Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
Complementary Feeders: Complementary feeders plural noun animals which feed in a way which does not compete with other animals feeding in the same area. So goats, which browse, complement sheep which graze. Understanding complementary feeders helps optimize grazing management and pasture utilization.
physiological, physiologic: Referring to the science of how plants, animals, and the human body function. Understanding physiological processes aids in improving animal and plant health, leading to better farm productivity.
The practice of raising pigs for meat production. Pig farming involves breeding, feeding, and managing the health of pigs. For example, operating a pig farm to produce pork for the food industry.
in-ground valuation: The value of tillages or cultivations including direct costs of seed, fertilizer and spray. Helps farmers assess the value of agricultural practices.
Materials added to soil to improve its physical, chemical, or biological properties. Soil amendments include organic matter, lime, and gypsum. For example, adding compost to soil to enhance its fertility, structure, and water-holding capacity for vegetable production.
A series of livestock shows held at different locations, where animals are exhibited and judged. The show circuit allows exhibitors to compete and gain recognition. For example, participating in the show circuit to promote and sell high-quality livestock.
Scottish Natural Heritage: An official body responsible for the conservation of fauna and flora in Scotland. Farmers benefit from engaging with Scottish Natural Heritage to ensure sustainable farming practices and biodiversity conservation.
environmental ethics: The examination and discussion of peoples obligations towards the environment. Adopting environmental ethics helps farmers make decisions that protect and sustain the natural world.
English Nature: The UK government agency that is responsible for nature conservation in England. Abbr EN. Understanding English Nature helps farmers participate in conservation efforts and comply with environmental regulations.
Maedi-Visna: a virus disease of sheep, which causes breathing difficulties. Abbr MV. Managing and preventing Maedi-Visna is essential for maintaining flock health and productivity, reducing mortality rates, and ensuring the economic viability of sheep farming.
The tools and systems used to process, track, and fulfill customer orders, including order entry, tracking, and invoicing. For example, using food product order management platforms to ensure accurate and efficient order processing.
Measures taken to prevent the occurrence and spread of diseases in plants and animals. Disease prevention includes practices such as vaccination, hygiene, and quarantine. For instance, implementing biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks in poultry farms.
seed trials: Tests of new seeds to see if they germinate correctly. Farmers benefit from conducting seed trials to evaluate and select the best-performing seed varieties.
hide-bound: A condition where dehydration makes it difficult for the animals skin to move over the underlying tissues. Preventing hide-bound conditions ensures the health and well-being of livestock.
market town: a town with a permanent or regular market, which serves as a trading centre for the surrounding area. Some markets specialise in certain types of livestock or produce. Understanding the dynamics of market towns can help farmers find reliable outlets for their products, improving marketability and income.
Practices and techniques used to prevent or reduce soil erosion and maintain soil health. Soil erosion control includes cover cropping, terracing, and buffer strips. For example, planting cover crops to reduce soil erosion and improve soil structure in a field.
strip grazing: a system of grazing which allows animals access to a small part of the field. The rest of the field is protected by a temporary fence, usually electric. Properly managing strip grazing ensures sustainable pasture management and livestock productivity.
subtropical: referring to the subtropics. The islands enjoy a subtropical climate. Subtropical plants grow on the sheltered parts of the coast. Properly managing subtropical crops ensures optimal growth and yields, supporting farm productivity and sustainability.
The practices and systems used to manage and dispose of waste generated by dairy production and processing. For example, developing dairy waste management strategies to reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency.
The approaches and practices that support and engage older employees in the food production and distribution process, including flexible work arrangements, skills training, and retirement planning. For example, developing food product aging workforce strategies to retain experienced talent and support career longevity.
extensive system: A farming system which uses a large amount of land per unit of stock or output. An extensive system of pig farming. Understanding extensive systems helps farmers optimize land use and reduce environmental impact.
A breed of dairy cattle known for its robust build and high milk yield with good protein content. Brown Swiss cows are valued for their longevity and productivity. For example, raising Brown Swiss cows for their consistent milk production and hardiness.
suckling pig: an unweaned piglet. Properly managing suckling pigs ensures healthy growth and development, supporting livestock productivity and farm profitability.
A Mexican dish made from tortillas filled with beef, cheese, and sauce, baked until bubbly. For example, producing beef enchilada meat for use in traditional and ready-to-eat meals.
A type of shellfish farmed for its edible meat and pearls. Oyster farming involves growing oysters in controlled environments such as cages or beds in coastal waters. For instance, operating an oyster farm to produce oysters for the seafood market and pearl industry.
plateau: An area of high flat land. Helpful content: Understanding the geography of plateaus can help farmers optimize land use and select appropriate crops that thrive in such environments. Plateaus often have unique soil and climate conditions that can be advantageous for certain types of farming.
Farming techniques that minimize soil disturbance and erosion, including reduced tillage and strip-till methods. For example, implementing conservation tillage practices to protect soil health and reduce environmental impact.
pore space: The space in the soil not filled by soil particles, but which may be filled with water or air. Helpful content: Managing pore space in soil is essential for optimal crop growth. Practices like tillage, cover cropping, and organic matter addition can enhance soil structure and improve water retention and aeration.
harden off: To make plants which have been raised in a greenhouse become gradually more used to the natural temperature outdoors. Hardening off plants ensures they can withstand outdoor conditions, leading to better survival and growth rates.
hyperphosphate: A soft rock phosphate obtained from North America. Using hyperphosphate improves soil fertility and supports healthy crop growth.
surface drainage: the removal of surplus water from an area of land by means of ditches and channels. Properly managing surface drainage ensures healthy soil conditions and prevents waterlogging, supporting productive agriculture.
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