Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a disease of cattle caused by bacteria, which causes abortions and low milk yields. It can be carried by sheep or in running water. Managing leptospirosis through vaccination and biosecurity measures can protect livestock health and farm productivity.
A young dairy cow that is raised to become a future milk producer or breeding stock. Proper care and nutrition of dairy calves are crucial for their development. For example, feeding colostrum to dairy calves to ensure they receive essential antibodies and nutrients.
basic price: A support price fixed each year by the EU for certain fruit and vegetables. Farmers benefit from knowing basic prices to plan production and marketing strategies.
bovine spongiform encephalopathy: A neurological disease of cattle, also known as mad cow disease. Ensuring strict biosecurity measures prevents the spread of BSE and protects public health.
The tools and systems used to plan and coordinate the transportation and delivery of food products, ensuring timely and cost-effective distribution. For example, using food product distribution management software to enhance logistics and delivery performance.
pulp: 1. The soft inside of a fruit or vegetable. 2. A thick soft substance made by crushing. Helpful content: Understanding the pulp of fruits and vegetables is important for processing and product development. Farmers can add value by creating pulp-based products such as juices, purees, and sauces.
Fly-Tipping: The dumping of rubbish somewhere other than at an official site. Proper waste management practices prevent fly-tipping and protect farm environments.
Feed Additive: A supplement added to the feed of farm livestock, particularly pigs and poultry, to promote growth, e.g., an antibiotic or hormone. Using feed additives responsibly enhances livestock growth and productivity.
pharmaceutical industry: The industry which produces medicines. Collaborating with the pharmaceutical industry ensures access to effective treatments for livestock diseases.
The systems and applications used to monitor and record employees’ work hours, including time logs, attendance tracking, and productivity analysis. For example, using food product time tracking software to manage remote work and ensure accurate time reporting.
growing season: The growing season is the time of year when a plant grows. Planning growing seasons ensures optimal crop production and efficient use of resources.
stubble cleaning: working the stubble after harvest, using ploughs, cultivators, and harrows to free the weeds from the soil. Properly managing stubble cleaning ensures efficient soil preparation and weed control, supporting healthy crop growth and better yields.
eutrophication: The process by which water becomes full of phosphates and other mineral nutrients which encourage the growth of algae and kill other organisms. Managing eutrophication helps farmers protect water quality and prevent environmental degradation.
superovulation: the process in animal production of injecting hormones to increase the number of eggs released by the ovaries. Properly managing superovulation ensures efficient breeding programs and improves livestock productivity, supporting farm profitability.
body condition score (BCS): A visual assessment of an animal’s fat and muscle, rated on a scale. Monitoring BCS helps farmers ensure their livestock are healthy and receiving proper nutrition.
Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition: Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) covers the proper maintenance of soil, pastureland, stone walls, and hedgerows. Abiding by GAEC ensures sustainable farming practices, preserving the land for future use and enhancing farm productivity.
infection: 1. The process of a microorganism entering a host organism and causing disease. 2. A disease caused by a microorganism. She is susceptible to minor infections. West Nile fever is a virus infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Helps farmers manage and treat infections in crops and livestock.
wall barley grass: A weed (Hordeum murinum) found in grassland. Managing wall barley grass can prevent competition with crops and improve pasture quality.
Complementary Feeders: Complementary feeders plural noun animals which feed in a way which does not compete with other animals feeding in the same area. So goats, which browse, complement sheep which graze. Understanding complementary feeders helps optimize grazing management and pasture utilization.
physiological, physiologic: Referring to the science of how plants, animals, and the human body function. Understanding physiological processes aids in improving animal and plant health, leading to better farm productivity.
The practice of raising pigs for meat production. Pig farming involves breeding, feeding, and managing the health of pigs. For example, operating a pig farm to produce pork for the food industry.
in-ground valuation: The value of tillages or cultivations including direct costs of seed, fertilizer and spray. Helps farmers assess the value of agricultural practices.
Materials added to soil to improve its physical, chemical, or biological properties. Soil amendments include organic matter, lime, and gypsum. For example, adding compost to soil to enhance its fertility, structure, and water-holding capacity for vegetable production.
A series of livestock shows held at different locations, where animals are exhibited and judged. The show circuit allows exhibitors to compete and gain recognition. For example, participating in the show circuit to promote and sell high-quality livestock.
Scottish Natural Heritage: An official body responsible for the conservation of fauna and flora in Scotland. Farmers benefit from engaging with Scottish Natural Heritage to ensure sustainable farming practices and biodiversity conservation.
environmental ethics: The examination and discussion of peopleÂ’s obligations towards the environment. Adopting environmental ethics helps farmers make decisions that protect and sustain the natural world.
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