Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
intake: 1. An amount of a substance taken into an organism, either eaten or absorbed. A study of food intake among grassland animals. The birds daily intake of insects is more than half its own weight. 2. Hill pasture which has been improved and fenced in. Helps farmers manage animal nutrition and pasture improvement.
The practices and technologies used to reduce water consumption and improve efficiency in food production and distribution, including irrigation management, recycling, and conservation. For example, adopting food product water conservation measures to ensure sustainable water use and reduce environmental impact.
International Wheat Council: A group of wheat-exporting countries. Abbr IWC. Helps wheat farmers understand and navigate the international wheat market.
haulm roller: A roller found on potato harvesters and grading machinery. Using a haulm roller helps in the efficient separation of haulm from the crop, improving the quality of harvested produce.
dicotyledon: A plant with seeds that have a cotyledon with two parts. Dicotyledons form the largest group of plants. Compare monocotyledon. Farmers should understand the characteristics and growth requirements of dicotyledons to manage crops effectively. Proper soil preparation, irrigation, and pest management are essential for successful cultivation of dicotyledons. Knowledge of plant types can aid in crop rotation and disease prevention.
A place where beehives are kept for honey production. Apiaries can be small, backyard setups or large commercial operations. For example, a beekeeper might maintain an apiary with several hives to produce honey for sale.
dystrophic: Referring to a pond or lake that contains very acidic brown water, lacks oxygen, and is unable to support much plant or animal life because of excessive humus content. Managing dystrophic conditions involves monitoring water quality and implementing measures to improve oxygen levels and reduce acidity.
plane tree: A common temperate deciduous hardwood tree, frequently grown in towns because of its resistance to air pollution. Helpful content: Plane trees can be beneficial for agroforestry systems, providing shade and acting as windbreaks. Their resistance to pollution makes them suitable for urban and peri-urban farming environments.
Commodity Exchange: Commodity exchange noun a place where commodities are bought and sold. Engaging in commodity exchanges provides opportunities for price discovery and risk management.
ecological efficiency: A measurement of how much energy is used at different stages in the food chain or at different trophic levels. Understanding ecological efficiency helps farmers optimize resource use and improve sustainability.
Irish Moiled: A rare breed of medium-sized dual-purpose cattle. The animals have a distinctive white back strip. Helps farmers choose and manage rare cattle breeds.
Farmyard Manure: Manure formed of cattle excreta mixed with straw, used as a fertilizer. Abbr FYM. Proper use of farmyard manure improves soil fertility and reduces waste.
phytopathology: The scientific study of plant diseases. Understanding plant diseases through phytopathology aids in developing effective management strategies and improving crop health.
The services and solutions that help food production and distribution businesses to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and disruptions, ensuring business continuity. For example, developing food product disaster recovery plans to safeguard operations and minimize downtime.
out-of-season: Referring to a plant which is grown or sold at a time when it is not naturally available from outdoor cultivation. Growing out-of-season crops can provide farmers with premium prices and market opportunities. Farmers can benefit from using greenhouses and other technologies to produce out-of-season crops, ensuring a steady income throughout the year.
pre-emergent herbicide: A herbicide such as paraquat which is used to clear weeds before the crop leaves have emerged. Helpful content: Using pre-emergent herbicides effectively helps manage weed populations early in the growing season. This practice supports healthier crop development and can reduce the need for post-emergent herbicide applications.
Circulation of the Blood: The movement of blood around the body from the heart through the arteries to the capillaries and back to the heart through the veins. Understanding livestock physiology, including blood circulation, helps farmers manage animal health and diagnose conditions.
Freeze Drying: A method of preserving food or tissue specimens by freezing rapidly and drying in a vacuum. Properly managing freeze drying ensures high-quality preservation and storage of food products.
Classical Swine Fever: Same as swine fever. Managing swine fever involves implementing biosecurity measures and vaccination programs to protect pig health and ensure farm productivity.
Agriculture Act 1968: An Act of Parliament which defines what constitutes livestock and makes it an offense to cause unnecessary pain or distress to a farm animal. Understanding this act helps farmers comply with animal welfare regulations and maintain ethical practices.
natural vegetation: the range of plant communities that exist in the natural environment without being planted or managed by people. Preserving natural vegetation on farms can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and provide habitat for beneficial organisms. Farmers can benefit from integrating natural vegetation into their farming systems, promoting ecological balance and reducing the need for synthetic inputs. This approach supports sustainable land management, improves resilience to environmental stressors, and enhances the overall productivity of the farm.
bioremediation: The use of living organisms to remove or neutralize contaminants from a polluted area. Implementing bioremediation techniques helps farmers manage soil and water quality.
Cauliflower: A plant of the cabbage family with a large white head made up of a mass of curds. Growing cauliflowers provides nutritious food and valuable produce for fresh markets and processing, contributing to farm income.
ivy-leaved speedwell: A widespread weed (Veronica hederifolia) which affects most autumn sown crops. Also called birds-eye, eye-bright. Helps farmers identify and control this weed.
A feed ingredient added to cattle diets to provide essential vitamins. Vitamin supplements help prevent deficiencies and support overall health. For example, providing vitamin A supplements to cattle to support vision and immune function.
tenderometer: A device used for testing vining peas to see how firm they are, allowing harvesting to take place at the right time. Using a tenderometer helps farmers harvest peas at optimal quality and ripeness, maximizing yield and market value.
The process of breaking down fat molecules in milk to create a uniform texture and prevent cream separation. Homogenization improves milk quality and consistency. For example, homogenizing milk to produce smooth and consistent dairy products like yogurt and ice cream.
The practice of maintaining detailed health records for each animal in a herd. Health recordkeeping helps track vaccinations, treatments, and medical history. For example, using software to manage the health records of a dairy herd.
reference price: The minimum price at which certain fruit and vegetables can be imported into the EU. Understanding reference prices helps farmers stay competitive in the market and ensure fair pricing for their produce.
digger: A type of plough body with a short, sharply curved moldboard. Diggers are used for deep ploughing, especially to prepare for root crops or for land reclamation. Using diggers can improve soil preparation and root penetration for crops. Farmers should select the appropriate type of digger for their needs and use it properly to achieve optimal soil conditions. Understanding the benefits and applications of diggers will aid in effective soil management and crop establishment.
metabolisable protein: a type of protein which can be metabolised by an animal, used as a feed supplement to improve lactation. Understanding the role of metabolisable protein can help farmers improve livestock nutrition and productivity.
rubber: A material which can be stretched and compressed, and is made from a thick white fluid (latex) from a tropical tree; the rubber tree, a tropical tree grown for its latex. In commercial practice, trees are grafted onto suitable rootstock. Understanding rubber production supports diversified farm income and sustainable forestry practices.
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