Category: W

white clover: A type of perennial clover (Trifolium repens). There are several varieties including the large-leaved variety suitable for silage or hay and the small-leaved variety which is quick to establish and keeps out weeds and other grasses. Growing white clover can improve soil fertility and provide nutritious forage for livestock.

weed beet: A type of beet which is regarded as a weed because it produces seeds as opposed to roots which can be harvested. Weed beet affects sugar beet crops and can harbor rhizomania. It is controlled by limiting bolters and so preventing cross-pollination. The most effective control is by hand-pulling bolters. Managing weed beet can prevent crop losses and improve yields.

waterlogged: Referring to soil that is saturated with water and so cannot keep oxygen between its particles. Managing waterlogged soil can prevent crop losses and improve plant health.

Welsh: Referring to a breed of pig, white in color, with lop ears. It is one of the older breeds of British pig. Preserving traditional breeds like the Welsh pig can maintain genetic diversity and cultural heritage in livestock farming.

Whole Farm Approach: An official system of communication between the Government and farmers which is more streamlined and aims to avoid duplicated information and ‘red tape’. Abbr WFA. Implementing the Whole Farm Approach can streamline farm management and reduce administrative burdens.

WAOS: Abbreviation for Welsh Agricultural Organisation Society. Engaging with agricultural organizations like WAOS can provide valuable resources and support for farmers.

wither: Wither means to shrivel and die, usually due to lack of water. Farmers must ensure adequate irrigation to prevent crops from withering and maintain healthy plant growth.

wooden tongue: Wooden tongue, or actinobacillosis, is a bacterial infection in cattle. Farmers need to be aware of this disease for early detection and treatment to prevent losses in livestock health and productivity.

weevil: A kind of beetle which feeds on grain, nuts, fruit, and leaves. The larvae of grain beetles feed on the stored grain where they also pupate. Managing weevil infestations can prevent crop losses and protect stored produce.

wormer: A wormer is a substance used to deworm animals. Regular worming keeps livestock healthy and productive by controlling parasitic infections.

wind turbine: A wind turbine is a device that converts wind energy into electricity. Farmers can install wind turbines to generate renewable energy, reducing reliance on external power sources and lowering energy costs.

woody: Woody refers to plant tissue that is like wood or becoming wood. Understanding woody plants helps farmers in managing trees and shrubs on their land for various uses.

water melon: A plant of the genus Citrullus vulgaris with large green fruit with watery pink flesh. Growing watermelons can provide a profitable and nutritious crop.

windmill: A windmill is a structure with sails turned by the wind to provide power. Modern windmills, or wind turbines, can generate electricity for farm use, reducing energy costs and increasing sustainability.

wholesale: Wholesale refers to the selling of goods in large quantities at low prices, typically to retailers who then sell the goods in smaller quantities to consumers. This can benefit farmers by allowing them to sell their produce in bulk, reducing the time and effort required to find individual buyers and ensuring a steady income.

white corpuscle: A blood cell which does not contain hemoglobin. Understanding livestock biology, including white corpuscles, can help in managing animal health effectively.

wholesale seed merchant: A wholesale seed merchant is a dealer who sells large quantities of seeds, often to retailers or large-scale farmers. Farmers benefit from buying seeds wholesale as it often reduces costs and ensures a consistent supply of seeds for planting.

whey: A residue from milk after the casein and most of the fat have been removed. Whey is used as pig feed. Using whey can provide a nutritious and cost-effective feed option for pigs.

World Wide Fund for Nature: The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) focuses on wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. Farmers can collaborate with WWF to enhance biodiversity and adopt sustainable farming practices.

whites: Same as metritis. Managing metritis can improve reproductive health and productivity in livestock.

welfare code: An official set of rules for making sure that animals are healthy and happy in a particular situation, e.g. in quarantine, or when being transported. Complying with welfare codes can improve animal health and farm standards.

watery mouth: A disease affecting newborn lambs. Managing watery mouth can improve lamb health and survival rates, enhancing farm productivity.

wing: Wing refers to the limbs of birds used for flying. In agriculture, understanding bird behavior can help farmers manage bird populations that may impact crops.

