Category: R

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.

rectal palpation: A technique used to diagnose pregnancy in cows. Early pregnancy detection through rectal palpation allows farmers to manage breeding programs more effectively.

riboflavin: A vitamin found in eggs, liver, green vegetables, milk, and yeast and also used as an additive (E101) in processed food. Also called vitamin B2. Ensuring adequate riboflavin intake supports livestock health and growth.

Rubus: A genus of plants including cane fruits such as raspberries and blackberries. Growing Rubus species provides farmers with high-value fruit crops and supports diversified farm income.

risk: A combination of the likelihood of injury, damage, or loss being caused by a potentially dangerous substance, technology, or activity, or by a failure to do something, and the seriousness of the possible consequences; something that is regarded as likely to cause injury, damage, or loss. Understanding and managing risks helps farmers protect farm assets and ensure operational safety.

roller crusher: A machine used to condition freshly-cut grass. The swath of cut grass is picked up by the rolls and the stems are flattened as the grass is passed between them. Using roller crushers speeds up the drying process, improving forage quality.

REPFEDs: Abbreviation for refrigerated processed foods of extended durability. Producing REPFEDs allows farmers to add value to their products and reach broader markets.

rest: To let land lie fallow, without growing any crops. Resting land helps restore soil fertility and improve long-term productivity.

ridge: A long raised section of ground, occurring as part of a mountain range, in a field, on a beach, or on the ocean floor; a long narrow band of high pressure leading away from the center of an anticyclone; a long raised section of earth, made by ploughing up and down on either side of the furrow. In systematic ploughing, ridges first mark out land in a field before the plough is reset for normal work and the field is ploughed. Managing ridges helps farmers control water runoff and improve soil health.

rancher: The owner of a ranch; somebody who works on a cattle ranch. Ranchers play a crucial role in managing livestock and ensuring the efficient operation of ranches.

rabies: A frequently fatal notifiable viral disease transmitted to humans by infected animals. Understanding rabies helps farmers implement preventative measures, protecting livestock and human health on the farm.

reedbed filter: A reedbed used as part of a system of cleaning sewage or dirty water. Utilizing reedbed filters helps farmers manage waste water sustainably and improve water quality on farms.

R: Indicates the average quality of meat in the EUROP classification, helping farmers understand the market value of their livestock, leading to better pricing and marketing strategies.

rock: A solid mineral substance that forms the outside crust of the Earth. Understanding rock formations helps farmers manage soil health and optimize crop production.

reel: Part of the mechanism of a combine harvester, which holds the crop against the cutter bar for cutting. The reel directs the crop after it has been cut onto the cutter bar table or platform. Efficient reel operation ensures effective harvesting and reduces crop losses.

red currant: A soft fruit, growing on bushes, and used mainly for making jams. Growing red currants can diversify farm income and meet consumer demand for fresh and processed berries.

rooting compound: A powder containing plant hormones (auxins) into which cuttings can be dipped to encourage the formation of roots. Using rooting compounds supports successful plant propagation and nursery operations.

rustling: The crime of stealing cattle or horses. Preventing rustling protects farm assets and ensures livestock security.

row crop tractor: A lightweight tractor with a narrow turning circle and adjustable wheel track widths, used by market gardeners and farmers who grow row crops. Using row crop tractors supports efficient cultivation and crop management.

respiratory quotient: The ratio of the amount of carbon dioxide passed from the blood into the lungs to the amount of oxygen absorbed into the blood from the air. Abbreviation: RQ. Monitoring respiratory quotient helps farmers assess livestock health and optimize feeding strategies.

rumination: The process by which food taken to the stomach of a ruminant is returned to the mouth, chewed again, and then swallowed. Understanding rumination supports effective livestock feeding and health management.

rhubarb: A perennial plant (Rheum rhaponticum), of which the leaf stalks are cooked and eaten as dessert. It has a high oxalate content and the leaves are toxic. Growing rhubarb diversifies farm produce offerings and meets consumer demand for fresh and processed rhubarb products.

rural recreation: Same as countryside recreation. Promoting rural recreation supports agritourism and enhances farm income.

Regional Development Agency: An organization which promotes the social and economic benefits of living in a region and undertakes projects to bring new industries and jobs to the region. Abbreviation: RDA. RDAs support rural development and economic growth, benefiting farmers through improved infrastructure and market access.

refrigerator: A device for cooling produce and keeping it cool. Using refrigerators helps farmers maintain the quality and freshness of their products.

REACH: Abbreviation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restrictions of Chemicals. This regulation ensures that chemicals used in agriculture are safe, protecting farmworkers, consumers, and the environment.