Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
intensive livestock production: A specialized system of livestock production where the livestock are housed indoors. This system can be started up at any time of the year. Disease hazards are those related to diet and permanent housing for the whole of the animals life. Helps farmers manage indoor livestock production.
Fertilisation: The joining of an ovum and a sperm to form a zygote and start the development of an embryo. Understanding fertilization processes helps farmers optimize breeding programs and improve reproductive success.
The process of producing milk from dairy cows, involving feeding, milking, and herd management. Milk production is essential for the dairy industry. For example, optimizing milk production through proper nutrition and health care for dairy cows.
ethical trading: Business practices which are socially responsible and protect the environment and the rights of workers. Adopting ethical trading practices helps farmers promote sustainability and fair labor practices.
Cattle Health Certification Standards (CHCS): An organization setting common standards for testing non-notifiable diseases in cattle. Engaging with CHCS helps farmers maintain herd health and comply with industry standards.
Chlorination: Sterilization by adding chlorine. Implementing chlorination practices helps farmers manage water quality and ensure food safety in processing operations.
The approaches used to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in dairy farming, including crop insurance, diversification, and hedging. For example, developing dairy farm risk management strategies to protect farm income and reduce vulnerability to adverse events.
Food and Environmental Protection Act, 1986: Legislation bringing the use of agrochemicals under statutory control, as opposed to the previous voluntary arrangement. Abbr FEPA. This act helps ensure the safe use of agrochemicals, protecting farm environments and public health.
Statutory Management Requirement: a set of environmental and animal welfare requirements, which farmers must meet to receive a Single Farm Payment. Abbr SMR. Understanding Statutory Management Requirements ensures compliance with regulations and access to financial support, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The management of the flow of returned food products, including handling, processing, and disposal, to minimize losses and recover value. For example, implementing food product reverse logistics to efficiently manage returns and reduce waste.
The strategies and practices used to promote and sell milk and dairy products. Effective milk marketing helps reach consumers and increase sales. For instance, developing marketing campaigns to highlight the quality and benefits of locally produced milk.
dietetic: Referring to diet. Dietetic practices are essential for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock. Farmers should ensure that animals receive a balanced and nutritious diet, tailored to their specific needs. Working with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop proper dietetic plans will help optimize animal health and farm productivity.
The methods and techniques used to capture, handle, and process fish for market, ensuring quality and safety. For example, implementing fish harvesting and processing practices to produce high-quality seafood products.
open countryside: An area of country without many trees or high mountains. Managing open countryside effectively can enhance biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Farmers can benefit from implementing conservation practices and sustainable land use strategies to improve the ecological value and productivity of open countryside.
Definition: Aerial Seeding Aerial seeding is an agricultural technique that involves the distribution of seeds from the air using aircraft such as planes, helicopters, or …
The conversion of dairy waste into energy, such as biogas or electricity, through processes like anaerobic digestion. For example, using anaerobic digesters to produce biogas from dairy manure and reduce waste.
seeding year: The calendar year in which the seed is sown. Farmers benefit from tracking seeding years for effective crop rotation and planning.
divest: To sell or dispose of assets or interests. Managing divestment involves making informed decisions about selling or disposing of farm assets. Farmers should consider market trends, financial goals, and operational needs when planning divestment. Understanding the benefits and impacts of divestment will aid in effective farm management and financial planning.
CAE (Caprine Arthritis-Encephalitis): A disease of goats that affects their joints and overall health. Preventing and managing CAE involves regular testing, culling infected animals, and maintaining biosecurity measures to protect herd health.
The trachea of cattle, often used in traditional dishes and for making pet food. For example, producing beef trachea for culinary and specialty markets.
Belgian hare: A breed of rabbit. Belgian hares are valued for their meat and fur, providing additional income streams for farmers.
Organic Farming Scheme: A former support scheme which gave payments for organic farmers wanting to increase their production, now administered under the Organic Entry Level Stewardship scheme. Abbr OFS. The OFS supports farmers in transitioning to and maintaining organic farming practices by providing financial assistance. Participating in the OFS can help farmers adopt sustainable practices, improve soil health, and meet the growing market demand for organic products.
small and medium-sized enterprises: organisations that have between 10 and 500 employees and are usually in the start-up or growth stage of development. Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in agriculture promotes innovation, economic growth, and job creation in rural communities.
Falling Time: The time taken for wheat grain to fall to the bottom of a container of water, measured by the Hagberg test. This helps farmers determine the quality and baking properties of wheat.
infectivity: The state of being infective. Helps farmers understand and control the spread of infectious diseases.
Casual Labour: Workers hired for short periods from time to time. Utilizing casual labor helps farmers manage seasonal work demands and reduce labor costs.
The practice of raising goats for their products, including meat, milk, and fiber. Goat farming involves breeding, feeding, and managing health. For example, operating a goat farm to produce goat milk and artisanal cheeses.
The process of removing or neutralizing contaminants in the soil to restore its health and productivity. Soil remediation includes techniques such as bioremediation, phytoremediation, and chemical treatments. For example, using phytoremediation to remove heavy metals from contaminated soil and improve its suitability for crop production.
Fallen Stock: Dead animals on a farm. Proper disposal and management of fallen stock are crucial for biosecurity and preventing the spread of diseases.
A device used to extract milk from dairy cows, typically consisting of a vacuum pump, teat cups, and a collection system. Milking machines improve efficiency and hygiene in dairy operations. For instance, using automated milking machines to reduce labor and increase milk production.
domestic livestock: Pigs, goats, sheep, cows, and other animals which are kept by human beings. These animals are crucial for food production, labor, and other agricultural activities. Proper management practices ensure their health and productivity.
nitrogen: a chemical element that is the main component of air and an essential part of protein. It is essential to biological life. Nitrogen is taken into the body by digesting protein-rich foods. Excess nitrogen is excreted in urine. When the intake of nitrogen and the excretion rate are equal, the body is in nitrogen balance or protein balance. Nitrogen is supplied to the soil by fertilizers, organic matter, nodule bacteria on legumes, and by nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the soil. Proper nitrogen management is critical for optimizing crop growth and productivity. Farmers can benefit from understanding nitrogen’s role in plant nutrition and adopting practices that ensure efficient nitrogen use. This includes regular soil testing, using nitrogen-efficient crop varieties, and applying fertilizers at the right time and rate. Effective nitrogen management improves crop yields, reduces environmental impact, and enhances farm profitability.
batch drying: A process for drying bales of hay in batches. Efficient batch drying techniques ensure high-quality forage for livestock feed.
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