Reed
reed: An aquatic plant growing near the shores of lakes, used to make thatched roofs. Understanding reed growth helps farmers manage wetland areas and utilize reeds for sustainable building materials.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
replacement milk: Milk which is used to feed young animals which cannot be fed by their mothers. Proper use of replacement milk ensures young animals receive adequate nutrition, promoting growth and health.
rhizosphere: The soil surrounding the roots of a plant. Managing the rhizosphere supports healthy root development and improves overall crop productivity.
ring-barking: The cutting of a strip of bark from a tree as a means of making the tree more productive. It restricts growth and encourages fruiting. Understanding ring-barking helps farmers manage orchard productivity and improve fruit yields.
reafforestation: The planting of trees in an area which was formerly covered by forest. Reafforestation helps farmers restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and contribute to carbon sequestration.
rural development policy: A set of aims and guidelines issued by an authority, used when planning rural development. Understanding rural development policy helps farmers engage with development initiatives and access support.
Rare Breeds Survival Trust: A trust established in 1973 to foster interest in breeds which have historical importance and may prove useful in the future. The trust supports farmers in preserving rare breeds, ensuring their continued existence and potential future value.
renewable energy: Energy from the Sun, wind, waves, tides, from geothermal deposits or from burning waste. Using renewable energy sources helps farmers reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower farm operating costs.
reproductive: Referring to the production of offspring. Understanding reproductive processes helps farmers optimize breeding programs and improve livestock production.
rotary parlour: The most expensive and complex of the four milking systems, where the cows stand on a rotating platform with the milker in the middle. The operator may work on the inner or outer side of the circle. Using rotary parlours enhances milking efficiency and reduces labor costs.
rumen: The first stomach of ruminating animals such as cows, sheep, or goats, all of which have four stomachs. It is used for storage of food after it has been partly digested and before it passes to the second stomach. Understanding rumen function helps farmers optimize livestock diets and improve productivity.
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.
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 animalÂ’s diet. Using rumen liquor analysis helps farmers optimize livestock nutrition and feed efficiency.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.