Category: R

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.

Roussin: A breed of sheep imported into the UK from France. Raising Roussin sheep provides farmers with high-quality meat and wool, supporting diversified farm income.

roughage: Fibrous matter in food, which cannot be digested; animal feedingstuffs with high fiber content, e.g. hay or straw. Using roughage supports healthy livestock digestion and nutrition.

RPA: Abbreviation for Rural Payments Agency. The RPA supports farmers by administering agricultural subsidy schemes and ensuring compliance with regulations.

rural economy: Farming and other businesses in rural areas. Supporting the rural economy enhances agricultural productivity and promotes sustainable rural livelihoods.

rock phosphate: A natural rock ground to a fine powder, used as a fertilizer. Using rock phosphate provides farmers with a natural source of phosphorus, supporting soil fertility and crop growth.

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons: A body which organizes the examinations for veterinary surgeons and represents them. Abbreviation: RCVS. The RCVS supports farmers by ensuring high standards of veterinary practice, contributing to animal health and welfare.

RLR: Abbreviation for Rural Land Register. The RLR provides farmers with accurate land data, supporting efficient farm management and compliance with regulatory requirements.

rural development: A program of activities undertaken to ensure that rural areas remain economically and socially sustainable. Promoting rural development supports agricultural growth and improves rural livelihoods.

reproduce: To produce offspring; (of bacteria) to produce new cells. Understanding reproduction is essential for managing livestock breeding programs and ensuring farm productivity.

runch: A common weed (Raphanus raphanistrum). Also called wild radish. Managing runch helps farmers protect crop yields and ensure high-quality produce.

round and round ploughing: A system of ploughing in which fields are ploughed from the center to the outside or from the edge to the center. Using round and round ploughing techniques supports efficient soil management and crop production.

rotary mower: A machine used for cutting grass and other upright crops. Rotary mowers have two or four rotors each with three or four swinging blades. Using rotary mowers supports efficient forage management and crop cutting.

raspberry: A cane (Rubus idaeus) which provides a most important soft fruit, sold fresh, sent for freezing, and also used for processing into jams. Growing raspberries can diversify farm income and meet consumer demand for fresh and processed berries.

reserve: An area of land maintained for the benefit of plant or animal life where no commercial exploitation is allowed. Nature reserves protect biodiversity and support conservation efforts, benefiting the environment and local communities.

robot milker: A system used in a completely automated milking parlour. Lasers, mirrors, and cameras are used to put all four caps on the teats simultaneously. Using robot milkers enhances milking efficiency and reduces labor costs on dairy farms.

russeting: The formation of brown patches on the skin of an apple. Managing russeting helps farmers produce high-quality fruit.

ring: A metal circle which goes through the nose of an animal; to attach a numbered ring to the leg of a bird so that its movements can be recorded; to attach a ring to an animal, such as to the nose of a bull. Using rings helps farmers manage livestock and track animal movements.

roller: Same as roll. Using rollers helps farmers manage soil structure and prepare seedbeds effectively.

rural depopulation: The loss of population from the countryside due to various causes, including decline in agriculture and increased mechanization. Addressing rural depopulation supports sustainable rural communities and agricultural productivity.

roan: The coat of an animal in which the main color is mixed with another, as e.g. red and white, or black and white. Understanding coat colors helps farmers manage breeding programs and livestock identification.

record keeping: The act of making records such as a livestock register, which are open to examination by the Government and welfare authorities. Accurate record keeping is essential for farm management, regulatory compliance, and improving operational efficiency.

reedbed: A mass of reeds growing together. Reedbeds can provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to water purification in agricultural areas.

rustler: A person who steals livestock; a cattle rustler. Preventing rustling protects farm assets and ensures livestock security.

run: An enclosure for animals, e.g. a chicken run; an extensive area of land used for sheep grazing; to keep animals. Providing runs supports livestock health and productivity by ensuring safe and spacious living conditions.

retained placenta: A disease of cattle caused by interference at calving, premature calving, or milk fever. Managing retained placenta ensures the health and reproductive efficiency of dairy herds.

Red list: A searchable database maintained by IUCN that records the conservation status of different organisms throughout the world. Full form: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Red list helps farmers and conservationists monitor and protect endangered species, promoting biodiversity.

raddle: A flexible length of wood used for making hurdles or fences. Useful for farmers in constructing and maintaining durable and movable barriers for managing livestock.

ripe: Referring to fruit or grain that is ready for eating. Managing harvest timing ensures farmers produce high-quality, market-ready crops.

reforestation: The process of replanting trees in areas where forests have been cut down. Reforestation helps restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and sequester carbon.

rare breed: A breed of farm animal that is protected because its numbers are falling and it is in danger of becoming extinct. Preserving rare breeds helps maintain genetic diversity and can attract niche markets for specialty products.

RHS: Abbreviation for Royal Horticultural Society. The RHS provides resources and support for farmers and gardeners, promoting best practices in horticulture.

respiratory system: A series of organs and passages that take air into the lungs and exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide. Maintaining healthy respiratory systems in livestock ensures their overall health and productivity.