Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
greenhouse mealy bug: A greenhouse mealy bug is a horticultural pest that spoils the appearance of glasshouse crops, particularly orchids. Managing mealy bugs ensures healthy crops and maintains aesthetic quality, enhancing marketability.
halomorphic soil: Soil that contains large amounts of salt. Recognizing and managing halomorphic soils helps farmers prevent crop damage and maintain soil health.
The guidelines and best practices established by industry organizations and regulatory bodies to ensure quality, safety, and sustainability in food production and distribution. For example, following food product industry standards and frameworks to enhance operations and meet customer expectations.
The reproductive female in a bee colony, responsible for laying eggs and maintaining the colony’s population. The queen bee is the mother of most of the bees in the hive. For instance, a beekeeper may introduce a new queen bee to a hive to improve colony health and productivity.
self-fertilisation: The fertilisation of a plant or invertebrate animal with its own pollen or sperm. Farmers benefit from understanding self-fertilisation for breeding and crop production.
Machinery used to harvest crops from fields. Harvesters include combines, balers, and forage harvesters. For instance, using a combine harvester to efficiently harvest wheat and separate the grain from the chaff.
The schedules and practices for vaccinating livestock to protect against diseases and improve herd immunity. For example, following vaccination protocols to prevent common diseases in cattle, sheep, and poultry.
The development of new food products and the identification of emerging trends in consumer preferences and market demands. For example, exploring food product innovation and trends to create unique and appealing products for the market.
meat extender: any foodstuff or mixture of foodstuffs added to meat preparations to increase their bulk. Using meat extenders can help farmers maximize the value of their meat products, leading to better profitability.
The use of antibiotics and other treatments during the dry period to prevent and control mastitis. Dry cow therapy helps maintain udder health and improve milk production in the next lactation. For example, administering dry cow therapy to dairy cows to prevent infections during the dry period.
vomiting and wasting disease: A disease of piglets, symptoms of which include vomiting and loss of appetite. Managing this disease can improve piglet health and survival rates.
smooth-stalked meadowgrass: a species of grass which can withstand quite dry conditions. It is a perennial grass with smooth greyish-green leaves and green purplish flowers. Cultivating smooth-stalked meadowgrass provides farmers with a resilient forage crop, supporting livestock production in dry conditions.
The documentation and communication of sustainability practices and performance in food production and distribution, including environmental, social, and economic aspects. For example, creating food product corporate sustainability reports to demonstrate commitment to responsible practices and engage stakeholders.
hop mildew: A fungal disease of hops. Preventing and managing hop mildew ensures healthy hop growth and high yields.
Farm Trail: A walking trail around a farm open to the public. Farm trails can promote agri-tourism, educate the public, and provide additional income for farmers.
ectoparasite disease: A disease caused by lice and other insects, usually characterized by intense irritation. Farmers need to manage ectoparasite diseases to ensure the health and welfare of their livestock.
overwood: The topmost vegetation layer in a forest, same as overstorey. Managing the overwood is crucial for forest health and productivity. Farmers can benefit from understanding the ecological dynamics of overwood vegetation and applying sustainable forestry practices to maintain biodiversity and resource availability.
overgrazing: The practice of grazing a pasture so much that it loses nutrients and is no longer able to provide food for livestock. Preventing overgrazing is crucial for maintaining pasture health and productivity. Farmers can benefit from implementing rotational grazing practices to ensure sustainable forage availability and soil health.
Marchigiana: a breed of white beef cattle from Italy, now imported into the UK and used for crossbreeding to improve beef-calf quality in dairy cows. Raising Marchigiana cattle can help farmers improve the quality and yield of their beef production, contributing to better income and farm sustainability.
emission standard: The amount of an effluent or pollutant that can legally be released into the environment, e.g., the amount of sewage which can be discharged into a river or the sea, or the amount of carbon monoxide that can legally be released into the atmosphere by petrol and diesel engines. Complying with emission standards helps farmers reduce pollution and avoid legal penalties.
suboestrus: a situation where a female animal comes on heat but does not show any of the usual signs. Properly managing suboestrus ensures effective breeding programs and livestock productivity.
The process of applying pesticides to crops or livestock to control pests. Pesticide application methods include spraying, dusting, and soil incorporation. For instance, using a sprayer to apply pesticide to a fruit orchard to control fungal diseases.
Flying Flock: A flock of sheep imported onto a farm for a time, normally for less than a year, and then sold. Managing flying flocks supports flexible farming operations and market responsiveness.
Cultivation: Cultivation /k?lt?ve???n/ noun the action of cultivating land or plants. Engaging in cultivation practices supports sustainable agriculture and crop production.
The methods and tools used to collect mature mushrooms, ensuring quality and minimizing damage. For example, implementing mushroom harvesting techniques to produce high-quality mushrooms for market.
soil erosion: the removal of soil by the effects of rain, wind, sea, or cultivation practices. Preventing soil erosion protects land resources and maintains soil fertility, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology Commission: The UK government advisory body on biotechnology issues affecting agriculture and the environment. Farmers benefit from the guidance of this commission to adopt sustainable and innovative practices.
The assessment of production costs and market conditions to determine the optimal pricing for food products. For example, conducting food product pricing and cost analysis to ensure competitive pricing and profitability.
encephalopathy: BSE. Managing encephalopathy is crucial for farmers to prevent the spread of diseases and maintain animal health.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise: A business and community development association for the Scottish Highlands. Abbr HIE. Engaging with HIE can provide farmers with support for business and community development in the Scottish Highlands.
The standards and practices that ensure the humane treatment and well-being of animals in food production, including housing, feeding, and handling. For example, developing food product animal welfare policies to meet ethical standards and consumer expectations.
Canning Factory: A factory where food is canned. Operating or utilizing canning factories helps farmers preserve and market their produce, reducing waste and increasing profitability.
heavy grains: Cereal crops such as maize, rye and wheat. Abbr HG. Growing heavy grains can provide valuable food and feed resources for farmers.
dewlap: A fold of loose skin hanging from the throat of cattle. Dewlaps can be an indicator of breed characteristics and health status. Farmers should monitor the health and hygiene of dewlaps to prevent infections and ensure animal welfare. Proper care and management practices will contribute to the overall health and productivity of livestock.
by