Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
sell-by date: A date on the label of a food product which is the last date on which the product should be sold and can be guaranteed as of good quality. Farmers benefit from understanding sell-by dates for food safety and quality control.
myxomatosis: a viral disease of rabbits which causes tumours on the skin, and usually kills the animal. It is spread by mosquitoes and fleas. Managing and preventing myxomatosis is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of rabbit populations.
The practices and strategies used to manage the financial aspects of mushroom farming operations, including budgeting, accounting, and investment. For example, conducting mushroom farm financial management to ensure profitability and sustainable growth.
A row of trees or shrubs planted to protect agricultural fields from wind and reduce soil erosion. Shelterbelts help improve microclimates and provide habitat for wildlife. For instance, planting a shelterbelt along the edge of a field to reduce wind speed and protect crops from wind damage.
Feed Stance: An open stall in a building where animals can feed. Proper design of feed stances ensures efficient feeding and animal comfort.
persimmon: A native tree (Diospyros kaki) of Japan and China, which produces reddish-orange fruit, similar in appearance to tomatoes. The fruits are eaten either as dessert or may be cooked; they are very rich in vitamins. Growing persimmons provides a valuable fruit crop that meets market demand and offers nutritional benefits.
degradation: The decomposition of a chemical compound into its elements. Managing degradation processes is important for maintaining soil health and preventing pollution. Farmers should implement practices like crop rotation, organic amendments, and proper waste management to enhance degradation and nutrient cycling. Monitoring soil health and adjusting management practices will ensure sustainable and productive farming systems.
International Cocoa Organization: An international organization set up to stabilize the international market in cocoa by holding buffer stocks to offset seasonal differences in production quantities. Abbr ICCO. Supports cocoa farmers’ livelihoods.
support energy: the total energy expenditure necessary for the production of plant and animal agricultural foodstuffs. Properly managing support energy ensures efficient resource use and sustainability in agricultural production.
soil fertility: the potential capacity of soil to support plant growth based on its content of nitrogen and other nutrients. Managing soil fertility ensures healthy crop growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.
malting: the process by which barley grain is soaked in water, then sprouted on a floor to produce an enzyme. It is then dried in a kiln and the roots and shoots are removed to leave the malt grains. Understanding the malting process can help farmers produce high-quality barley, leading to better marketability and income.
The layer of fat covering an animal’s muscles, affecting meat quality and yield. Fat cover is assessed to determine market readiness and processing efficiency. For example, monitoring fat cover in cattle to optimize meat quality and minimize waste.
A method of permanently marking cattle with a hot iron or freeze brand to indicate ownership. Branding helps prevent theft and establish identity. For instance, branding cattle with a ranch’s unique mark for identification and legal purposes.
indehiscent: Referring to seed pods, fruit or capsules that do not open to release seeds when ripe. Compare dehiscent. Helps farmers manage seed dispersal and crop harvest.
rotation design: A method of conserving soil nutrients in organic farming by planting different crops in different years. Using rotation designs supports sustainable farming practices and soil health.
rural environment: The countryside. Protecting the rural environment supports sustainable agriculture and enhances biodiversity.
active ingredient: The main effective ingredient of something such as an ointment or agrochemical, as opposed to the base substance. Abbr AI. Knowing the active ingredients in agrochemicals helps farmers use them safely and effectively.
The process of examining and analyzing incidents related to food products, including contamination, quality issues, and safety concerns, to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. For example, conducting food product incident investigations to improve processes and prevent future issues.
agricultural holding: A basic unit for agricultural production, consisting of all the land and livestock under the management of one particular person or group of people. Managing agricultural holdings effectively is crucial for farmers to optimize productivity and sustainability.
Institute of Food Research: A not-for-profit scientific institute which advises on food safety, diet and health. Abbr IFR. Ensures farmers have access to the latest research on food safety and nutrition.
Horticultural Development Council: A non-departmental government body providing information and support to people in the horticulture industry, including producers of soft fruit, mushrooms, and tree fruit. Abbr HDC. Engaging with HDC can provide farmers with valuable research and support for horticultural practices.
A cut of beef obtained from the breast or lower chest, known for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly. Brisket is commonly used for barbecuing and braising. For example, producing beef brisket for barbecue joints and home cooks.
monophyletic: derived from a single ancestral type. Understanding monophyletic relationships can help farmers improve their breeding programs and ensure better genetic diversity and productivity.
inorganic pesticide: A pesticide made from inorganic substances such as sulfur. Helps farmers control pests using inorganic pesticides.
The evaluation of soil erosion risk and severity to inform management practices and conservation efforts. Soil erosion assessment helps identify vulnerable areas and prioritize interventions. For example, conducting soil erosion assessments to develop targeted conservation plans and protect soil health on a farm.
A primal cut of beef obtained from the rib section, known for its tenderness and flavor. Rib cuts include ribeye steaks and prime rib. For instance, producing ribeye steaks for high-end restaurants and retail markets.
theoretical field capacity: The rate of work that would be achieved if a machine were performing its function at its full-rated forward speed for 100% of the time. Understanding theoretical field capacity can help farmers plan and optimize machinery use for efficient field operations.
penicillin: An antibiotic, originally produced from a fungus, that controls bacterial and fungal infections (NOTE: Penicillin and the related family of drugs have names ending in -cillin: amoxycillin). COMMENT: Penicillin is effective against many microbial diseases, such as mastitis in cattle. Using antibiotics like penicillin helps in treating infections and maintaining livestock health.
adulterate: To reduce the quality of something, such as by adding water to milk. Ensuring products are not adulterated maintains their quality and marketability for farmers.
guinea corn: Guinea corn is sorghum, a versatile crop used for food, fodder, and industrial products. Growing guinea corn diversifies farm production and meets market demands for cereals.
An approach to farming that seeks to increase productivity, enhance resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This involves practices such as crop rotation, conservation tillage, and agroforestry. For example, implementing climate-smart practices can help a farm adapt to changing weather patterns.
Crop: Crop noun 1. a plant grown for food 2. a yield of produce from plants The tree has produced a heavy crop of apples. The first crop was a failure. The rice crop has failed. 3. the bag-shaped part of a birds throat where food is stored before digestion verb (of plants) to produce fruit a new strain of rice which crops heavily. Managing crops ensures optimal yields and sustainable agriculture.
A nutrient added to milk to support bone health and immune function. Vitamin D is commonly fortified in milk. For instance, fortifying milk with vitamin D to help prevent deficiencies in the population.
Farm Business Survey: A survey carried out by Defra on the financial performance of different types of farms. Abbr FBS. This survey helps farmers benchmark their performance and make informed business decisions.
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