Category: R

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.

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.

rape: Same as oilseed rape. Oilseed rape is a valuable crop for farmers, providing oil for food and industrial uses as well as high-protein animal feed.

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.

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.

raceway: Same as race. Provides a controlled pathway for moving animals, ensuring their safety and ease of handling.

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.

rich: Having many nutrients that are useful for plant growth. Managing rich soil supports healthy crop production and maximizes yields.

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.

respiratory: Referring to respiration. Managing respiratory health in livestock ensures their well-being and productivity.

right of way: A legal right to go across someone else’s property. Managing right of way ensures safe and efficient access to farmland.

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.

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.

rick: A stack, usually of hay, with a sloping roof. Properly storing hay in ricks helps farmers preserve forage quality and reduce spoilage.

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

rot: To decay or become putrefied because of bacterial or fungal action. Understanding and managing rot helps farmers protect crop and livestock health.

regenerative: Allowing new growth to replace damaged tissue. Regenerative practices support sustainable farming by promoting soil health and resilience.

riverine: Referring to a river. Understanding riverine environments helps farmers manage water resources and protect aquatic ecosystems.

response curve: A graph showing the yield (or some associated factor) against fertilizer input, level of feed, antibiotics, etc. Using response curves helps farmers make data-driven decisions to optimize inputs and maximize productivity.

rotating tines: Spikes used on machines such as rotavators and power harrows for cultivation purposes. Using rotating tines supports efficient soil preparation and crop establishment.

resist: To fight off or not be subject to the effects of something. Developing resistant crop varieties helps farmers manage pests and diseases, ensuring stable yields and reduced losses.

rainfall: The amount of water that falls as rain on an area over a period of time. Understanding rainfall patterns helps farmers plan irrigation and manage water resources effectively.

rotavator: A trademark for a type of rotary cultivator. Using rotavators supports efficient soil preparation and crop establishment.

ripper: A heavy cultivator consisting of a strong frame with long tines attached to it. It is used to break up compacted soil to allow free passage of air and water. Also called subsoiler. Using rippers helps farmers improve soil structure and enhance crop growth.

refection: Consumption by an animal of its own feces. Understanding animal behavior like refection helps farmers manage livestock health and nutrition.

replacement rate: The rate of introduction of heifers into a dairy herd to replace aging cows or cows with low milk yields. Managing replacement rates helps farmers maintain productive dairy herds and optimize milk production.

runt: A small individual animal, one that is smaller than average for its kind; the smallest animal in a litter. Managing runts ensures they receive adequate nutrition and care, promoting healthy growth and development.

Rouge de l’Ouest: A breed of sheep originating in France. Also called Red. Raising Rouge de l’Ouest sheep provides farmers with high-quality meat and wool, supporting diversified farm income.

regulator: Something or someone controlling a process or activity. Using regulators helps farmers manage farm operations efficiently and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Recommended Daily Amount: The amount of a substance, e.g. a vitamin or mineral, that should be consumed each day for a person or animal to be healthy. Abbreviation: RDA. Understanding RDAs helps farmers ensure their livestock receive proper nutrition, enhancing growth and productivity.

rootlet: A little root which grows from a main root. Understanding rootlet development supports successful plant propagation and growth.

rut: A period of intense sexual activity that occurs in males of various mammals such as cattle, sheep, and particularly deer. Understanding rutting behavior helps farmers manage breeding programs and livestock health.

rooting depth: The depth of soil from which plant roots take up water, or the depth of soil to which roots reach. Understanding rooting depth helps farmers manage irrigation and optimize crop growth.

replant: To grow plants in an area again; to put a plant in the ground again. Replanting helps farmers maintain continuous crop production and manage soil health.

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.