Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
Codominant: Codominant /k??d?min?nt/ adjective 1. (of a species) (said of two or more species) being roughly equally abundant in an area and more abundant than any other species. There are three codominant tree species in this forest. 2. Referring to alleles of a gene that are not fully dominant over other alleles in a heterozygous individual. Understanding codominance helps farmers with breeding programs.
knotgrass: Knotgrass – a common weed (Polygonum aviculare) which affects spring cereals, sugar beet and vegetable crops. Its spreading habit prevents other slower-growing plants from growing. Also called ironweed, irongrass, pigweed, wireweed. Helps farmers identify and control weed infestations.
Red Data Book: A catalogue formerly published by the IUCN, listing species which are rare or in danger of becoming extinct. The information is now available in a searchable database. The Red Data Book helps farmers and conservationists identify and protect endangered species, promoting biodiversity.
no-till agriculture: a system of cultivation in which mechanical disturbance of the soil by plowing is kept to a minimum to reduce soil erosion. Also called non-till. No-till agriculture involves minimal soil disturbance, promoting soil health and reducing erosion. Farmers can benefit from adopting no-till practices to enhance soil structure, improve water retention, and reduce labor and fuel costs. No-till farming supports sustainable land management, increases resilience to climate change, and can lead to higher crop yields over time. Understanding and implementing no-till techniques can enhance farm sustainability and productivity.
Specific breeds of cattle raised primarily for meat production. Beef cattle breeds include Angus, Hereford, and Charolais. For example, raising Angus cattle for their high-quality beef and market demand.
Fenland Rotation: A system of crop rotation developed on the Fens of East Anglia, using potatoes, sugar beet, and wheat in rotation. This rotation helps maintain soil fertility and reduce pest and disease pressures.
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 EarthÂ’s 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 farmÂ’s 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.
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