Category: T

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.

terrier: A record of land held and its occupation and use. Maintaining accurate land records (terriers) is important for farm management, legal purposes, and optimizing land use.

toxin: A poisonous substance produced by microorganisms. Managing toxin levels in crops and livestock can prevent health issues and ensure product safety.

twine: A strong string used for binding bales. Proper use of twine can enhance bale management and ease of transport.

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.