Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
selection: The process of identifying plants or animals with desirable characteristics such as high yield or disease resistance as part of the activity of breeding new varieties. An individual chosen from a group in a breeding programme on the basis of distinctive characteristics. Farmers benefit from selection processes to improve crop and livestock productivity.
blanket spray: A method of applying pesticides uniformly across a field. Using blanket sprays effectively manages pest populations and protects crops.
resistance: The ability of an organism not to be affected by something such as a disease, stress factor, process, or treatment. Managing resistance helps farmers protect crop and livestock health, ensuring sustainable farm productivity.
dandelion: A yellow weed (Taraxacum officinale) found in grassland and also sometimes eaten as salad. While often considered a weed, dandelions have culinary and medicinal uses. Farmers can harvest dandelions for sale in niche markets or for personal use. Additionally, understanding weed management practices can help maintain pasture and crop health, ensuring optimal growth conditions for desired plants.
The creation and implementation of guidelines and procedures to ensure the security of food production and distribution processes, including access controls, data protection, and incident response. For example, developing food product security policies to establish a secure and compliant operational environment.
husbanding: The activity of using a resource carefully. Practicing husbandry supports sustainable farm management and resource conservation.
boysenberry: A large, dark berry that is a cross between a raspberry, blackberry, and loganberry. Growing boysenberries provides unique fruit for fresh markets and processing.
shade plants: Plants which prefer to grow in the shade. Farmers benefit from growing shade plants to diversify crops and optimize land use.
Compulsory Dipping Period: Compulsory dipping period noun a period of time, usually some weeks, during which all sheep in the country must be dipped. Managing compulsory dipping periods helps control parasites and protect sheep health.
distribution: The spreading of something over an area. Proper distribution of seeds, fertilizer, or pesticides is important for achieving uniform application and optimal results. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and techniques for effective distribution. Understanding the benefits and applications of distribution will aid in effective crop and soil management.
A dairy product made by coagulating milk proteins to form curds and separating the whey. Cheese comes in various types and flavors. For instance, making cheddar cheese by aging curds to develop a sharp flavor.
downy mildew: A disease (Peronospora brassica) that causes white bloom on the undersurface of leaves, most damaging to Brassica seedlings. Managing downy mildew involves using resistant plant varieties, practicing crop rotation, and applying appropriate fungicides.
Challenge Feeding: The process of feeding dairy cows with concentrates to provide extra nourishment. Using challenge feeding helps farmers maximize milk production and maintain cow health during peak lactation periods.
The preparation and implementation of plans to address potential disruptions and ensure business continuity in food production and distribution. For example, creating food product contingency plans to mitigate risks and maintain operations during unforeseen events.
Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations 2000: A piece of legislation which sets out guidelines for the humane treatment of animals on farms, including separate schedules on the treatment specific types of animals such as laying hens, cattle, or pigs. Complying with these regulations can improve animal welfare and farm practices.
The study of the physical characteristics and social behavior of honeybees, including their roles within the hive and foraging activities. For example, understanding honeybee biology and behavior to improve hive management and honey production.
Down breeds: Breeds of short-wooled sheep, giving wool of a creamy colour; the sheep have dark faces and legs and are hornless. They are found in hilly areas and include the Southdown, Hampshire Down, Dorset Down, and Suffolk. Down breeds are prized for their meat and wool production.
gestation period: The period from conception to birth when a female mammal has live young in her womb. Knowledge of the gestation period is crucial for managing breeding programs and ensuring the health of pregnant livestock.
inorganic fertiliser: An artificially synthesized fertilizer. Helps farmers use inorganic fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and crop production.
A hearty dish made from beef, vegetables, and broth, often slow-cooked to develop flavor. For example, producing beef stew meat for use in homemade and pre-packaged meals.
natural: adjective referring to nature, or produced by nature not by humans. Natural materials and methods often align with sustainable farming practices, promoting environmental health and resource conservation. Farmers can benefit from using natural fertilizers, pest control methods, and materials, reducing reliance on synthetic inputs and minimizing environmental impact. This approach can improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and attract consumers who prioritize sustainably produced goods, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and profitable farming operation.
NFU: abbreviation for National Farmers Union. The National Farmers’ Union advocates for farmers’ rights and interests, providing a unified voice in policy discussions and negotiations. Membership in the NFU offers farmers access to valuable resources, including legal advice, market information, and training programs. By participating in the NFU, farmers can influence agricultural policies, stay informed about industry trends, and benefit from collective bargaining power, ultimately strengthening their farm businesses.
branding iron: A tool used to apply a brand to livestock. Using branding irons ensures clear and permanent identification marks on animals.
Fumigation: Disinfection by means of gas or fumes that penetrate into cracks and holes, a process that is probably more efficient than spraying or scrubbing. Properly managing fumigation practices ensures effective pest control and farm hygiene.
spray irrigation: a system of irrigation using sprinklers which are located along a boom. Some booms rotate and can distribute water over a large circular area. Using spray irrigation ensures efficient water distribution, promoting healthy crop growth and sustainable water use.
Contact Insecticide: Contact insecticide noun a substance such as DDT that kills insects which touch it (NOTE: DDT is now banned in many countries because of its toxicity and ability to accumulate in the environment). Using contact insecticides helps control pests and protect crops.
secondary substances: Chemical substances found in plant leaves, believed to be a form of defence against herbivores. Farmers benefit from understanding secondary substances to improve crop protection and resistance.
Rural Inspectorate Wales: The organization that is responsible for administering CAP schemes in Wales. Abbreviation: RIW. The RIW supports farmers by ensuring compliance with agricultural regulations and promoting best practices.
Leaseholder: A leaseholder is a person who holds a property on a lease. Being a leaseholder allows farmers to use land or facilities for a specified period, supporting agricultural activities.
humification: The breakdown of rotting organic waste to form humus. Practicing humification improves soil fertility and supports healthy crop growth.
The use of milk and dairy products by consumers, influenced by dietary habits, cultural preferences, and nutritional awareness. For instance, promoting milk consumption through educational campaigns about its health benefits.
A common health issue in calves, often caused by infectious agents or nutritional factors. Calf diarrhea can lead to dehydration and poor growth. For instance, treating calf diarrhea with fluids and medications to restore health and prevent complications.
indefinite inflorescence: A type of inflorescence in which the stems bearing the flowers continue to grow. Compare definite inflorescence. Helps farmers understand plant growth patterns.
ecological diversity: A variety of biological communities that interact with one another and with their physical and chemical environments. Ecological diversity benefits farmers by creating resilient ecosystems that support sustainable agriculture.
primary industry: An industry dealing with raw materials such as coal, food, farm produce, or wood. Helpful content: The primary industry forms the backbone of agricultural economies. Farmers engaged in primary production need to adopt efficient practices and innovations to remain competitive and sustainable.
root system: All the roots of a plant. Managing root systems supports healthy crop growth and soil health.
rhizoctonia root rot: A common soil fungus (Rhizoctonia solani) which attacks the roots of seedlings and retards growth. Managing this fungus is crucial for protecting crop health and ensuring optimal growth.
The sequence of processes involved in the production, processing, distribution, and sale of dairy products. For example, managing the dairy supply chain to ensure efficient and timely delivery of milk and cheese to consumers.
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