Category: R

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.

restore: To give something back, or put something back to a previous state or position. Restoring soil health and fertility supports sustainable farming practices and ensures long-term productivity.

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.