Filbert
by Filbert: The Kentish cob, a commercially grown hazel-like nut (Corylus maxima). Growing filberts provides farmers with high-value nut crops and diversifies farm income.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease /kr??tsf?lt jæ:k?b d?zi:z/ noun a disease of the human nervous system caused by a slow-acting prion which eventually affects the brain. It may be linked to BSE in cows. Abbr CJD. Managing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease involves implementing biosecurity measures to protect livestock and human health.
Ile De France
Ile de France: A large French breed of sheep, the rams of which are kept to provide crossbred lambs for meat production. Knowledge of sheep breeds helps farmers improve meat production.
Swine Fever
swine fever: a notifiable disease of pigs. Its symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, and general weakness, and it can be fatal. The disease was eradicated in Britain, but some further cases have been reported since 2000. The scientific name is classical swine fever, formerly called hog cholera. Managing swine fever ensures pig health and productivity, supporting farm profitability.
Slatted Mouldboard
slatted mouldboard: a type of mouldboard which breaks up the soil as it is being ploughed. Using slatted mouldboards improves soil aeration and structure, promoting healthy root growth and better crop yields.
Rumen
rumen: The first stomach of ruminating animals such as cows, sheep, or goats, all of which have four stomachs. It is used for storage of food after it has been partly digested and before it passes to the second stomach. Understanding rumen function helps farmers optimize livestock diets and improve productivity.
Powdery Mildew
powdery mildew: A fungal disease (Erysiphe graminis) affecting cereals and grasses. Another form also affects sugar beet and brassicas. Helpful content: Managing powdery mildew involves using resistant varieties, proper spacing, and fungicide applications. Early detection and treatment can prevent significant crop losses and maintain healthy plants.
Peach-Leaf Curl
peach-leaf curl: A fungal disease which affects peaches, where the leaves swell and become red. Managing peach-leaf curl is essential for maintaining healthy peach orchards and ensuring high-quality fruit production.
Wild Radish
wild radish: Wild radish, also known as runch, is a weed that can infest crop fields. Farmers can benefit from identifying and managing wild radish to prevent it from affecting crop productivity.
Emergency Response
Actions taken to respond to and manage emergencies such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and accidents on farms. Effective emergency response plans help minimize damage and ensure safety. For example, having a plan in place to handle a wildfire threatening farm buildings and livestock.
Dairy Association
An organization that represents the interests of dairy farmers and the dairy industry, often involved in advocacy, research, and education. For example, participating in a dairy association to stay informed about industry trends and regulations.
Blossom End Rot
blossom end rot: A disorder in tomatoes and other fruits caused by calcium deficiency. Preventing blossom end rot through proper nutrition improves fruit quality and marketability.
Zero Grazing
zero grazing: Zero grazing involves harvesting forage crops and feeding them to housed livestock. This method benefits farmers by improving feed efficiency and animal health.
Cast Sheep
Cast Sheep: A sheep lying on its back and unable to get up again. Monitoring and managing cast sheep involves providing appropriate care to prevent injury and ensure animal welfare.
Bovine Growth Hormone
bovine growth hormone: A hormone used to increase milk production in dairy cows. Managing the use of bovine growth hormone ensures ethical practices and optimal milk yields.
Cheese Making Techniques
The methods and processes used to produce cheese from milk, including coagulation, curd cutting, and aging. For example, implementing cheese making techniques to produce high-quality cheeses with unique flavors and textures.
Layering
Layering: Layering is 1. a method of propagation where the stem of a plant is bent until it touches the soil, and is fixed down on the soil surface until roots form, and 2. a process by which the half-cut stems of hedge plants are bent over and woven around stakes set in the ground to form a new hedge. Utilizing layering techniques can enhance plant propagation and hedge formation.
Moisture Holding Capacity
moisture holding capacity: the amount of water that a soil can hold. Abbr MHC. Understanding moisture holding capacity can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.
Soil Degradation
The decline in soil quality and productivity due to erosion, compaction, contamination, and other factors. Soil degradation can result from unsustainable farming practices and environmental pressures. For example, implementing conservation practices to prevent soil degradation and support sustainable agriculture.
Ovum
ovum: A female egg cell which, when fertilised by a spermatozoon, begins to develop into an embryo. Managing ova is crucial for optimizing breeding programs and reproductive efficiency in livestock. Farmers can benefit from understanding reproductive biology and implementing best practices in breeding management to enhance productivity.
Milker
milker: 1. a cow which is giving milk 2. a cow which is kept for milk 3. a farmworker who supervises the milking of cows 4. the part of the milking machine which is attached to the cows teats with teat cups. Proper management of milkers can ensure better milk yield and quality, contributing to farm profitability and sustainability.
Genetic Code
genetic code: The information carried by an organisms DNA which determines the synthesis of proteins by cells and which is passed on when the cell divides. Also called genetic information. Understanding the genetic code is essential for genetic engineering and breeding programs.
Dairy Digesters
Devices used to break down organic waste, such as manure, through anaerobic digestion to produce biogas. For example, installing dairy digesters to convert manure into biogas and reduce waste.
Suffrutescent
suffrutescent: referring to a perennial plant that is woody at the base of the stem and does not die down to ground level in winter. Properly managing suffrutescent plants ensures healthy growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.
Dairy Product Packaging And Labeling
The process of filling and sealing dairy products into containers for distribution and sale, including the design and information provided on packaging. For example, using environmentally friendly packaging for dairy products and ensuring labels comply with regulatory requirements.
Nurse Crop
nurse crop: a crop grown to give protection to young plants of a perennial crop which is being established. Nurse crops provide shade and act as windbreaks. Growing nurse crops can protect young perennial plants, such as trees or vines, from harsh environmental conditions and promote their establishment. Farmers can benefit from using nurse crops to improve seedling survival rates, enhance soil health, and reduce erosion. Understanding the selection and management of nurse crops helps optimize crop establishment and long-term productivity. Implementing nurse crop practices supports sustainable farming and resource conservation.
Breeding Cycle
breeding cycle: The regular pattern of breeding and reproduction in animals. Understanding breeding cycles helps farmers manage mating, gestation, and birthing schedules.
Manx Loghtan
Manx Loghtan: a rare breed of sheep, which is native to the Isle of Man. The wool is mouse-brown and the animals are multi-horned. Raising Manx Loghtan sheep can provide farmers with a unique and high-value product, particularly for niche markets interested in rare breeds and specialty wool.
Pond
pond: A small area of still water formed artificially or naturally. Helpful content: Ponds provide essential water sources for irrigation, livestock, and wildlife. Proper management of farm ponds can enhance water availability, support biodiversity, and improve overall farm sustainability.
Farm Fresh Eggs
Farm Fresh Eggs: Class A eggs described as “farm fresh” in the EU. These eggs meet high standards of quality and freshness, appealing to consumers.
Finishing Cattle
The final phase of cattle production, where cattle are fed a high-energy diet to reach market weight. Finishing aims to improve meat quality and yield. For example, managing the finishing phase to ensure cattle reach the desired weight and condition for slaughter.
Case Hardening
Case Hardening: The formation of a hard surface on a piece of food by deposition of sugar or salt. Understanding case hardening helps farmers and food processors ensure the quality and preservation of food products.
Game Birds
game birds: Wild birds which are classified as game and can be shot only during certain seasons. The most important in the UK are pheasant, partridge, and grouse. Managing game birds can provide additional income through hunting leases.