Forage
forage: Plant material eaten by grazing livestock. Effective forage management ensures adequate nutrition and pasture health.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
methanol: an alcohol manufactured from coal, natural gas or waste wood, which is used as a fuel or solvent. Formula: CH3OH. Also called methyl alcohol, wood alcohol. Biodiesel is made by mixing vegetable oil with methanol, giving glycerine as a by-product. Its source is natural and renewable and it dramatically reduces exhaust emissions of smoke and soot, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide, the cause of acid rain. Methanol can be used as a fuel in any type of burner. Its main disadvantage is that it is less efficient than petrol and can cause pollution if it escapes into the environment, as it mixes easily with water. Production of methanol from coal or natural gas does not help fuel conservation, since it depletes Earths fossil fuel resources. Understanding the production and uses of methanol can help farmers utilize alternative fuels more effectively, contributing to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
shorthorn: A breed of cattle, with short horns. In the 18th century, Charles Colling used many of the breeding principles established by Robert Bakewell to develop the shorthorn breed, which became the most common in Britain and remained so for over a hundred years. It has later developed into three different strains: the Beef Shorthorn, the Dairy Shorthorn and the Lincoln Shorthorn. Farmers benefit from raising shorthorn cattle for their versatility in meat and milk production.
best linear unbiased prediction: A statistical method for predicting genetic merit. Using BLUP helps farmers make informed breeding decisions to improve livestock performance.
extensification: 1. The use of less intensive farming methods. Compare intensification. 2. A payment made to farmers to encourage them to farm less intensively. Adopting extensification practices helps farmers improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
perennial ryegrass: A grass (Lolium perenne) which forms the basis of the majority of long leys in the UK. It is the most important grass in good permanent pasture and is often sown mixed with other grasses and clover (NOTE: Perennial ryegrass has a long growing season, is quick to become established, and responds well to fertilizers. It is best suited to grazing and is highly palatable for animals.) Using perennial ryegrass in pastures ensures high-quality forage and sustainable grazing for livestock.
Bison bonasus: The scientific name for the European bison. Raising bison can diversify farm operations and contribute to species conservation.
The practices and procedures used to ensure the safety, consistency, and quality of food products, including testing and inspections. For example, implementing food product quality control measures to meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations.
successional cropping: the growing of several crops one after the other during the same growing season; the process of sowing a crop such as lettuce over a long period, so that harvesting takes place over a similarly long period. Properly managing successional cropping ensures efficient land use and continuous crop production, supporting farm productivity.
The average amount of weight an animal gains per day over a specified period. ADG is a key performance metric in livestock production. For example, tracking the ADG of feedlot cattle to evaluate feeding programs and overall health.
pumpkin: A large round yellow vegetable, eaten both as a vegetable and in pies as a dessert. Helpful content: Pumpkins are versatile crops with multiple market opportunities. Farmers can maximize profitability by exploring diverse uses, including fresh market sales, processing, and value-added products.
mulefooted hog: a breed of pig which has solid hooves rather than cloven hooves. Raising mulefooted hogs can provide farmers with a unique and high-value product, particularly for niche markets interested in specialty breeds.
International Coffee Organization: An international organization set up to stabilize the international market in coffee by holding buffer stocks to offset seasonal differences in production quantities. Abbr ICO. Provides market stability for coffee farmers.
grazing pressure: Grazing pressure is the number of animals per unit weight of herbage at a point of time. Managing grazing pressure helps maintain pasture quality and ensures sustainable livestock production.
pasteurellosis: A clostridial disease mainly affecting young lambs, adult sheep, and store lambs. It may be caused by contaminated food or water. Symptoms are high temperature and difficult breathing, and death may follow a few days after the symptoms become apparent. Preventing and managing pasteurellosis is vital for livestock health and farm profitability.
growth hormone: A growth hormone is a natural or artificial chemical that makes an animal grow more quickly. Using growth hormones responsibly supports livestock development and farm profitability.
IUCN The World Conservation Union: A union of 140 countries that generates scientific knowledge, advice and standards on environmental subjects and monitors the status of species, publishing findings in its Red Lists. Helps farmers understand global conservation efforts.
The approaches used to promote and sell livestock, including auctions, direct sales, and online platforms. For example, developing livestock marketing strategies to increase sales and reach new markets.
Farm Environment Plan: A survey carried out of all a farms environmental features, such as its natural resources, landscape, resident wildlife, and points of access. Abbr FEP. This plan helps farmers manage their land sustainably and protect the environment.
Combining Peas: Combining peas plural noun peas grown on a large scale, which are harvested with a combine harvester. Growing and combining peas improves crop efficiency and marketability.
weedkiller: Same as herbicide. Using weedkillers can effectively manage weeds and improve crop health and yields.
quality grain: The application of quality standards when selling grain. Good quality is indicated by a high specific weight. Adhering to these standards can help farmers achieve better prices for their crops and build a reputation for reliability and excellence in the market.
evaporate: To change from being a liquid to being a vapor, or to change a liquid into a vapor. In the heat of the day, water evaporates from the surface of the earth. The sun evaporated all the water in the puddle. Understanding evaporation helps farmers manage irrigation and water resources.
Landfill: Landfill refers to the disposal of waste by putting it into holes in the ground and covering it with earth. It also refers to the site where this occurs. The council has decided to use the old gravel pits as a landfill site. Landfill sites can leak pollutants into the groundwater. Properly constructed landfill sites can be used to provide gas for fuel. Managing landfills responsibly prevents environmental contamination and can generate renewable energy.
precision chop forage harvester: A type of harvester which cuts the crop with flails, chops it into precise lengths, and blows it into a trailer. It may be self-propelled, off-set trailed, or mounted. It is used for harvesting green material for making silage. Helpful content: Precision chop forage harvesters improve silage quality by ensuring consistent chop lengths. This enhances fermentation and feed efficiency, supporting better livestock nutrition and farm profitability.
Clydesdale: A breed of heavy draught horse originating in Scotland, known for its brown or black color with a mass of white ‘feathers’ at the feet. Raising Clydesdale horses provides valuable animals for work and recreation, contributing to farm productivity and income.
Cutting: Cutting noun a small piece of a plant from which a new plant will grow COMMENT: Taking cuttings is a frequently used method of propagation which ensures that the new plant is an exact clone of the one from which the cutting was taken. Utilizing cuttings supports plant propagation and crop improvement.
The assessment of cattle’s fat and muscle reserves, used to evaluate their nutritional status and overall health. Body condition scoring helps manage feeding and health care. For instance, regularly assessing cattle body condition to adjust diets and ensure optimal health.
birthweight: The weight of an animal at birth. Monitoring birthweight helps farmers assess the health and growth potential of newborn livestock.
The laws and guidelines governing the import of food products from international markets, including documentation, labeling, and quality standards. For example, complying with food product import regulations to source high-quality ingredients and products.
potato planter: A machine for planting potatoes. Helpful content: Potato planters ensure precise and consistent planting, leading to uniform crop establishment. Farmers can benefit from improved planting efficiency and better crop management using these machines.
pig-producer, pig producer: A person or company that raises pigs for meat. Supporting pig producers ensures a stable supply of pigmeat and contributes to the agricultural economy.
mechanization: The use of machinery in agriculture to increase efficiency and productivity. Mechanization can reduce labor costs and improve farm operations.
Flock Mating: A mating system that uses several males to mate with the females of a flock. Properly managing flock mating enhances genetic diversity and reproductive success.