October 7, 2024
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Lodging

Lodging: Lodging is the tendency of cereal crops to bend over, so that they lie more or less flat on the ground. Managing lodging through proper crop management practices can ensure healthy growth and high yields.

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Sheep

sheep: A ruminant of the genus Ovis, family Bovidae. It is one of many domesticated varieties, farmed for their wool, meat and milk. Most sheep in the UK are kept for meat, and milk production is relatively unimportant. Wool is an important byproduct of sheep farming in the UK, but is the main product of sheep in some other countries, such as Australia. In 2005 the total sheep population of the UK was approximately 40 million, accounting for 30% of all sheep in the EU member states. Sheep are kept under a wide range of environmental and management conditions, from coastal lowland areas such as Romney Marsh to the upland areas of Wales, Scotland and the North of England. Lambs from the upland areas are moved to lowland farms for fattening. In the UK, a great many breeds of sheep have survived and there are some 50 recognised breeds as well as a variety of local types and many crossbreds. More recently, the introduction of continental breeds has increased the variety. A broad classification into three main categories may be made: the long-woolled breeds which include the Romney, Lincoln and Leicester; the short-woolled breeds including the Southdown, Dorset Down and Suffolk, and the mountain, moorland and hill breeds which include the Cheviot, Radnor, Scottish Blackface, Swaledale and Welsh Mountain. Farmers benefit from raising sheep for their versatile products, including meat, wool, and milk, and their adaptability to various environmental conditions.

Sediment Control

Practices used to prevent soil erosion and manage sediment runoff from agricultural fields. Sediment control helps protect water quality and maintain soil health. For example, installing sediment control barriers to reduce soil erosion during heavy rainfall and prevent sediment from entering waterways.

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Summer

summer: the season following spring and before autumn, when the weather is warmest, the sun is highest in the sky, and most plants flower and set seed. Properly managing summer crops ensures healthy growth and optimal yields, supporting farm productivity.

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Rack

rack: A frame of wooden or metal bars which holds fodder, and from which animals can eat. Helps farmers efficiently feed livestock, reducing waste and ensuring animals have constant access to food.

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Endemic

endemic: 1. Referring to an organism that exists or originated from a specific area. The isolation of the islands has led to the evolution of endemic forms. 2. Referring to a disease that occurs within a specific area. This disease is endemic to Mediterranean countries. Understanding endemic species and diseases helps farmers manage biodiversity and animal health.

Soil Quality

The overall condition of soil, including its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Soil quality is essential for sustainable agricultural production and environmental health. For example, improving soil quality through conservation practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic matter addition to support productive and resilient farming systems.

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Pale

pale: 1. A pointed piece of wood used for fencing 2. A husk on grass or cereal seeds. Effective fencing helps manage livestock and protect crops, while removing husks can improve seed quality for planting.

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Animal Health Act 1981

Animal Health Act 1981: An Act of Parliament which aimed to control the spread of diseases in farm animals and to set up rules protecting the welfare of animals on the farm, in transit, and at market. Understanding this act helps farmers comply with animal welfare regulations and prevent disease outbreaks.

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BAA

BAA: Abbreviation for British Agrochemicals Association, an organization representing agrochemical manufacturers. Knowing about BAA helps farmers access reliable sources of pesticides and fertilizers, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

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Definitive Host

definitive host: A host on which a parasite settles permanently. Farmers should be aware of definitive hosts in their livestock to manage parasitic infections. Regular deworming, proper hygiene, and monitoring of animal health can help control parasites and prevent them from establishing permanent hosts. Working with veterinarians to develop effective parasite management plans is essential for maintaining livestock health.

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Podsol

podsol: A type of acid soil where organic matter and mineral elements have been leached from the light-colored top layer into a darker lower layer through which water does not flow and which contains little organic matter. Helpful content: Managing podsols involves soil amendments and appropriate crop selection. Farmers can improve soil fertility and productivity by adding lime and organic matter to counteract acidity.

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Lowlands

Lowlands: Lowlands is an area of low land where conditions are usually good for farming, as opposed to hills and mountains, or highlands. Vegetation in the lowlands is sparse. Utilizing lowlands for farming can provide optimal growing conditions and enhance farm productivity.

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Acid

acid: A chemical compound containing hydrogen which dissolves in water and forms hydrogen ions, or reacts with an alkali to form a salt and water, and turns litmus paper red. Knowledge of acid properties is important for farmers in soil management and crop nutrition.