Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
Over Thirty Month Scheme: A scheme supporting farmers by providing payment and support for the disposal of cattle born or reared in the United Kingdom before August 1996. This helps farmers manage older cattle, comply with regulations, and maintain a healthy and productive herd.
World Trade Organization: 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.
The practices and strategies used to care for and manage beehives, ensuring healthy and productive colonies. For example, implementing beehive management techniques to optimize honey production and prevent disease outbreaks.
honey fungus: A fungus which primarily attacks trees and shrubs. Managing honey fungus ensures healthy tree and shrub growth on the farm.
Coeliac Disease: Coeliac disease /si:liak di:zi:z/ noun a disease of the small intestine resulting from an inability to digest wheat protein (NOTE: The protein gluten causes the bodys own immune system to attack and damage the gut lining). Awareness of coeliac disease is essential for farmers producing gluten-free products.
Loganberry: Loganberry is a soft fruit, a cross between a raspberry and a blackberry. Growing loganberries can provide farmers with a nutritious and marketable crop.
breast bone: The bone in the center of the chest of birds and mammals. Understanding animal anatomy, such as the breast bone, aids in managing livestock health and processing.
battery farming: A system of farming where many birds or animals are kept in small cages. Battery farming practices must adhere to welfare standards to ensure ethical treatment of animals.
skimmed milk: milk which has had both fat and fat-soluble vitamins removed. It is used as a milk substitute for calves and lambs. Providing skimmed milk as a substitute ensures young livestock receive adequate nutrition for healthy growth and development.
parasitic gastro-enteritis: An infection of the stomach caused by roundworms, especially Osteragia. It can be cured by anthelmintics. Abbr PGE. Treating parasitic infections promptly ensures the health and productivity of livestock.
A cut of beef that has been tenderized by pounding or using a meat mallet, often used for chicken-fried steak. For example, producing cube steaks for Southern-style cooking and comfort food.
Farm Assurance: A scheme applying specific criteria to guarantee quality control for farm produce. Farm assurance programs help farmers maintain high standards and improve consumer confidence in their products.
die back: To be affected by the death of a branch or shoot. Roses may die back after pruning in frosty weather. Managing die back involves identifying the cause and implementing proper pruning, disease control, and care practices. Farmers and gardeners should monitor plants for signs of die back and take corrective actions to maintain plant health and productivity. Understanding the factors contributing to die back will aid in developing effective management strategies.
The systematic evaluations of food production and distribution practices to ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and standards, including reporting and documentation. For example, conducting food product regulatory compliance reviews to maintain legal compliance and avoid penalties.
Norway rat: same as brown rat. Managing Norway rats, also known as brown rats, is essential for protecting crops, feed stores, and farm infrastructure. Farmers can benefit from implementing integrated pest management strategies, including trapping, exclusion, and proper sanitation, to control rat populations. Understanding the behavior and habitat preferences of Norway rats helps farmers take effective measures to prevent infestations and reduce the risk of damage. Effective rodent management supports farm biosecurity, protects resources, and ensures a healthier farming environment.
double lows: Varieties of oilseed rape with low erucic acid and glucosinolate contents. These varieties are valued for their improved nutritional profile and reduced toxicity, making them suitable for animal feed and human consumption.
non-food crops: plural noun crops which are grown for purposes other than producing food, such as to provide renewable energy or chemicals. Non-food crops offer farmers opportunities to diversify their production and tap into emerging markets for bioenergy, industrial raw materials, and pharmaceuticals. By growing non-food crops, farmers can reduce dependency on traditional food markets, enhance income stability, and contribute to sustainable development. Understanding market demand and production requirements for non-food crops helps farmers make informed decisions and optimize their farming operations.
The ability of soil to maintain its structure and resist erosion, compaction, and other forms of degradation. Soil stability is influenced by factors such as organic matter, soil texture, and management practices. For example, enhancing soil stability through conservation tillage and cover cropping to protect soil health and support sustainable agriculture.
staple commodity: a basic food or raw material. Growing staple commodities provides farmers with essential crops for food security and market stability.
A type of fertilizer that releases nutrients gradually over time. This helps provide a steady supply of nutrients to plants and reduces the risk of nutrient leaching. For instance, using controlled-release fertilizer in a greenhouse to support consistent plant growth.
Dorset Horn: A breed of sheep in the south-west of England, both rams and ewes of which have long curly horns. It produces a fine white clear wool and is unique among British breeds in that it can lamb at any time of the year. Proper breeding and management practices can maximize their productivity.
mercury chloride: same as mercury (I) chloride, a poisonous white compound of mercury and chlorine, used as a moss killer and laxative. Formula: Hg2Cl2. Also called mercurous chloride, calomel. Understanding the uses and effects of mercury chloride can help farmers manage pest control and other applications more effectively.
ring-barking: The cutting of a strip of bark from a tree as a means of making the tree more productive. It restricts growth and encourages fruiting. Understanding ring-barking helps farmers manage orchard productivity and improve fruit yields.
bioinsecticide: An insecticide developed from natural plant toxins. Using bioinsecticides supports sustainable pest control and reduces chemical use.
A formulated product used as a substitute for maternal milk in feeding calves. Milk replacers provide essential nutrients for growth and development. For instance, using a high-quality calf milk replacer to ensure proper nutrition for orphaned or bottle-fed calves.
Conditioner: Conditioner noun a substance that is used to make an improvement in something else Mushroom compost can be used as a soil conditioner. Using conditioners improves soil health and crop productivity.
by-product: A secondary product made during the production of a primary product. Utilizing by-products adds value and reduces waste in farm operations.
triple-purpose animal: A breed of animal, usually cattle, which is used for three purposes, i.e., for milk, for meat, and as a draught animal. Raising triple-purpose animals can provide diverse income streams and optimize resource use on the farm.
diffuse water pollution: Water pollution which is caused by several small sources such as runoff from farms. Managing diffuse water pollution involves implementing practices like buffer strips, cover cropping, and proper nutrient management. Farmers should adopt measures to reduce runoff and prevent contaminants from entering water bodies. Understanding the sources and impacts of diffuse water pollution will aid in developing effective water management strategies.
Crop Husbandry: Crop husbandry noun the practice of growing and harvesting crops. Engaging in crop husbandry practices supports sustainable agriculture and optimal crop yields.
A term used to describe diarrhea in calves, often caused by infectious agents or nutritional imbalances. Scours can lead to dehydration and poor growth. For example, managing calf scours through proper nutrition and hygiene to ensure calf health.
seed mixture: Seeds of different plants supplied by seed merchants to farmers to produce a new ley. It will include grasses and legumes. Farmers benefit from using seed mixtures for diverse and resilient pastures.
high mortality rate: A high percentage of animals in a group which die. Managing animal health and welfare effectively reduces mortality rates and ensures a productive livestock operation.
degrade: To reduce the quality of something. For example, the land has been degraded through overgrazing. Ozone may worsen nutrient leaching by degrading the water-resistant coating on pine needles. To make a chemical compound decompose into its elements. Farmers should implement sustainable land management practices to prevent degradation. Reducing overgrazing, managing irrigation, and using cover crops can help maintain soil quality and productivity. Understanding the factors contributing to degradation will aid in developing effective conservation strategies.
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