Category: W

water balance: A state in which the water lost in an area by evaporation or by runoff is replaced by water received in the form of rain, or a state in which the water lost by the body in urine and perspiration or by other physiological processes is balanced by water absorbed from food and drink. Maintaining water balance is crucial for sustainable farming and crop health.

wet-feeding: A method of feeding livestock such as pigs in which the animal has access to dry feedingstuffs and water at the same time. Using wet-feeding systems can improve feed efficiency and animal growth.

worms: Worms refer to parasitic worms infesting animals. Managing worm infestations is crucial for maintaining livestock health and ensuring high yields in dairy and meat production.

wireweed: Wireweed, or knotgrass, is a common weed affecting crops. Farmers need to manage wireweed to protect crop health and ensure optimal yields.

Welsh black: A hardy dual-purpose breed of cattle formed when the northern Anglesey strain was bred with the Castlemartin strain. Welsh blacks produce a reasonable milk yield and very lean meat. Raising Welsh black cattle can provide high-quality meat and milk, enhancing farm profitability.

wetlands: An area of land which is often covered by water or which is very marshy. Managing wetlands can support biodiversity and provide valuable ecosystem services on the farm.

windrow pick-up: A windrow pick-up is a mechanism that lifts a crop into a harvester. It helps farmers automate the harvesting process, reducing labor and time required for crop collection.

wholefood: Food such as brown rice or wholemeal flour that has not been processed and so contains the vitamins, minerals, and fibre that are removed by processing. Offering wholefoods can cater to health-conscious consumers and increase farm income.

withers: Withers are the ridge between the shoulder blades of an animal. Understanding animal anatomy helps farmers in proper livestock handling and health management.

wholemeal: Flour that contains a large proportion of the original wheat seed, including the bran. Using wholemeal can provide a nutritious food product, enhancing farm profitability.

Water Framework Directive: A basis for future policy decisions in the European Union, setting objectives for water use and management and waste water disposal. Abbr WFD. Complying with the Water Framework Directive can improve water management and environmental sustainability on the farm.

windrowed: Windrowed refers to a crop that has been lifted and left in a swath. This method helps in drying and preparing crops for collection, making the harvesting process more efficient.

wool ball: A wool ball is a mass of wool found in the stomachs of lambs. Farmers need to monitor and manage wool balls to prevent digestive issues and ensure the health of their lambs.

Welfare of Animals Regulations 1995: A piece of legislation which sets out rules under which animals should be slaughtered or killed, including making it an offence to cause unnecessary pain or distress during the slaughter process. Abbr WASK. Complying with WASK regulations can ensure humane treatment of animals and improve farm standards.

Westerwold ryegrass: An annual type of ryegrass, which is a fast-growing summer crop. Growing Westerwold ryegrass can provide quick-growing forage for livestock, improving feed availability.

White-faced Woodland: A large hill breed of sheep, with white face and legs and pinkish nostrils. The ram has heavy twisted horns. Found mainly in the South Pennines, it has been crossed with other hill breeds to give them its size and vigour. Also called Penistone. Raising White-faced Woodland sheep can provide high-quality wool and meat, enhancing farm income.

wean: To remove a young animal from the milk source of its mother. Weaning is common at 5 weeks. Proper weaning practices can improve animal health and growth, enhancing productivity.

worrying: Worrying is the chasing of livestock by uncontrolled dogs. Farmers need to protect their animals from worrying to prevent stress and injuries, ensuring livestock welfare and productivity.

willow: Willow is a temperate hardwood tree often grown near water. It can be coppiced or pollarded to produce biomass for fuel, offering an additional income source for farmers.

wild oats: Wild oats are a type of weed found in cereal crops. Effective management of wild oats is essential for farmers to ensure healthy crop yields, often achieved through selective herbicides or manual weeding.

Women’s Food and Farming Union: The Women’s Food and Farming Union (WFFU) is an association for women in farming focused on sustainability and environmental considerations. Farmers can benefit from the resources and support provided by WFFU to promote sustainable farming practices.

waterfowl: Birds which spend much of their time on water, e.g. ducks. Managing waterfowl can enhance biodiversity and provide additional farming opportunities.

Woodland Grant Scheme: The Woodland Grant Scheme supports good management of forests and woodlands. Farmers can benefit from these grants to improve their woodlands and enhance environmental sustainability.

WFA: Abbreviation for Whole Farm Approach. Implementing the Whole Farm Approach can streamline farm management and reduce administrative burdens.

WTOWTO: The World Trade Organization (WTO) aims to reduce trade restrictions. Farmers benefit from fair trade practices and access to international markets promoted by the WTO.

wheat offals: The embryo and seed coat of the wheat grain, used as animal feed. Using wheat offals as feed can provide a nutritious and cost-effective option for livestock.

watershed: A natural dividing line between the sources of river systems, dividing one catchment area from another. Understanding watershed dynamics can improve water management and environmental protection on the farm.

wet mash: Mash feed mixed with water. Using wet mash can improve feed palatability and nutrient intake for livestock.

water management: The careful and appropriate use of water. Effective water management can improve farm productivity and sustainability.

woodlot: A woodlot is a small area of land planted with trees. Farmers can manage woodlots for timber production, firewood, and wildlife habitat, adding diversity to farm resources.

WWFWWF: 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.

wild: Wild refers to animals or plants that are not domesticated or cultivated. Understanding wild species is important for farmers to manage their land effectively, preserving biodiversity and preventing potential damage from wild animals.

Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations 2000: A piece of legislation which sets out guidelines for the humane treatment of animals on farms, including separate schedules on the treatment specific types of animals such as laying hens, cattle, or pigs. Complying with these regulations can improve animal welfare and farm practices.

Western: Same as Wiltshire horn. Raising traditional breeds like the Western sheep can provide high-quality meat and maintain genetic diversity.

water meadow: A grassy field near a river, which is often flooded. Utilizing water meadows can improve biodiversity and provide valuable grazing land.

wireworm: Wireworm is the larvae of the click beetle that feeds on plant roots. Controlling wireworms is crucial for farmers to prevent damage to crops and maintain soil health.

work: Work means to cultivate land. Efficient land cultivation practices help farmers prepare soil for planting and improve crop yields.

ware potatoes: Potatoes grown for human consumption, as opposed to those grown for seed. Growing ware potatoes can provide a steady income stream from the food market.