Category: T

tilth: A good light crumbling soil prepared to be suitable for growing plants. Working the soil into a fine tilth before sowing seeds can enhance seedling emergence and crop establishment.

Tull, Jethro: (1674–1740) An 18th-century gentleman farmer. He invented the mechanical seed drill and the horse-drawn hoe. Understanding historical figures like Jethro Tull can provide insights into the development of modern agricultural practices.

terrain: The ground or an area of land in terms of its physical surface features. Understanding the terrain is crucial for farm planning, crop selection, and managing equipment use.

tattoo: A mark made on an animal’s body to identify it. Using tattoos for animal identification supports breeding programs and disease control.

temporary grassland: Arable land sown to ley for a limited period. Utilizing temporary grasslands can improve soil fertility and provide rotational grazing options for livestock.

thornless: Referring to a plant without thorns. Developing thornless varieties can improve safety and ease of handling for farmers.

tripoding: The process of drying hay on a wooden frame in the field. It is rarely practised in the UK, but still common in some parts of Europe. Tripoding is also used as a means of drying out peas. Using tripoding techniques can preserve hay quality and improve drying efficiency.

toxic substance: A substance that is poisonous or harmful to humans, animals, or the environment. Proper handling and disposal of toxic substances can prevent contamination and ensure farm safety.

thornless: Referring to a plant without thorns. Developing thornless varieties can improve safety and ease of handling for farmers.

tallow: A cattle by-product produced by rendering down all the inedible waste, used in the manufacture of soap and formerly incorporated into animal feeds. Utilizing tallow can add value to livestock processing and create additional revenue streams.

thrush: A disease affecting the frog of a horse’s hoof. Recognizing and treating thrush can prevent lameness and improve horse health.

tocopherol: One of a group of fat-soluble chemicals that make up vitamin E. It is particularly abundant in vegetable oils and leafy green vegetables. Ensuring adequate tocopherol in livestock diets can improve reproductive health and prevent deficiencies.

title: The right to hold goods or property. A document proving a right to hold property. Maintaining clear title deeds is essential for legal security and managing farm property.

Thuya: The Latin name for cedar. Thuya species can be valuable for timber production and landscape use.

tender: Soft or susceptible to damage. Referring to a plant which cannot tolerate frost. Understanding plant tenderness helps farmers in selecting appropriate crops and managing growing conditions.

turnip: A brassica plant that has a swollen root, is an important forage crop, and is also used as a vegetable. Turnips can be harvested by machine and stored outdoors in clamps. In milder areas, they can be left growing in the fields and used when needed. Turnips are often grazed off in the field. Growing turnips can provide nutritious forage and food for livestock, improving farm productivity.

threshold price: In the EU, the lowest price at which farm produce imported into the EU can be sold. This is the price in the home market below which the government or its agencies must buy all the produce offered by producers for sale at that price. Knowing about threshold prices can help farmers navigate market regulations and optimize pricing strategies.

thrips: An insect that is a pest of vegetables, operating on the underside of leaves and leaving spots of sap or other liquid which are red or blackish-brown. Typical examples are the onion thrips, grain thrips, and pea thrips. Effective thrips management can protect crops and ensure better yields.

tetanus: An infection caused by Clostridium tetani in the soil, which affects the spinal cord and causes spasms, occurring first in the jaw. Recognizing and preventing tetanus through vaccination and wound management is crucial for livestock health and farmer safety.

tail tail: The tail of a pig, which may be docked to prevent injury. Understanding animal management practices like tail docking ensures pig health and welfare.

taint: To give an unpleasant taste to food. Avoiding taint in food products is crucial for maintaining market quality and consumer satisfaction.

tabanidae: A family of horse flies with strong antennae, often large and flying fast. Most females suck blood and attack large mammals such as cattle with their blade-like jaws. Understanding tabanidae is crucial for farmers to manage and protect livestock from these pests, which can cause distress and transmit diseases.

tier: A range of things placed one row above another, e.g., the arrangement of cages in a battery. Effective tier management can optimize space and improve efficiency in livestock housing.

tank: A large container for storing fluid. Proper use and maintenance of tanks for water, fuel, or chemicals are essential for efficient farm operations and resource management.

top dressing: A fertilizer applied to a growing crop. Proper application of top dressings can enhance crop nutrition and yield, supporting better farm productivity.

