Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
Royal Agricultural Society of England: An organization whose main task is running the annual Royal Show held at The National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Abbreviation: RASE. The RASE promotes agricultural innovation and best practices, benefiting farmers through resources and knowledge sharing.
sodium chloride: common salt. Proper management of sodium chloride levels in livestock diets supports overall health and productivity.
polled stock: 1. Animals that are naturally hornless. 2. Animals that have had their horns removed. Helpful content: Polled stock are easier to handle and pose fewer risks to other animals and handlers. This trait can improve farm safety and reduce management challenges associated with horned livestock.
The practice of attaching identification tags to the ears of calves for management and record-keeping purposes. Ear tagging helps track individual animals’ health and production records. For instance, using ear tags to identify and monitor each calf in a herd.
Freemartin: A female calf produced when a male and female embryo share a uterus, causing the reproductive system of the female embryo to be effectively masculinised. Properly managing freemartins ensures their health and productivity.
ulceration: A condition where ulcers develop or the development of an ulcer. Addressing ulceration early can prevent complications and ensure the well-being of animals, maintaining their health and productivity.
polder: A piece of low-lying land that has been reclaimed from the sea and is surrounded by earth banks, especially in the Netherlands. Helpful content: Polder farming involves managing water levels and soil salinity. Farmers in these areas can benefit from advanced drainage systems and crop selection suited to reclaimed land conditions.
overcultivated: Referring to land that has been too intensively cultivated and has reduced fertility. Managing overcultivated land involves practices that restore soil health, such as adding organic matter and reducing tillage. Farmers can benefit from understanding the impact of overcultivation and adopting sustainable soil management techniques.
Feed Refusal: The amount of allotted feed that a farm animal does not eat. Monitoring feed refusal helps identify health issues and adjust feeding practices accordingly.
The study of genes and heredity in plants, focusing on how genetic traits are passed from one generation to the next. Plant genetics helps improve crop breeding and biotechnology. For instance, using genetic markers to identify desirable traits in crops and develop new varieties.
Global Environment Facility: An organization set up in 1991 to tackle environmental problems that go beyond country boundaries. It is funded by the World Bank. Participating in Global Environment Facility programs can help farmers access resources and support for sustainable practices.
Feeding Face: The area allowed to each animal to feed from under controlled conditions. Each cow needs 150mm of feeding face. Managing feeding space ensures all animals have access to food and reduces competition.
Microscopic organisms that live in the soil and play a key role in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil health. Soil bacteria help improve soil fertility and support plant growth. For example, encouraging beneficial soil bacteria through organic farming practices to enhance soil health and crop productivity.
ectoparasite disease: A disease caused by lice and other insects, usually characterized by intense irritation. Farmers need to manage ectoparasite diseases to ensure the health and welfare of their livestock.
A sheet of wax or plastic used in beekeeping to provide a base for bees to build their comb. This helps guide the bees and ensures straight, uniform comb construction. For instance, placing a foundation in a beehive frame to encourage bees to build honeycomb.
disperse: To spread something over an area. Dispersing seeds, fertilizer, or pesticides properly is important for achieving uniform application and optimal results. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and techniques for effective dispersal. Understanding the benefits and applications of dispersal will aid in effective crop and soil management.
Cold Treatment: Cold treatment noun the use of freezing to disinfest storage containers. Applying cold treatment protects stored produce from pests and diseases.
incompatible: Unable to cross-fertilize and produce offspring. Helps farmers understand breeding limitations and compatibility.
garlic: A plant (Allium sativum) with a strong-smelling pungent root used as a flavoring in cooking. The bulb consists of a series of wedge-shaped cloves, surrounded by a white fibrous skin. Growing garlic can diversify farm products and provide additional income through sales of fresh garlic and value-added products.
The efforts and initiatives to contribute to the economic, social, and environmental development of communities where food production and distribution businesses operate, including local sourcing, job creation, and environmental stewardship. For example, engaging in food product community development to support local economies and enhance social impact.
mast swine: a German term for a fattening pig. Understanding the growth requirements and management of mast swine can help farmers optimize their pig production, leading to better yields and profitability.
The cultivation of cereal crops such as wheat, corn, and barley for their seeds. Grain farming involves planting, managing, and harvesting grain crops. For instance, operating a farm that grows and sells corn for animal feed and ethanol production.
C4: A metabolic pathway for CO2 fixation, which uses four-carbon compounds. Plants with this mechanism, such as maize, are adapted to high sunlight and arid conditions. They have low photorespiration. Understanding C4 plants helps farmers in dry regions choose crops that maximize water use efficiency and yield.
zero tillage: Zero tillage uses herbicides instead of tilling the soil before sowing crops. This practice helps farmers reduce soil erosion and maintain soil health.
Non-dairy products that serve as substitutes for milk, such as soy, almond, and oat milk. Milk alternatives cater to consumers with dietary restrictions or preferences. For instance, producing plant-based milk alternatives to meet the growing demand for lactose-free products.
sugar cane: a large perennial grass, whose stems contain a sweet sap. COMMENT: Sugar cane is rich in sucrose which is extracted and used for making sugar. Cane sugar is now one of the most scientifically produced tropical products, although cutting is still often done by hand. Cane is grown in many tropical and subtropical regions, in particular in the Caribbean. The principal sugar producers are Cuba, India, Brazil, China, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii for cane sugar, and Russia, the Ukraine, France, and Germany for beet sugar. Rum is a by-product of sugar cane. Properly managing sugar cane crops ensures healthy growth and high yields, supporting farm productivity and profitability.
smallholding: a small agricultural unit under 20 hectares in area. Managing smallholdings efficiently supports diverse and sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to local food security and economic resilience.
oasis effect: The loss of water from an irrigated area due to hot dry air coming from an unirrigated area nearby. Understanding and mitigating the oasis effect is crucial for efficient water management in irrigation. Farmers can benefit from using windbreaks or adjusting irrigation schedules to reduce water loss and improve crop hydration.
oxidise: To form an oxide by the reaction of oxygen with another chemical substance. Managing oxidation processes is important for preserving the quality of feed and crops. Farmers can benefit from understanding how to prevent unwanted oxidation to maintain the nutritional value and freshness of their products.
Organic compounds essential for normal growth and function in animals. Vitamins are required in small quantities and must be supplied through the diet. For instance, providing vitamin A supplements to cattle to support vision and immune function.
pyridoxine: Vitamin B6. Helpful content: Pyridoxine is essential for animal health, supporting metabolism and nervous system function. Ensuring adequate vitamin B6 in livestock diets promotes overall health and productivity.
pathogenicity: The ability of a pathogen to cause a disease. Assessing pathogenicity helps in determining the potential impact of diseases on crops and livestock.
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