This product is used in winemaking, providing farmers with an additional market for surplus grapes and improving wine quality.

Royal Agricultural Society of England: An organization whose main task is running the annual Royal Show held at The National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Abbreviation: RASE. The RASE promotes agricultural innovation and best practices, benefiting farmers through resources and knowledge sharing.

radish: A small plant with red or white roots used mainly in salads. Provides farmers with a quick-growing crop that can be sold fresh or used to diversify their produce offerings.

rib grass: A palatable deep-rooting herb with a high mineral content, which may benefit pasture. Incorporating rib grass into pastures improves forage quality and supports livestock health.

right of access: The right of someone to be able to get to land by passing over someone else’s property; the right of the public to walk in areas of the countryside, providing they do not harm crops or farm animals. Understanding right of access helps farmers manage land use and protect crops and livestock.

rootstock: A plant with roots onto which a piece of another plant is grafted. Using rootstock supports successful grafting and improves crop quality and productivity.

rural affairs: The activities and concerns of rural communities. Understanding rural affairs helps farmers engage with community issues and promote rural development.

red corpuscle: A red blood cell which contains haemoglobin and carries oxygen to the tissues. Understanding blood components is important for diagnosing and treating livestock health issues.

RQ: Abbreviation for respiratory quotient. Monitoring respiratory quotient helps farmers assess livestock health and optimize feeding strategies.

rookery: A breeding place for a colony of rooks. Managing rookeries helps farmers protect crops and manage bird populations.

range management: The practice of managing rangelands for sustainable livestock grazing and ecosystem health. Proper range management balances animal needs with environmental conservation.

rear: To look after young animals until they are old enough to look after themselves. Proper rearing practices ensure the health and productivity of livestock.

rural development agency: An official body set up to develop policies and oversee rural development. Rural development agencies support farmers by providing resources and implementing development projects.

rendzina: Soil developed on chalk and limestone rocks characterized by its shallowness and lack of true subsoil. Managing rendzina soil helps farmers optimize crop production on challenging soil types.

rack: A frame of wooden or metal bars which holds fodder, and from which animals can eat. Helps farmers efficiently feed livestock, reducing waste and ensuring animals have constant access to food.

renewable resource: A natural resource that replaces itself unless overused, e.g. animal or plant life, fresh water, or wind energy. Managing renewable resources sustainably ensures long-term farm productivity and environmental health.

ring rot: A disease affecting potatoes. Managing ring rot helps farmers protect potato crops and ensure high-quality yields.

redwater: A parasitic disease of cattle transmitted by the common tick. The affected animal becomes very dull, feverish, salivates freely, and often staggers and falls. The acute form of the disease is often fatal. Managing redwater is crucial for maintaining cattle health and farm productivity.

rural environment: The countryside. Protecting the rural environment supports sustainable agriculture and enhances biodiversity.

Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restrictions of Chemicals: A proposed review of the EU’s chemicals policy, in which comprehensive health and safety research will be carried out for all substances. Abbreviation: REACH. REACH regulations ensure safe use of chemicals in agriculture, protecting farmworkers, consumers, and the environment.

Rhode Island Red: A heavy breed of fowl, with red feathers on the body, and black tail and wing feathers. It produces large brown eggs. Raising Rhode Island Reds provides farmers with a reliable source of high-quality eggs and meat.

rye: A hardy cereal crop grown in temperate areas. Latin name: Secale cereale. Growing rye provides farmers with a versatile crop option for food and feed.

rennin: An enzyme which makes milk coagulate in the stomach, so as to slow down the passage of the milk through the digestive system. Understanding rennin’s role helps farmers manage livestock diets and improve dairy production.

rosemary: An aromatic herb (Rosemarinus officinalis) used for flavoring and also as a source of oil used in soaps and cosmetics. Growing rosemary diversifies farm produce offerings and meets consumer demand for fresh herbs and herbal products.

recessiveness: The characteristic of a gene that leads to its not being expressed in the individual carrying it when a corresponding dominant gene is also present. Knowledge of recessive traits is crucial for breeding programs and improving farm animal and crop characteristics.

Royal Agricultural Societies: An alliance between the Royal Agricultural Society of England, the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, and the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society. Abbreviation: RAS. The Royal Agricultural Societies support farmers through research, education, and advocacy, enhancing agricultural practices and policies.

renewable: Referring to something that can be replaced or can renew itself by regrowing, reforming, or breeding. Utilizing renewable resources supports sustainable farming practices and reduces environmental impact.

row crop: A crop planted in rows wide enough to allow cultivators between the rows. Most farm crops are drilled in rows, in preference to broadcasting. Managing row crops supports efficient cultivation and weed control.

refined: Having had impurities removed. Refined products often command higher prices, benefiting farmers by increasing their income.

Ryeland: A rare breed of sheep. It is a medium-sized animal, white faced and without horns. The sheep has a very symmetrical shape and a thick growth of wool. Raising Ryeland sheep helps farmers preserve rare breeds and produce high-quality wool and meat.

rural sustainability: The act of trying to make sure that rural development does not use too many natural resources or cause other damage. Promoting rural sustainability ensures long-term agricultural productivity and environmental health.

rill: A very narrow stream; a small channel eroded in soil by rainwater. It can be removed during ordinary cultivation. Managing rills helps farmers control soil erosion and maintain field productivity.

Rural Payments Agency: The organization that is responsible for all CAP schemes in England and for some schemes in the rest of the UK. Abbreviation: RPA. The RPA supports farmers by administering agricultural subsidy schemes and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: A UK charity that works to ensure a good environment for birds and wildlife. Abbreviation: RSPB. The RSPB supports farmers by promoting sustainable land management practices that protect bird habitats.