Category: T

trifolium: The crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), a plant which does best on calcareous loams and is grown after cereals as a catch crop. It is planted in mixed herbage as a winter annual for forage, particularly for sheep. Growing trifolium can provide high-quality forage and improve soil health.

tendon: A strip of connective tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone. Understanding the anatomy of livestock, including tendons, can help farmers manage animal health and performance, particularly in working animals.

Tamworth: A breed of pig, red-gold in color, which makes the animal almost immune to sunburn. Tamworths are widely exported due to their ability to thrive in hot sunshine and rough conditions, making them a valuable breed for diverse climates.

Taenia: A genus of tapeworm. Understanding Taenia species is essential for farmers to prevent and treat parasitic infections in livestock, ensuring animal health and productivity.

tolerant variety: A variety of crop which has been developed to withstand a disease or attacks by certain pests. Planting tolerant varieties can reduce the need for chemical inputs and improve crop health and yield.

traces: Side-straps or chains by which a horse pulls a cart or implement. Proper maintenance of traces can ensure the safety and efficiency of horse-drawn equipment.

technology: The use of scientific knowledge to develop machines and techniques for use in industry. Staying updated with agricultural technology can improve farm efficiency and productivity.

terra rossa: A red soil that develops over limestone, found in Spain, Southern France, and Southern Italy. Knowing about terra rossa can help farmers select appropriate crops and manage soil health in these regions.

tower silo: A tall circular tower used for storing silage. Using tower silos can optimize space and preserve silage quality for livestock feed.

title deeds: Documents showing who is the owner of a property. Ensuring proper documentation of title deeds can prevent legal disputes and support secure farm ownership.

turkey: A large poultry bird raised for meat. The adult males are called cocks or toms, the adult females are hens. Raising turkeys can provide high-quality meat and diversify poultry production on the farm.

tail corn: Grains of corn of inferior size. Utilizing tail corn effectively can minimize waste and improve overall crop yield and quality.

tick: A tiny parasite that sucks blood from the skin. Managing tick infestations is crucial for livestock health and preventing disease transmission.

trip device: A device used to sense when a person is too close to a hazard and isolate the hazard before contact can occur. Trip devices can take the form of trip bars, as used on some rotating arm bale wrappers. Implementing trip devices can improve farm safety and prevent accidents.

Tarentaise: A breed of dairy cattle from the Savoie region of France, yellowish fawn in color, with black muzzle, ears, and tail. Using Tarentaise cattle can improve dairy production and adapt to specific environmental conditions.

Triticum: The Latin name for wheat. Understanding the scientific classification of crops like Triticum can provide insights into breeding and cultivation practices.

triple-purpose animal: A breed of animal, usually cattle, which is used for three purposes, i.e., for milk, for meat, and as a draught animal. Raising triple-purpose animals can provide diverse income streams and optimize resource use on the farm.

trickle irrigation: Same as drip irrigation. Implementing trickle irrigation can conserve water and improve crop efficiency by delivering water directly to plant roots.

tom turkey: A male turkey. Raising tom turkeys can provide high-quality meat and diversify poultry production on the farm.

tuberculosis: An infectious disease caused by the tuberculosis bacillus, where infected lumps form in tissue and which affects humans and other animals. Cattle and pigs are more commonly affected than other species. It is a notifiable disease. Proper management of tuberculosis can prevent outbreaks and protect livestock and human health.

trotter: A foot of a pig or sheep. Utilizing trotters can provide value-added products and reduce waste in livestock processing.

topsoil: The top layer of soil, often containing organic material, from which chemical substances are washed by water into the subsoil below. Maintaining healthy topsoil is crucial for crop growth and sustainable farm practices.

