December 18, 2024
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Salmonella

Salmonella: A genus of bacteria found in the intestines, which are acquired by eating contaminated food. Different species cause food poisoning and typhoid fever. Farmers benefit from understanding and preventing Salmonella infections to ensure food safety and public health.

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Soft Fruit

soft fruit: a general term for all fruits and berries that grow on bushes and canes, have a relatively soft flesh, and so cannot be kept, except in some cases by freezing. Typical soft fruit are raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, and the various currants. Growing soft fruits provides farmers with high-value crops for fresh and processed markets, enhancing farm income.

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Silage Additive

silage additive: A substance containing bacteria and/or chemicals, used to speed up or improve the fermentation process in silage or to increase the amount of nutrients in it. Farmers benefit from using silage additives to enhance silage quality and nutrient content.

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Self-Sufficiency

self-sufficiency: A simple traditional way of farming with little use of modern technology that provides only enough food and other necessary materials for a family. Farmers benefit from achieving self-sufficiency for food security and sustainability.

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Self-Seeded

self-seeded: Referring to a plant that grows from seed that has fallen to the ground naturally rather than being sown intentionally. Several self-seeded poppies have come up in the vegetable garden. Farmers benefit from managing self-seeded plants for natural regeneration and biodiversity.

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Square Ploughing

square ploughing: a method of ploughing suitable for large areas. A piece of land is ploughed in the centre of a field and then the field is ploughed in a clockwise direction starting from this central point. Using square ploughing techniques ensures efficient soil preparation and promotes healthy crop growth.

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Sieve

sieve: A garden implement with a base made of mesh or with perforations through which fine particles can pass while coarse material is retained. Compare riddle. To pass soil, etc. through a sieve to produce a fine tilth, or to remove the soil from root crops such as potatoes. Farmers benefit from using sieves for soil preparation and crop cleaning.

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Stubble

stubble: the short stems left in the ground after a crop such as wheat or oilseed rape has been cut. Properly managing stubble ensures efficient soil preparation and recycling of crop residues, supporting productive agriculture.

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sp.

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

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South Devon

South Devon: the heaviest breed of British cattle, with a light brownish-red colour. It was originally a dual-purpose breed, but now is mainly raised for beef. Raising South Devon cattle provides farmers with a robust breed for beef production, supporting farm profitability.

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Summer Mastitis

summer mastitis: an infection of the udder thought to be spread by biting flies. Cows become very ill, lameness may occur and milk is watery and later bloody. Properly managing summer mastitis ensures dairy cow health and milk quality, supporting farm productivity.

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Separate Concentrate Feeding

separate concentrate feeding: A winter feeding system for livestock in which the animals are allowed free feeding of roughage and concentrates are fed separately in restricted quantities. Abbr SCF. Farmers benefit from using separate concentrate feeding systems for efficient and consistent livestock nutrition.

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Source

source: to get materials or products from a particular place or supplier. ‘It was time people started buying food more ethically, said Mr Mitchell, to give them a sense of pride in their region. The extra work needed to source from multiple small suppliers was well worth it.’ [Farmers Weekly]. Sourcing materials and products ethically ensures sustainability and supports local economies.

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Stoma

stoma: a pore in a plant, especially in the leaves, through which carbon dioxide is taken in and oxygen is sent out. Each stoma in a leaf is surrounded by a pair of guard cells, which close the stomata if the plant needs to conserve water. (NOTE: The plural is stomata.) Properly managing stomata ensures efficient gas exchange and healthy plant growth, supporting better yields.