Milk
milk: an opaque white liquid secreted by female mammals during lactation. Proper management of milk production can ensure better quality and yield, contributing to farm profitability and sustainability.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
production entitlement guarantee: A proposed alternative to current agricultural subsidy schemes, in which each farmers subsidy payment is limited to a fixed proportion of their historical output, with market forces determining any payment on top of this. Abbr PEG. Helpful content: Understanding subsidy schemes and production entitlements can help farmers navigate financial planning and ensure stable income despite market fluctuations.
discourage: To try to stop someone from doing something by making it difficult or unpleasant. Discouraging certain behaviors or practices may be necessary for maintaining farm productivity and safety. Farmers should establish clear rules and guidelines for farm operations and ensure that all workers follow them. Implementing proper training and supervision practices will aid in maintaining discipline and achieving farm goals.
dead-in-shell: Referring to chicks which die in the egg because they cannot break out, or can only break part of the way out of the shell. Farmers should monitor incubation conditions to reduce the incidence of dead-in-shell chicks. Maintaining proper temperature, humidity, and ventilation in incubators will improve hatch rates and ensure healthier chicks. Regularly inspecting and adjusting equipment can prevent losses and improve overall productivity.
The computational methods used to analyze data and improve processes in food production and distribution, including classification, regression, and clustering. For example, using food product machine learning algorithms to predict customer preferences and optimize marketing strategies.
milk quota: a system by which farmers are only allowed to produce certain amounts of milk, introduced to restrict the overproduction of milk in member states of the EU. Abbr MQ. Quotas were introduced in 1984, and were based on each states 1981 production, plus 1%. A further 1% was allowed in the first year. A supplementary levy or superlevy, was introduced to penalise milk production over the quota level. In the UK, milk quotas can be bought and sold, either together with or separate from farmland, and are a valuable asset. The government is responsible for the setting of quotas for milk production, according to the directives of the EU commission. Understanding the regulations and market dynamics of milk quotas can help farmers optimize their dairy production and profitability.
solar farming: The use of solar energy to power agricultural operations. Solar farming reduces energy costs and supports sustainable farming practices.
springtail: a primitive wingless insect very common in soils, where they may do damage to fine roots. Managing springtail populations protects crops from damage, ensuring healthy growth and better yields.
The measure of the warmth of the soil, which affects plant growth, nutrient availability, and soil biological activity. Soil temperature is influenced by factors such as climate, soil texture, and management practices. For example, monitoring soil temperature to determine optimal planting times and support healthy crop growth.
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.