Category: R

rafter: To plough land, leaving a space between the furrows. Helps farmers manage soil erosion and maintain soil health by controlling water runoff.

responsible care: An initiative of the chemical industry which requires member firms to follow codes of conduct on such matters as toxic materials, waste reduction, chemical-accident minimization, worker safety, and community consultation. Following responsible care principles ensures safe and sustainable agricultural practices.

recessive: (of a gene or genetically controlled characteristic) suppressed by the presence of a corresponding dominant gene. Understanding genetics helps farmers with selective breeding programs to enhance desirable traits in crops and livestock.

residual: Referring to the amount of something that is left behind. Understanding residual levels helps farmers manage pesticide and fertilizer use, ensuring food safety and environmental health.

roe deer: One of the breeds of deer which are found wild in the UK. Understanding local wildlife helps farmers manage land and protect crops from grazing animals.

radicle: The tiny structure in a plant embryo from which the root will develop. Understanding radicle growth is essential for farmers to ensure proper seed germination and healthy crop development.

rotation design: A method of conserving soil nutrients in organic farming by planting different crops in different years. Using rotation designs supports sustainable farming practices and soil health.

rural environment: The countryside. Protecting the rural environment supports sustainable agriculture and enhances biodiversity.

ringworm: Any of various infections of the skin by a fungus, in which the infection spreads out in a circle from a central point. Managing ringworm is essential for protecting livestock and human health on the farm.

Rough Fell: A hardy moorland breed of horned sheep, closely related to the Swaledale. It has a dark-colored face with irregular patterns. The wool is of coarse quality. Raising Rough Fell sheep supports diversified farm income and sustainable grazing practices.

rubbed seed: Same as graded seed. Using rubbed seed helps farmers ensure uniform crop establishment and growth.

ribwort: Same as plantain. Plantain is a nutritious forage crop that improves pasture quality and supports livestock health.

rain gun: A spraying device used for applying irrigation water, which it shoots out in a powerful jet. Rain guns help farmers efficiently irrigate large fields, ensuring crops receive adequate water.

rein: A long narrow strap used to control a horse, each end of which is attached to the bit in the horse’s mouth. Proper use of reins ensures safe and effective handling of horses, benefiting farm operations.

rent: Money paid to use a farm or land for a period of time; to pay money to hire a farm or land for a period of time. Renting land allows farmers to expand their operations without large capital investments.

rig: A male animal in which one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum at the usual time. Managing rigs is important for livestock breeding programs and animal health.

rainwater: The water which falls as rain from clouds. Collecting and utilizing rainwater can provide farmers with an additional source of irrigation water, reducing dependence on other water sources.

RELU: Abbreviation for rural economy and land use. Understanding RELU helps farmers manage rural resources sustainably and support rural development.

RRA: Abbreviation for Rothamsted Research Association. The RRA supports agricultural research and innovation, benefiting farmers through improved crop and soil management techniques.

rustle: To steal livestock, especially cows and horses. Preventing rustling protects farm assets and ensures livestock security.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

rape: Same as oilseed rape. Oilseed rape is a valuable crop for farmers, providing oil for food and industrial uses as well as high-protein animal feed.

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.

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.

raceway: Same as race. Provides a controlled pathway for moving animals, ensuring their safety and ease of handling.

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.

rich: Having many nutrients that are useful for plant growth. Managing rich soil supports healthy crop production and maximizes yields.

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.

respiratory: Referring to respiration. Managing respiratory health in livestock ensures their well-being and productivity.

right of way: A legal right to go across someone else’s property. Managing right of way ensures safe and efficient access to farmland.

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.

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.

rick: A stack, usually of hay, with a sloping roof. Properly storing hay in ricks helps farmers preserve forage quality and reduce spoilage.

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

rot: To decay or become putrefied because of bacterial or fungal action. Understanding and managing rot helps farmers protect crop and livestock health.

regenerative: Allowing new growth to replace damaged tissue. Regenerative practices support sustainable farming by promoting soil health and resilience.

riverine: Referring to a river. Understanding riverine environments helps farmers manage water resources and protect aquatic ecosystems.

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.

rotating tines: Spikes used on machines such as rotavators and power harrows for cultivation purposes. Using rotating tines supports efficient soil preparation and crop establishment.

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.

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.

rotavator: A trademark for a type of rotary cultivator. Using rotavators supports efficient soil preparation and crop establishment.

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.

refection: Consumption by an animal of its own feces. Understanding animal behavior like refection helps farmers manage livestock health and nutrition.

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.

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.