December 5, 2024
R

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.

R

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.

R

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.

R

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.

R

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.

R

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.

R

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.

R

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.

R

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.

R

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.

R

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.

R

RES

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

R

Response Curve

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.

R

Resist

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.

R

Rainfall

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.

R

Ripper

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.

R

Replacement Rate

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.

R

Runt

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.

R

Regulator

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

R

Recommended Daily Amount

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.

R

Rut

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.

R

Rooting Depth

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.

R

Replant

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.

R

Red Data Book

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.

R

Resistant

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.

R

Regeneration

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.

R

RSPB

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

R

Rouen

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.

R

Rothamsted

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.