Category: T

tup: An uncastrated male sheep. Managing tups effectively can improve breeding programs and flock performance.

toleration: The ability to tolerate something, or the act of tolerating something. Implementing practices that enhance toleration of environmental stresses can improve farm sustainability.

toadstool: A fungus that resembles an edible mushroom but may be poisonous. Identifying and managing toadstools can prevent poisoning and protect farm safety.

train: To make plants, especially fruit trees and climbing plants, become a certain shape by attaching shoots to supports or by pruning. Training plants can enhance yield and ease of management.

transplanting: Moving a plant from one location to another. Successful transplanting ensures plant survival and optimal growth.

tuberculin: A substance which is derived from the culture of the tuberculosis bacillus and is used to test cattle for the presence of tuberculosis. Using tuberculin tests can help detect and manage tuberculosis in livestock, protecting herd health.

timber: Trees which have been or are to be cut down and made into logs. Managing timber resources effectively can provide sustainable income and support conservation efforts.

tile draining: A means of draining land using underground drains made of clay, plastic, or concrete. Special machines called ‘tile-laying machines’ are available for this work. Proper tile draining can improve soil health and crop yields by preventing waterlogging.

thousand grain weight: The weight of a thousand grains, used as an indicator of grain quality. Monitoring thousand grain weight helps farmers assess crop quality and make informed decisions for breeding and marketing.

top-saving attachment: An attachment to a topper unit which collects the tops of sugar beet after they have been cut off. Using top-saving attachments can enhance feed utilization and reduce waste.

trematode: A fluke, a parasitic flatworm. Proper management of trematode infections is essential for livestock health and productivity.

trunk: The main woody stem of a tree. Understanding tree anatomy, including the trunk, can support forestry management and timber production.

trichlorophenoxyacetic acid: A herbicide which forms dioxin as a byproduct during the manufacturing process and is effective against woody shrubs. This herbicide is no longer approved for use in the UK. Understanding herbicide safety and regulations can protect farm workers and the environment.

thin: To remove a number of small plants from a crop, allowing the remaining plants to grow more strongly. Proper thinning practices can improve crop yield and quality, enhancing farm productivity.

theoretical field capacity: The rate of work that would be achieved if a machine were performing its function at its full-rated forward speed for 100% of the time. Understanding theoretical field capacity can help farmers plan and optimize machinery use for efficient field operations.

terrace cultivation: Hill slopes cut to form terraced fields which rise in steps one above the other and are cultivated, often with the aid of irrigation. Implementing terrace cultivation can increase arable land area and improve water management, supporting sustainable farming practices.

trough: A long narrow area of low pressure with cold air in it, leading away from the centre of a depression. A long narrow open wooden or metal container for holding water or feed for livestock. Proper management of troughs can ensure adequate water and feed supply, improving livestock health and productivity.

Texan angora goat: A breed of goat with very fine hair, imported from America. Raising Texan Angora goats can provide high-quality fiber (mohair) and diversify farm products.

Toulouse: A medium-large grey and white breed of goose, which originates in France. Raising Toulouse geese can provide high-quality meat and feathers, diversifying farm income.

tree stump: A short section of the trunk of a tree left in the ground with the roots after a tree has been cut down. Managing tree stumps can prevent regrowth and support land clearance.

tissue culture: Plant or animal tissue grown in a culture medium. A method of plant propagation which reproduces clones of the original plant on media containing plant hormones. Utilizing tissue culture techniques can enhance plant breeding and propagation, providing disease-free and high-yielding crops.

teat chaps: Sores on the teat, probably due to abrasions caused by the milking machine. Addressing teat chaps is essential for animal welfare and preventing infections.

tetracycline: An antibiotic used against various bacterial diseases. Proper use of tetracycline can help manage and treat bacterial infections in livestock, ensuring animal health and productivity.

target price: The wholesale price within the EU that market management is intended to achieve for certain products such as wheat. Understanding target prices helps farmers make informed marketing and pricing decisions.

tractor: A heavy vehicle with large wheels used for a range of tasks. On farms, it is mainly used for pulling cultivation and spraying equipment. Understanding tractor functions and maintenance can enhance farm operations and productivity.

tree preservation order: An order from a local government department that prevents a tree from being cut down. Abbr TPO. Complying with tree preservation orders supports environmental conservation and sustainable land use.

trailed implements: Implements such as harrows which are pulled behind a tractor. Understanding the use of trailed implements can enhance field operations and improve soil management.

tailbiting: A form of behavior, especially associated with pigs, where an animal bites the tail of another animal. Addressing tailbiting is important for animal welfare and preventing injuries that can lead to infections.

triazine: One of a group of soil-acting herbicides, e.g., Atrazine and Simazine. Maize is tolerant to these substances. Triazines will no longer be approved for use in the UK after December 2007. Understanding herbicide regulations can help farmers choose safe and effective weed control methods.

taproot: The thick main root of a plant which grows straight down into the soil. Understanding taproot systems helps farmers in selecting crops suitable for various soil conditions and improving soil health.

tenant: A person who pays rent for the use of a farm and land owned by a landlord. Tenant farming arrangements can provide access to land and resources for new or expanding farmers.

threadworm: A thin parasitic worm which infests the large intestine. Genus: Enterobius. Proper management of threadworm infections is essential for livestock health and productivity.

tea: The dried leaves of one or more shrubs of the Camellia family. Growing tea can provide an alternative income source and contribute to sustainable agriculture practices.

tunnel cloche: A long continuous covering over rows of plants, usually made of plastic. Implementing tunnel cloches can improve crop protection and growth.

tag: A label attached to an animal to identify it. Proper tagging of animals is vital for tracking health, breeding, and ownership, enhancing farm management and biosecurity.

tendril: A stem, leaf, or petiole of a plant modified into a thin touch-sensitive organ that coils around objects, providing support for climbing plants. Utilizing tendrils can help farmers manage vine crops more effectively, improving growth and yield.

tackroom: A room for storing harness equipment. Keeping tack in damp-free conditions ensures the longevity and functionality of the equipment, aiding in efficient farm operations.

teg: A sheep in its second year. Managing teg sheep effectively can optimize wool and meat production.

trocar: A pointed rod which slides inside a cannula to draw off liquid or to puncture an animal’s stomach to let gas escape, such as in the treatment of bloat. Using trocars can provide effective treatment for livestock health issues, improving animal welfare and productivity.

tare: Same as vetch. Also, the weight of a container or packaging in which goods are wrapped. Properly managing tare can enhance crop rotation and soil fertility, as well as accurate weight measurements for sales.

tined: With tines. Using tined equipment can improve soil aeration and preparation for planting.

Toggenburg: A small Swiss breed of goat, pale brown in color with white markings on the face, legs, and rump. In Britain, it has been developed into a larger, darker animal, which is a good milker with a long lactation period. Raising Toggenburg goats can provide high-quality milk and diversify farm products.

tunnel: A long enclosure, covered with a semicircular roof. Using tunnels can extend the growing season and protect crops from adverse weather.

tolerate: Not to react adversely to something. Cultivating crops and livestock that tolerate specific conditions can enhance farm resilience and productivity.

trailer: A machine used for carrying purposes. Trailers are of the two-wheel or four-wheel types and are used for carrying cereal and root crops and for general use on the farm. Proper use and maintenance of trailers can improve farm logistics and transport efficiency.

Townshend, Viscount (1674–1738): An 18th-century Norfolk landowner. Nicknamed ‘Turnip’ Townshend, he did much to make the Norfolk four-course rotation system popular. Understanding historical agricultural practices like Townshend’s rotation system can provide insights into sustainable farming techniques.