Category: R

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.

ruddle: A red coloring material on a harness worn by rams so that ewes which have been mated will be marked and identified. Using ruddle helps farmers manage breeding programs and track mated ewes.

root crop: A plant that stores edible material in a root, corm, or tuber and is grown as food. Root crops include carrots, parsnips, swedes, and turnips. Starchy root crops include potatoes, cassavas, and yams. Growing root crops diversifies farm production and provides a stable source of nutrition.

rotational grazing: The movement of livestock around a number of fields or paddocks in an ordered sequence. Also called on-off grazing. Rotational grazing supports pasture health and productivity, improving livestock performance and reducing overgrazing.

residual herbicide: A herbicide applied to the surface of the soil which acts through the roots of existing plants and also new plants as they germinate. Using residual herbicides helps farmers control weeds effectively and protect crop yields.

rounds: Circular walls built to protect sheep from snow drifts. Using rounds helps farmers protect livestock from harsh weather conditions and ensure their safety.

ranching: An agricultural system based on commercial grazing on ranches; the raising of cattle on large grassland farms. Ranching supports sustainable livestock production and helps maintain open grasslands.

rotary sprinkler: A machine used for irrigation purposes. Sprinklers can be fitted with fine spray nozzles for protection of fruit crops and potatoes against frost damage. Using rotary sprinklers supports efficient irrigation and crop protection.

raise: To make plants germinate and nurture them as seedlings; to breed and keep livestock. Effective raising of crops and livestock ensures farm productivity and sustainability.

rotation of crops: Same as crop rotation. Rotating crops supports soil health, reduces pest and disease pressure, and improves overall farm productivity.

rainwater harvesting: The collection and storage of rainwater for agricultural use. Rainwater harvesting helps farmers manage water resources and reduce dependence on external water supplies.

rennet: An extract from the stomach of a calf; it contains the enzyme rennin, which clots milk. It is used in the production of certain milk products such as cheese. Using rennet allows farmers to produce high-quality dairy products, enhancing farm income.

rhizomania: A notifiable virus disease affecting sugar beet, in which hairs grow on the roots and the leaves turn yellow. Managing rhizomania is essential for maintaining healthy sugar beet crops and maximizing yields.

red clover: A short-lived deep-rooting species of clover (Trifolium pratense). Red clover improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and provides nutritious forage for livestock.

rickets: A disease of young animals due to deficiency of Vitamin D. Bones fail to ossify and joints become swollen. Preventing rickets ensures healthy growth and development in livestock.

retinol: A vitamin that is soluble in fat and can be formed in the body but is mainly found in food such as liver, vegetables, eggs, and cod liver oil. Also called vitamin A. Ensuring adequate retinol intake supports livestock health and growth.

ring bone: A growth of bony tissue in the joints of a horse’s foot. Managing ring bone is crucial for maintaining horse health and performance.

rooster: A cock, a male domestic fowl (especially US). Raising roosters is essential for breeding programs and ensuring flock health.

Royal Horticultural Society: A national society which organizes the Chelsea Flower Show and has permanent gardens at Wisley in Surrey. Abbreviation: RHS. The RHS provides resources and support for farmers and gardeners, promoting best practices in horticulture.

rough stalked meadow grass: A type of grass, highly palatable but low in production compared to ryegrass; common in lowland pastures on rich moist soils. When found in cereal crops it is treated as a weed. Managing rough stalked meadow grass supports pasture health and productivity.

rectum: The last part of the large intestine, where waste material accumulates before leaving the body through the anus. Understanding animal anatomy helps farmers manage livestock health and address digestive issues.

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: A UK charity that runs centers to take care of animals in distress and lobbies the government on animal welfare legislation. Abbreviation: RSPCA. The RSPCA supports farmers by promoting animal welfare and ensuring compliance with animal protection laws.

ridger: A type of plough used to form ridges for earthing up crops such as potatoes. Using ridgers helps farmers manage soil structure and optimize crop production.

russet: A type of dessert apple with a rough brown skin. Growing russet apples provides farmers with a high-value fruit crop that meets consumer demand.

reticulum: The second stomach compartment of ruminants such as cows and sheep. Understanding ruminant digestion helps farmers optimize livestock diets and improve productivity.