Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
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.
bird of prey: A bird that hunts other animals for food. Encouraging birds of prey on farms helps control rodent and pest populations naturally.
booster pump: A pump used to increase water pressure in irrigation systems. Installing booster pumps improves irrigation efficiency and crop water management.
permaculture: A system of permanent agriculture, which involves carefully designing human habitats and food production systems. Implementing permaculture principles ensures sustainable land use and enhances biodiversity.
Cut: Cut noun 1. the act of cutting hay or other plants It is necessary to get enough silage from three cuts to see the herd through the winter. 2. the act of cutting down trees verb to fell trees with a saw or an axe. Understanding cutting techniques supports proper harvesting and crop management.
hindquarters: The back part of an animal, including the haunches and hind legs. Managing the hindquarters of livestock effectively ensures proper meat processing and quality.
The process of administering anthelmintic drugs to cattle to eliminate parasitic worms. Deworming is crucial for maintaining cattle health and productivity. For instance, regularly deworming cattle to prevent parasitic infestations and improve weight gain.
vegetable oils: Oils obtained from plants and their seeds, which are low in saturated fats. Producing vegetable oils can provide a healthy food product and an additional income stream for farmers.
steerage hoe: a hoe mounted behind a tractor and steered by the driver to avoid crop damage. Using steerage hoes ensures precise weed control and healthy crop growth, supporting better yields.
hydrocarbon: A compound formed of hydrogen and carbon. Understanding hydrocarbons supports environmental health and sustainability on the farm.
The guidelines and practices that ensure accessibility for all individuals in the food production and distribution process, including physical accessibility, digital accessibility, and inclusive design. For example, implementing food product accessibility standards to promote inclusion and support diverse needs.
picket fence: A fence made of upright wooden stakes (pickets) joined together by horizontal rails. Using picket fences can improve farm aesthetics and provide secure enclosures for livestock and crops.
The methods and techniques used to grow mushrooms, including substrate preparation, spawning, and environmental control. For example, implementing mushroom cultivation practices to produce high-quality mushrooms for culinary and medicinal use.
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