March 8, 2025
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Heterosis

heterosis: An increase in size or rate of growth, fertility or resistance to disease found in offspring of a cross between organisms with different genotypes. Also called hybrid vigour. Using heterosis in breeding programs can improve livestock and crop performance.

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Pollinator

pollinator: 1. An organism which helps pollinate a plant, e.g., a bee or bird. 2. A plant from which pollen is transferred by bees to pollinate another plant, especially a fruit tree that is not self-fertile. Helpful content: Promoting pollinator health and habitat is crucial for sustainable agriculture. Farmers can enhance crop yields by supporting pollinator populations through habitat conservation and integrated pest management.

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Sessile

sessile: Attached directly to a branch or stem without a stalk. The acorns of a sessile oak tree have no stalks or very short stalks. Farmers benefit from understanding sessile plant structures for better crop management and growth.

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Flat Rate Feeding

Flat Rate Feeding: A system of feeding concentrates to dairy cows, involving few changes to the level of concentrate input from calving to turnout. Implementing flat rate feeding can simplify feed management and ensure consistent nutrition for dairy cows.

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Tull, Jethro

Tull, Jethro: (1674–1740) An 18th-century gentleman farmer. He invented the mechanical seed drill and the horse-drawn hoe. Understanding historical figures like Jethro Tull can provide insights into the development of modern agricultural practices.

Milk Tank

A large refrigerated storage tank used to hold and cool milk on dairy farms before it is transported for processing. Bulk tanks are essential for maintaining milk quality. For example, storing milk in bulk tanks to keep it fresh until it is collected by milk tankers.

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Melon

melon: a plant of the cucumber family (Cucumis melo) with a sweet fruit. The flesh of the fruit varies from green to orange or white. Growing melons can provide farmers with a high-value crop, particularly for markets interested in fresh fruit.

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National Office Of Animal Health

National Office of Animal Health: NOAH is an organization that represents the British animal medicines industry. Abbr NOAH. The National Office of Animal Health provides farmers with information on veterinary medicines and best practices for animal health management. By staying informed through NOAH, farmers can ensure their livestock receive effective treatments, prevent disease outbreaks, and maintain high animal welfare standards. Access to reliable veterinary products and guidance helps improve livestock productivity, health, and farm profitability.

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Nanny Goat

nanny goat: a female goat. Nanny goats are essential in goat farming for milk production and breeding purposes. They provide a reliable source of dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, which can be sold directly or processed into value-added products. Effective management of nanny goats, including proper nutrition, healthcare, and breeding practices, can enhance milk yield and quality. This contributes to increased farm income and sustainability. Additionally, goats are excellent foragers and can help manage vegetation and improve soil health through their grazing habits.

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Contaminate

Contaminate: Contaminate verb to make something impure by touching it or by adding something, especially something harmful, to it Supplies of drinking water were contaminated by uncontrolled discharges from the factory. A whole group of tourists fell ill after eating contaminated food. Preventing contamination ensures product safety and protects consumer health.

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Digest

digest: To break down food and convert it into elements which can be absorbed by the body. To use bacteria to process waste, especially organic waste such as manure, in order to produce biogas. 55% of UK sewage sludge is digested. Wastes from food processing plants can be anaerobically digested. Digesting organic matter is essential for nutrient cycling and soil health. Farmers should implement composting and anaerobic digestion practices to process waste and produce valuable biogas and compost. Understanding the benefits and processes of digestion will aid in effective waste management and soil fertility improvement.

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Plant Variety Rights Office

Plant Variety Rights Office: The certifying authority for agricultural and horticultural seeds in England and Wales, based in Cambridge. Abbr PVRO. Helpful content: The Plant Variety Rights Office helps protect the intellectual property of plant breeders, encouraging innovation and the development of new plant varieties. Farmers benefit from access to improved seeds that enhance productivity and sustainability.

Plant Pathology

The study of plant diseases and their causes, including pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Plant pathology aims to develop methods for disease prevention and control. For instance, researching the causes of a fungal disease affecting wheat and developing resistant crop varieties.

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Staggers

staggers: a condition of animals in which they stagger about, as in looping-ill and swayback disease. Grass staggers in cattle is caused by hypomagnesaemia. Managing staggers ensures livestock health and productivity, supporting farm profitability.

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Flocculation

Flocculation: The grouping of small particles of soil together to form larger ones. Flocculation is very important in making clay soils easy to work. Proper soil management practices encourage flocculation and improve soil structure.

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Stabilisation Lagoon

stabilisation lagoon: a pond used for storing liquid waste; a pond used for purifying sewage by allowing sunlight to fall on a mixture of sewage and water. Properly managing stabilisation lagoons ensures effective waste treatment and resource recycling, supporting sustainable farming practices.

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Gatt

GATT: An international organization aiming to reduce restrictions on trade between countries. It was replaced in 1995 by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Full form: General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Understanding GATT helps farmers navigate international trade regulations and opportunities.

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Marking

marking: the practice of putting a mark on an animal to identify who it belongs to, e.g. a brand on the skin. Effective marking can help farmers manage their livestock more efficiently, ensuring better record-keeping and traceability.

Ulcer

ulcer: An open sore in the skin or mucous membrane, which is inflamed and difficult to heal. Early detection and treatment of ulcers in livestock can prevent more serious health issues and improve animal welfare, maintaining the overall health and productivity of the herd.

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Hundredweight

hundredweight: A measure of weight of dry goods such as grain. Abbreviated after numbers to cwt: 5cwt. The British hundredweight is equivalent to 50.8kg, and the US hundredweight is equivalent to 45.4kg. Understanding hundredweight measurements helps farmers manage crop yields and storage.

Soil Pollution

The presence of harmful substances in the soil, such as chemicals, heavy metals, or pathogens, that can negatively impact soil health and crop production. Soil pollution can result from industrial activities, pesticide use, and improper waste disposal. For example, testing soil for contaminants and implementing remediation practices to restore soil health and ensure safe food production.