Category: T

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.

TUSDAC: Abbreviation for Trade Union Sustainable Development Advisory Committee. Engaging with such committees can provide farmers with support and resources for sustainable practices.

teat dipping: A measure for control of mastitis in cattle, where teats are dipped in a cup containing an iodophor disinfectant. Regular teat dipping helps prevent mastitis, improving udder health and milk quality.

threshing machine: A machine formerly used to thresh cereals, now replaced by the combine harvester. Understanding the history and evolution of threshing machines can provide insights into modern agricultural practices.

Timothy: A palatable tufted perennial grass (Phleum pratense). It grows on a wide range of soils and is winter hardy. It is used in grazing mixtures and as a hay plant in conjunction with ryegrass. Growing Timothy grass can provide high-quality forage for livestock, improving nutrition and productivity.

twinning: The act of giving birth to twins. Managing twinning in livestock can optimize breeding programs and improve productivity.

trembles: Same as louping-ill. Recognizing and managing trembles can prevent health issues in livestock and improve farm productivity.

table bird: A poultry bird reared for meat. Raising table birds can provide a reliable source of income for farmers and contribute to local food supplies.

thousand-headed kale: A variety of kale grown for feeding to livestock, usually in the winter months. It has many branches and small leaves. Utilizing thousand-headed kale can provide nutritious forage for livestock during winter.

translocated herbicide: A herbicide that kills a plant after being absorbed through its leaves. Utilizing translocated herbicides can provide effective weed control and enhance crop growth.

tarragon: An aromatic plant (Artemisia dracunculus) whose leaves are used for seasoning. Growing tarragon can diversify farm produce and provide value-added culinary herbs.

topknot: A tuft of hair on the top of an animal’s head, found in certain breeds of cattle and sheep. Managing breeds with specific features like topknots can support breeding programs and improve animal identification.

tenderometer: A device used for testing vining peas to see how firm they are, allowing harvesting to take place at the right time. Using a tenderometer helps farmers harvest peas at optimal quality and ripeness, maximizing yield and market value.

tether: A rope, chain, or halter used to tie up animals. Using tethers appropriately can help manage livestock movements and prevent escape or injury, aiding in farm management.

toe-in: The shorter distance between the bases of the front wheels of a tractor compared to their tops. Toe-in improves steering performance and reduces wear on the front tires. Proper tractor maintenance, including managing toe-in, can enhance machinery efficiency and longevity.

tuberous: Like a tuber. Referring to a plant that grows from a tuber. Understanding tuberous plants can enhance crop diversity and production.

teat: A nipple on an udder. Proper teat care is crucial for maintaining udder health and milk production in dairy animals.

trimmer: An implement for trimming hedges. Using trimmers can enhance landscape management and farm maintenance.

truss: A bundle of hay or straw. A compact cluster or flowers or fruit such as tomatoes. Managing trusses effectively can enhance crop yield and quality.

twice-a-day: A milking system in which cows are milked two times a day. Implementing twice-a-day milking can improve dairy production and farm profitability.

thiabendazole: A substance used to worm cattle. Proper use of thiabendazole can help manage parasitic infections in livestock, ensuring health and productivity.

twin: One of two babies or animals born at the same time from two ova fertilized at the same time or from one ovum that splits in two. Managing twin births in livestock can improve breeding efficiency and productivity.

triticale: A new cereal hybrid of wheat and rye. It combines the yield potential of wheat with the winter hardiness and resistance to drought of rye. Increasingly used in the UK, triticale replaces winter and spring feed barleys. It has a high level of disease resistance and a reduced demand for chemical fertiliser. Growing triticale can enhance crop diversity and improve resilience to environmental stresses.