Category: R

RIW: Abbreviation for Rural Inspectorate Wales. RIW supports farmers by ensuring compliance with agricultural regulations and promoting best practices in farming.

rapeseed: The seed of the rape plant. Rapeseed is processed into oil and meal, offering farmers a profitable crop option with multiple market applications.

Rural Enterprise Scheme: A system of government support for the adaptation and development of the rural economy, community, heritage, and environment. It is part of the England Rural Development Programme. The Rural Enterprise Scheme provides farmers with opportunities for diversification and economic growth.

redlegs: A common weed (Polygonum persicaria) which affects spring crops and causes problems when harvesting. Also called redshanks. Managing redlegs is essential for protecting crop yields and ensuring efficient harvests.

rumen liquor: A concentrated liquid found in the rumen of an animal, used to test the digestibility of feed or the nutrient balance of an animal’s diet. Using rumen liquor analysis helps farmers optimize livestock nutrition and feed efficiency.

response: The beneficial reaction of a growing crop to the application of fertilizer. Monitoring crop response helps farmers optimize fertilizer use and improve yields.

rural area: An area in the countryside where the main activities are farming or forestry and where relatively few people live. Managing rural areas supports sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods.

reseed: To reestablish a ley by sowing seed again. Reseeding improves pasture quality and productivity, supporting sustainable livestock grazing.

redshanks: Same as redlegs. Managing redshanks is essential for protecting crop yields and ensuring efficient harvests.

refrigeration: A method of prolonging the life of various foods by storing them at very low temperatures. Effective refrigeration reduces spoilage and waste, enhancing farm profitability.

refine: To process something to remove impurities. Refining agricultural products ensures higher quality and better market value, enhancing farm income.

refrigerate: To cool produce and keep it at a cool temperature. Refrigeration helps farmers preserve produce quality and extend shelf life, reducing waste and increasing marketability.

raspberry beetle: A serious pest (Byturus tomentosus) whose larvae feed on young raspberry fruit. Managing this pest is essential for farmers to protect raspberry crops and ensure high-quality yields.

riddle: A coarse sieve for sieving soil; to grade and sort produce according to size, using a sieve. Using riddles helps farmers manage soil quality and sort produce efficiently.

raceme: An inflorescence in which flowers are borne on individual stalks on a main flower stem. Understanding plant structures like racemes aids farmers in crop management and optimizing yields.

Romney: A hardy breed of sheep found in large numbers on Romney Marsh, which has heavy fine-quality long wool fleece. The Romney half-breed has been developed by crossing Romney ewes with North Country Cheviot rams, and has been widely exported. Also called Kent. Raising Romney sheep provides farmers with high-quality wool and meat, supporting diversified farm income.

rain: Water that falls from clouds as small drops. Adequate rainfall is crucial for crop irrigation and overall farm productivity, making it vital for farmers to monitor weather patterns.

ration: An amount of food given to an animal or person. Proper rationing ensures that livestock receive balanced nutrition, promoting growth, health, and productivity.

reap: To cut a grain crop. Efficient reaping methods are essential for timely harvests and maximizing grain yields.

rectified concentrated grape must: A form of grape sugar produced by distillation from surplus wine, used to add to new wine during chaptalisation. Utilizing surplus grapes in this way provides farmers with an additional revenue stream and improves wine quality.

reversible plough: A plough with left- and right-handed mouldboards, which make it possible to plough up and down the same furrow. Using reversible ploughs improves soil management and reduces erosion.

reclamation: The act of reclaiming land. Land reclamation projects can significantly increase the available agricultural land, supporting greater farm productivity.

river: A large flow of water, running from a natural source in mountains or hills down to the sea. Managing river resources supports farm irrigation and water supply needs.

ripen: To become ready for eating, or to make something, especially a fruit, ready for eating. Managing ripening processes helps farmers deliver fresh, high-quality produce to market.

repot: To take a plant out of its pot and plant it in another, changing or adding to the soil at the same time. Repotting helps farmers manage plant health and growth in nursery operations.

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.

reservoir: An artificial or natural area of water, used for storing water for domestic or industrial use. Managing reservoirs ensures a reliable water supply for farm irrigation and other agricultural needs.

reference price: The minimum price at which certain fruit and vegetables can be imported into the EU. Understanding reference prices helps farmers stay competitive in the market and ensure fair pricing for their produce.

rubber: A material which can be stretched and compressed, and is made from a thick white fluid (latex) from a tropical tree; the rubber tree, a tropical tree grown for its latex. In commercial practice, trees are grafted onto suitable rootstock. Understanding rubber production supports diversified farm income and sustainable forestry practices.

regenerate: To grow again, or grow something again. Regeneration of crops and natural vegetation supports sustainable farming practices and ecosystem health.

ratoon: The second and later crops taken from the regrowth of a crop after it has been harvested once. Ratoon cropping can increase farm productivity and reduce planting costs by utilizing existing plant root systems.

rough terrain vehicle: A vehicle specially designed to travel over difficult ground. Abbreviation: RTV. Using rough terrain vehicles supports efficient farm operations in challenging environments.

Roman: A breed of white goose, now quite rare. Raising Roman geese helps farmers preserve rare breeds and diversify farm produce.

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.