Category: R

roost: A place where birds rest at night; to sleep on a perch at night. Providing safe roosting places ensures poultry health and productivity.

reproductive organs: Parts of the bodies of animals which are involved in the conception and development of a fetus. Knowledge of reproductive organs helps farmers manage breeding and improve livestock health.

rolled grain: Grain which has been through a roller mill before it is fed to livestock. Rolled grain, usually barley, is more easily digested. Using rolled grain improves livestock nutrition and feed efficiency.

rearer: A person who rears livestock. Skilled rearers are crucial for maintaining healthy and productive animal populations on farms.

range: A large area of grass-covered farmland used for raising cattle or sheep; open space, particularly for poultry. Free-range farming practices can enhance animal welfare and produce higher-quality meat and eggs.

rotate: To grow different crops from year to year in a field. Rotating crops supports soil health, reduces pest and disease pressure, and improves overall farm productivity.

resistance: The ability of an organism not to be affected by something such as a disease, stress factor, process, or treatment. Managing resistance helps farmers protect crop and livestock health, ensuring sustainable farm productivity.

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.

root system: All the roots of a plant. Managing root systems supports healthy crop growth and soil health.

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.

rhizoctonia root rot: A common soil fungus (Rhizoctonia solani) which attacks the roots of seedlings and retards growth. Managing this fungus is crucial for protecting crop health and ensuring optimal growth.

rough grazing: Unimproved grazing, found in mountain, heath, and moorland areas. Utilizing rough grazing supports livestock production on marginal lands and enhances biodiversity.

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

roguing glove: A glove impregnated with herbicide, used to destroy wild oats. Using roguing gloves helps farmers manage weeds effectively and protect crop health.

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

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.

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.

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.

rafter: To plough land, leaving a space between the furrows. Helps farmers manage soil erosion and maintain soil health by controlling water runoff.

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.

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.

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.

roe deer: One of the breeds of deer which are found wild in the UK. Understanding local wildlife helps farmers manage land and protect crops from grazing animals.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

rubbed seed: Same as graded seed. Using rubbed seed helps farmers ensure uniform crop establishment and growth.

ribwort: Same as plantain. Plantain is a nutritious forage crop that improves pasture quality and supports livestock health.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

RELU: Abbreviation for rural economy and land use. Understanding RELU helps farmers manage rural resources sustainably and support rural development.

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

rustle: To steal livestock, especially cows and horses. Preventing rustling protects farm assets and ensures livestock security.

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.

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.

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.

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.