April 26, 2025
S

Succession

succession: a series of stages, one after the other, by which a group of organisms living in a community reaches a stable state or climax. Properly managing ecological succession ensures sustainable land use and biodiversity on farms.

S

Soil Series

soil series: the classification of soils based on their similarities, used in soil mapping. (NOTE: Soil series are defined using a combination of three main properties: the parent material; the texture of the soil material and the presence or absence of material with a distinctive mineralogy; and the presence or absence of distinctive horizons.) Understanding soil series helps farmers manage land resources effectively, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

S

Silage

silage: Food for cattle formed of grass and other green plants, cut and stored in silos. Silage is made by fermenting a crop with a high moisture content under anaerobic conditions. It may be made from a variety of crops, the most common being grass and maize, although grass and clover mixtures, green cereals, kale, root tops, sugar beet pulp and potatoes can also be used. Trials indicate that very high-quality grass silage can be fed to adult pigs. Farmers benefit from producing silage for high-quality livestock feed and efficient forage management.

S

Scaly Leg

scaly leg: A disease affecting the legs of poultry, caused by a mite which burrows under the leg scales causing considerable itching. Large hard scales develop on the unfeathered parts of the legs. Farmers benefit from treating scaly leg to ensure poultry health and productivity.

S

spp.

spp.: abbreviation species (plural) (NOTE: The singular is sp.). Understanding species classifications helps farmers manage biodiversity and select appropriate crops and livestock for their specific conditions.

S

Sheep Scab

sheep scab: A serious disease of sheep, caused by a parasitic mite, which results in intense irritation, skin ulcers, loss of wool and emaciation. It is a notifiable disease. Farmers benefit from preventing and managing sheep scab to ensure livestock health and productivity.

S

Skimmed Milk

skimmed milk: milk which has had both fat and fat-soluble vitamins removed. It is used as a milk substitute for calves and lambs. Providing skimmed milk as a substitute ensures young livestock receive adequate nutrition for healthy growth and development.

S

Suffolk

Suffolk: a breed of sheep developed from crosses between the now extinct Norfolk Horn ewes and the Southdown ram. It is a large quick-growing animal with a close short fleece and a black face which has no wool on it. Suffolk crosses perform well under a broad range of farming systems, being equally effective for over-winter storing and for intensive early lamb production. Properly managing Suffolk sheep ensures healthy growth and productivity, supporting farm profitability and sustainability.

S

Sulphur

sulphur: a yellow non-metallic chemical element that is essential to biological life. It is used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid and in the vulcanisation of rubber. COMMENT: In the United Kingdom, the removal of sulphur from the atmosphere means that some crops such as oilseed rape are deficient and sulphur needs to be added to fertilisers. Understanding and using sulphur effectively supports soil fertility and healthy crop growth, enhancing farm productivity.

S

Stud

stud: same as stud farm; US a male horse kept for breeding; metal nail with a head projecting above the surface. Properly managing studs ensures healthy breeding programs and improves livestock genetics, supporting farm profitability.

S

Strike

strike: the infestation of the flesh of sheep by the larvae of blowflies. It causes extreme irritation and death can occur in a short time. Managing strike ensures sheep health and productivity, preventing losses and supporting farm profitability.

S

Salt Poisoning

salt poisoning: A disease of pigs usually caused by inadequate provision of water, but which may also be caused by increased salt in the ration. Pigs become constipated before twitching, fits and death. Farmers benefit from preventing salt poisoning by ensuring proper water provision and diet management.

S

Sustainable Consumption And Production

sustainable consumption and production: the idea that agricultural production should not cause environmental damage, exploit workers, or use up natural resources that cannot be replaced. Abbr SCP. Understanding and implementing sustainable consumption and production practices ensures responsible resource use and supports farm sustainability.

S

Shoddy

shoddy: A waste product of the wool industry. It contains up to 15% nitrogen and is used as a fertiliser, particularly in market gardens. Farmers benefit from using shoddy for soil improvement and as a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.