White Park: A rare breed of cattle, white in colour with either black or red muzzle, eyelids, ears, and feet. It is one of the most ancient breeds of British cattle. Preserving rare breeds like White Park cattle can maintain genetic diversity and cultural heritage in livestock farming.

water: A liquid which forms rain, rivers, lakes, and the sea and makes up a large part of the bodies of organisms. Water is essential to plant and animal life. Proper water management can improve farm productivity and sustainability.

warbles: Swellings on the backs of cattle caused by the warble fly. Managing warbles can prevent discomfort and health issues in cattle, improving their well-being and productivity.

whole crops: Crops used for silage which do not need wilting. Growing whole crops can provide a reliable source of silage, improving livestock nutrition.

water meter: A device that records the amount of water that passes through a pipe, e.g. to monitor the water intake of animals. Using water meters can improve water use efficiency and reduce costs on the farm.

White Plymouth Rock: A large heavy breed of table poultry. Raising White Plymouth Rock chickens can provide high-quality meat, enhancing farm profitability.

WFD: Abbreviation for Water Framework Directive. Complying with the Water Framework Directive can improve water management and environmental sustainability on the farm.

wool: Wool is the soft, curly hair of sheep, used for textiles. Farmers raising sheep can sell wool as a valuable product, diversifying farm income.

water catchment: The act of rainwater being collected in a place, whether naturally (in a surface pool) or deliberately (using a water catchment system). Implementing water catchment systems can improve water availability and sustainability on the farm.

winter wheat: Winter wheat is sown in autumn or early winter and harvested in summer. Farmers benefit from winter wheat as it maximizes land use and provides an early summer harvest.

windbreak: A windbreak is a hedge or line of trees planted to protect land from wind. Windbreaks can significantly reduce soil erosion and protect crops, improving farm sustainability.

white mulberry: A tree grown for its leaves, on which silkworms feed. Cultivating white mulberry can support silk production and provide additional income streams.

walnut: A hardwood tree of the genus Juglans, with edible nuts. The timber is used in furniture making. Growing walnuts can provide high-value timber and nuts, diversifying farm income.

Wessex Saddleback: One of two saddleback breeds now joined with the Essex Saddleback to give the British Saddleback, a dual-purpose breed of pig, now rare. Preserving rare breeds like the Wessex Saddleback can maintain genetic diversity in livestock and provide high-quality meat.

warfarin: A substance used to poison rats, to which many rats in some areas are now resistant. Managing rodent populations can protect crops and prevent disease spread on the farm.

wheat: A cereal crop grown in temperate regions. Genus: Triticum. Wheat is one of the major arable crops. Growing wheat can provide a staple food product and a reliable income stream for farmers.

wholegrain: A cereal grain containing the whole of the original seed, including the bran. Growing and selling wholegrain products can provide a nutritious food option and a profitable market for farmers.

Wiltshire cure: The Wiltshire cure is a method of mild curing and smoking sides of bacon over wood fires. Farmers producing pork can use this technique to add value to their products and meet consumer demand for high-quality cured meats.

winter kill: Winter kill refers to the death of plants during winter. Farmers need to choose resilient crop varieties and implement protective measures to minimize winter kill.

wilt: Wilt refers to the drooping of plants due to lack of water, excessive heat, or disease. Understanding wilt can help farmers implement proper irrigation and disease management strategies to maintain healthy crops.

winter hardy: Winter hardy refers to plants that can survive outside during winter. Choosing winter-hardy crops ensures farmers have viable plants ready for growth in the spring.

winnow: Winnow means to separate grain from chaff by wind. Farmers use this process to clean grain, improving the quality of harvested crops for sale or storage.

white lupin: A new strain of lupin (Lupinus albus) that is able to withstand cold. Seeds are 40% protein and at least 12% edible oil. Growing white lupins can provide a high-protein feed source and a valuable crop for cold regions.

water table: The area below the soil surface at which the ground is saturated with water. Managing the water table can prevent soil degradation and improve crop health.

wolds: Wolds are areas of low chalk or limestone hills. Farmers in these areas need to adapt their farming practices to the unique soil and water conditions of wolds.

wether: A castrated male sheep. Managing wethers can improve wool and meat production, enhancing farm income.

whip and tongue cutting: A form of graft in which the stock and scion are cut diagonally to form large open surfaces with a small notch in each. The surfaces are bound together tightly with twine. Using whip and tongue cutting can improve plant propagation and crop yields.