teat cup: A tube forming part of a milking machine, which fits over the teat of the cow. Ensuring proper use and maintenance of teat cups can improve milking efficiency and cow comfort.

towbar: A strong bar at the back of a car or tractor, to which another vehicle can be attached to be pulled along. Proper use and maintenance of towbars can improve safety and efficiency in farm logistics.

tolerant: Not reacting adversely to something. Using tolerant plant varieties can enhance crop performance under adverse conditions, supporting sustainable agriculture.

tetraploid: Forms of grass and clover with larger seeds and a larger plant than ordinary grass and clover. Utilizing tetraploid varieties can improve forage quality and yield, benefiting livestock nutrition and farm productivity.

thorax: A cavity in the top part of the body of an animal above the abdomen, containing the diaphragm, heart, and lungs, all surrounded by the rib cage. The middle section of the body of an insect, between the head and the abdomen. Understanding thorax anatomy helps in managing livestock health and diagnosing issues.

tedder: A machine used to lift and loosen a swath, enabling air to circulate through the cut crop. Using tedders can speed up hay drying, ensuring high-quality forage for livestock.

tree nursery: A place where trees are grown from seed until they are large enough to be planted out. Utilizing tree nurseries can ensure a reliable supply of healthy saplings for reforestation or commercial planting.

trailing: Referring to a plant whose shoots lie on the ground. Managing trailing plants can improve crop growth and ease of harvest.

thrips: An insect that is a pest of vegetables, operating on the underside of leaves and leaving spots of sap or other liquid which are red or blackish-brown. Typical examples are the onion thrips, grain thrips, and pea thrips. Effective thrips management can protect crops and ensure better yields.

tree: A plant typically with one main woody stem that may grow to a great height. Managing trees on a farm can provide shade, timber, and environmental benefits.

tailpiece: An extension of the moldboard of a plough which helps to press down the furrow slice. Understanding and using the right plow components can improve soil preparation and crop planting efficiency.

thorn: A sharp woody point on plant stems or branches. Managing thorny plants can prevent injuries to livestock and improve pasture accessibility.

thistle: A perennial weed (Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare) with spiny or prickly leaves, which grows as an erect plant and has large purple or white flower heads. Effective thistle management can prevent crop competition and improve pasture quality.

tan: To convert animal skins to leather. Understanding the tanning process can help farmers add value to animal by-products and explore new business opportunities.

tariff: A duty or duties levied by a government on imported or sometimes exported goods. Knowing about tariffs can help farmers navigate international trade and optimize their market strategies.

tolerance: The ability of an organism to accept something, or not to react to something. Developing tolerant crop varieties can improve resilience to environmental stresses and enhance farm productivity.

tree ring: Same as annual ring. Understanding tree rings can provide insights into the age and growth history of trees, useful for forestry management.

triazole: One of a group of systemic, protectant, and curative fungicides, e.g., tebuconazole or myclobutanil. Triazoles can be used on a wide range of crops. Utilizing triazole fungicides can protect crops from diseases and improve yield.

tertiary: Coming after two other things, often used in a sequence of importance. Understanding tertiary processes and products in agriculture can help farmers add value and diversify their operations.

tanker: A truck used to carry liquids such as petrol or milk. Efficient use of tankers ensures safe and reliable transport of essential liquids, supporting farm logistics and productivity.

thorny: With thorns. Managing thorny plants effectively can prevent injuries and improve accessibility on the farm.

tilapia: A tropical white fish suitable for growing in fish farms. Raising tilapia can diversify farm income and provide a sustainable source of protein.

tick-borne fever: An infectious disease transmitted by bites from ticks. In cattle, the disease causes loss of milk yield and a lower resistance to other diseases. In sheep, it causes fever, listlessness, and loss of weight. Abortions may occur as a result of tick-borne fever. Effective management and prevention of tick-borne fever are essential for maintaining livestock health and productivity.

trafficability: The ability of soil to take machinery or stock without significant soil damage. It is related to the soil water content. Monitoring and managing trafficability can prevent soil compaction and enhance crop growth.

turn out time: A season, usually in the spring, when animals which have been kept indoors during the winter are let out to grass. Managing turn out time effectively can enhance pasture management and livestock productivity.