Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
DCS: Abbreviation for Deer Commission for Scotland. Farmers involved in deer farming should be aware of the regulations and best practices promoted by the DCS. Following these guidelines will help ensure sustainable and ethical deer farming practices, contributing to the health and productivity of the herd.
Chisel Plough: A plough with a heavy-duty frame and tines bolted to it, used for deep soil cultivation. Using chisel ploughs helps farmers improve soil structure, manage weeds, and enhance crop growth.
slash and burn agriculture: a form of agriculture in which forest is cut down and burnt to create open space for growing crops. Also called swidden farming. (NOTE: The space is abandoned after several crops have been grown and then more forest is cut down.) Understanding the environmental impact of slash and burn agriculture encourages farmers to adopt more sustainable practices, preserving forests and promoting long-term agricultural productivity.
diterpenoid: A type of compound derived from diterpenes, found in plants and fungi. Understanding diterpenoids is important for managing plant health and developing pest control strategies. Farmers should work with plant scientists to explore the benefits and applications of diterpenoids. Understanding the properties and functions of diterpenoids will aid in effective crop management and pest control.
Crushing Subsidy: Crushing subsidy noun payment made in the EU to oil producers to compensate for the difference between vegetable oil prices in the EU and those outside. Understanding crushing subsidies aids in managing agricultural markets and support policies.
Anglo-Nubian: A hardy breed of goat with high milk yields. It has a brown coat with white patches. Raising Anglo-Nubian goats provides farmers with valuable milk production and fiber.
habitat management: Same as nature management. Effective habitat management can lead to sustainable farming practices, helping maintain soil health and supporting beneficial wildlife.
vermiculite: A form of silica processed into small pieces, used instead of soil in horticulture because it retains moisture. Using vermiculite can improve plant growth and soil health, enhancing crop yields.
spray: a mass of tiny drops of liquid; special liquid for spraying onto a plant to prevent insect infestation or disease; to send out a liquid in a mass of tiny drops; to send out a special liquid onto a plant to prevent insect infestation or disease. Using sprays effectively helps farmers manage pests and diseases, ensuring healthy crop growth and better yields.
enzootic disease: An outbreak of disease among certain species of animals in a certain area. Compare epizootic disease. Managing enzootic diseases helps farmers protect animal health and prevent the spread of infections.
PSE: Abbreviation for pale soft exudative muscle and porcine spongiform encephalopathy. Helpful content: Managing PSE conditions involves understanding their causes and implementing preventive measures. Farmers should ensure proper handling and nutrition to minimize stress and prevent these issues in livestock.
New Hampshire Red: a breed of poultry with red plumage, lighter in weight than Rhode Island Red. New Hampshire Reds are mainly kept as layers, producing brownish-tinted eggs. New Hampshire Red chickens are valued for their egg-laying abilities and adaptability to various farming conditions. Farmers can benefit from raising this breed to diversify their poultry operations, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality eggs. Understanding the breed’s characteristics and management needs helps optimize production, improve animal welfare, and enhance farm profitability.
warble fly: A parasitic fly whose larvae infest cattle. Infestation by warble fly is a notifiable disease. Managing warble fly infestations can prevent health issues in cattle and improve productivity.
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE): A neurological disorder in cattle, also known as mad cow disease. Knowledge of BSE and its prevention is critical for ensuring the safety of beef products and maintaining public health.
Crop Breeding: Crop breeding noun the development of new varieties of crops. Engaging in crop breeding supports agricultural innovation and crop improvement.
epidemic: 1. An infectious disease that spreads quickly through a large part of the population. The health authorities are taking steps to prevent an epidemic of cholera or a cholera epidemic. 2. A rapidly spreading infection or disease. Endemic, pandemic. Understanding epidemics helps farmers implement effective biosecurity measures and prevent disease outbreaks.
The thymus gland of cattle, often used in traditional dishes and for making pet food. For example, producing beef thymus for culinary and specialty markets.
The approaches used to prevent and manage the impact of flooding on agricultural land and production, including drainage systems, levees, and crop selection. For example, developing flood prevention and management plans to protect crops and infrastructure from water damage.
stockman: a farm worker who looks after animals, especially cattle. (NOTE: Animal welfare codes lay down rules about how well-trained stockmen should be in order to ensure the good health and welfare of the animals or birds in their care.) Properly training and managing stockmen ensures livestock health and productivity, supporting farm profitability and ethical farming practices.
epizootic disease: A disease which spreads to large numbers of animals over a large area. Compare enzootic disease. Managing epizootic diseases helps farmers protect animal health and prevent the spread of infections.
primary: 1. First, basic or most important. 2. Being first or before something else. Helpful content: Recognizing primary factors in farming, such as soil health and water availability, is crucial for successful crop and livestock management. Focusing on primary needs ensures a strong foundation for overall farm productivity.
Counter Fraud and Compliance Unit: Counter Fraud and Compliance Unit noun an organization which detects irregularities with CAP claims. Abbr CFCU. Engaging with the Counter Fraud and Compliance Unit ensures compliance with agricultural policies and regulations.
Chitterlings: The small intestines of pigs used for food. Utilizing chitterlings as a food product helps farmers reduce waste and maximize the value of livestock.
new wood: growth made during the current year. Managing new wood growth in orchards and vineyards is essential for maintaining plant health and productivity. Farmers can benefit from regular pruning practices that encourage healthy new wood development, improve air circulation, and enhance fruit quality. Proper management of new wood supports vigorous growth, higher yields, and better crop quality, contributing to the overall success of the farming operation.
ethnobotany: The study of the way plants are used by humans. Understanding ethnobotany helps farmers explore traditional uses of plants and diversify crop production.
rural affairs: The activities and concerns of rural communities. Understanding rural affairs helps farmers engage with community issues and promote rural development.
A cooking method involving marinating and broiling a lean cut of beef, often top round or flank steak. For example, producing beef cuts for London broil recipes and grilling.
Feeding Value: The nutritional value of feedingstuffs. Understanding feeding value helps farmers select the best feed for their animals to ensure health and productivity.
A systematic plan for administering vaccines to livestock to protect against infectious diseases. Vaccination programs are essential for herd health and productivity. For example, developing a vaccination program for dairy cattle to prevent common diseases and maintain herd health.
best-before date: A date stamped on foodstuffs indicating the last date when the food is guaranteed to be in good condition. Farmers should monitor best-before dates to ensure product quality and compliance.
domesticated: Referring to a wild animal that has been trained to live near a house and not be frightened of human beings or a species that was formerly wild but has been selectively bred to fill human needs. Domesticated animals and plants are vital to agricultural productivity and sustainability.
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