Trade Union Sustainable Development Advisory Committee: A forum for consultation on environmental issues between the Government and the main TUC-affiliated trade unions in the UK. Abbr TUSDAC. Engaging with such committees can provide farmers with support and resources for sustainable practices.

trench: A long narrow hole in the ground. Proper trenching practices can improve irrigation, drainage, and planting efficiency on the farm.

theaves: Female sheep between the first and second shearing. Managing theaves can optimize wool production and improve breeding programs.

translaminar fungicide: A fungicide that is absorbed into a plant’s system through its leaves. Using translaminar fungicides can provide effective disease control and protect crop health.

thiamine: Vitamin B1, found in yeast, cereals, liver, and pork. Ensuring adequate thiamine in livestock diets can prevent deficiencies and improve overall health and performance.

timberline: US same as treeline. Understanding the timberline helps farmers in planning land use and managing forested areas.

twist: A disease of cereals and grasses which causes malformation of the leaves and stalks due to the growth of internal fungus. This may prevent the ear emerging from its sheath (Dilophospora alopecuri). Recognizing and managing twist can prevent crop losses and improve yield.

ton: A unit of measurement of weight, equal to 1016kg. Also called long ton. US a unit of measurement of weight, equal to 907kg. Also called short ton. Understanding weight measurements is crucial for accurate product sales and logistics.

tunnel drying: A method of storage drying of hay, where the bales are stacked in the form of a tunnel over a central duct through which unheated air is blown. Utilizing tunnel drying can preserve hay quality and ensure effective drying.

two-sward system: A grazing system where the area being grazed is kept separate from the area being conserved for cutting. Implementing a two-sward system can optimize pasture use and improve livestock nutrition.

thresh: To separate grains from stalks and the seedheads of plants. Efficient threshing practices can improve crop processing and yield.

thatch: To cover a roof with reeds, straw, grass, or other plant material. Proper thatching techniques can provide sustainable roofing options and utilize farm by-products effectively.

testis: One of two male sex glands in the scrotum, producing sperm. In mammals, including humans, the paired testes also secrete sex hormones. The plural of testis is testes. Proper management of testis health in livestock can improve reproductive performance and productivity.

tall fescue: A very hardy perennial grass often used for winter grazing in hilly or less fertile areas. Planting tall fescue can provide reliable forage for livestock, especially in challenging environments.

toxicology: The scientific study of poisons and their effects on the human body. Applying toxicology knowledge can help farmers ensure the safe use of chemicals and protect health.

transpire: (Of a plant) to lose water through stomata. Ensuring adequate water supply and managing transpiration can improve plant health and yield.

tedding: The process of spreading by lifting the swaths of new-mown grass in haymaking. Proper tedding practices ensure quicker drying of hay, maintaining its nutritional value.

Trondheim: Blacksided Trondheim. Understanding livestock breeds like Trondheim can support breeding programs and optimize animal performance.

top link sensor: The mechanism by which most draught controls sense the draught on a tractor implement. It uses the top link of the three-point linkage. Proper use of top link sensors can enhance tractor performance and efficiency.

tox- / toxi-: Prefix indicating poison. Understanding toxic substances and their effects is crucial for safe farm management and preventing contamination.

tine: A pointed spike on a cultivator or harrow. Types of tine include rigid, spring-loaded, and spring. A sharp prong of a fork or rake. Proper use and maintenance of tines can enhance soil preparation and crop management.

trial: A test carried out to see if something works well. Conducting trials can help farmers evaluate new practices, products, or technologies before full implementation.

tray: A flat shallow container, usually made of plastic, in which seeds can be sown in a greenhouse. Using trays for seed sowing can improve germination rates and ease of management.

toxaemia: Blood poisoning. Recognizing and treating toxaemia in livestock can prevent serious health issues and improve animal welfare.

transhumance: The practice of moving flocks and herds up to high summer pastures and bringing them down to a valley again in winter. Implementing transhumance can optimize pasture use and animal health.

turbary: A place where turf or peat is dug for fuel. Understanding turbary practices can provide sustainable fuel sources and support land management.

tillering: The process of developing several seedheads in a plant of wheat, barley, or oats. Tillering leads to the production of a heavier yield, and can be induced by rolling the young crop in the spring when it begins to grow. Understanding tillering is crucial for optimizing crop management and improving yields.

teaser ram: A vasectomized ram used to stimulate ewes by ‘non-fertile’ mating prior to the introduction of fertile rams. Using teaser rams can improve breeding efficiency and lambing rates.