Foxglove
Foxglove: A common weed (Digitalis purpurea) that is poisonous and harmful to animals. Properly managing foxgloves helps protect livestock health and maintain safe pastures.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
Crush Margin: Crush margin noun the difference in price between the unprocessed seed and the product extracted after crushing. Understanding crush margins aids in managing agricultural markets and production costs.
A bull that is raised and prepared for exhibition in livestock shows, judged on conformation and quality. Show bulls are groomed and trained for competition. For example, selecting and raising a show bull to compete in national livestock shows.
The application of ecological principles to agricultural practices, emphasizing sustainability, biodiversity, and resilience. For example, implementing agroecology principles to create sustainable and productive farming systems.
mineral: an inorganic solid substance with a characteristic chemical composition that occurs naturally. The names of many minerals end with the suffix -ite. The most important minerals required by the body are: calcium (found in cheese, milk and green vegetables) which helps the growth of bones and encourages blood clotting; iron (found in bread and liver) which helps produce red blood cells; phosphorus (found in bread and fish) which helps in the growth of bones and the metabolism of fats; and iodine (found in fish) which is essential to the functioning of the thyroid gland. Understanding the role of minerals in soil and livestock nutrition can help farmers prevent deficiencies and ensure better crop and animal health and productivity.
agricultural engineering: The application of the principles of science to farming. Understanding agricultural engineering helps farmers adopt technologies and practices that enhance productivity and sustainability.
endoparasite: A parasite that lives inside its host. Compare ectoparasite. Managing endoparasites is crucial for maintaining animal health and productivity on farms.
subsoiler: a heavy cultivator consisting of a strong frame with long tines attached to it. It is used to break up compacted soil to allow free passage of air and water, a process called subsoiling. Using subsoilers ensures efficient soil aeration and structure, promoting healthy crop growth and better yields.
double suckling: A method of raising beef calves where a second calf is placed with the cows own calf and allowed to suckle. This practice can improve the growth rates of calves and optimize the use of maternal resources.
plough pan: A hard layer in the soil caused by ploughing at the same depth every year. Helpful content: Recognizing and managing plough pans is important for maintaining soil health. Breaking up these compacted layers through deep tillage or no-till practices can improve water infiltration and root penetration, enhancing crop growth.
right of access: The right of someone to be able to get to land by passing over someone elses property; the right of the public to walk in areas of the countryside, providing they do not harm crops or farm animals. Understanding right of access helps farmers manage land use and protect crops and livestock.
proventriculus: The gizzard of birds, or the thick-walled stomach of insects and crustaceans. Helpful content: Understanding the digestive anatomy of birds and insects helps optimize feeding strategies. Proper nutrition management can enhance digestion and nutrient absorption, supporting animal health and productivity.
A cut of beef obtained from the top sirloin, known for its tenderness and flavor. Top sirloin steak is popular for grilling and casual dining. For example, producing top sirloin steaks for home cooks and restaurants.
The practices and strategies used to identify, diagnose, and manage diseases that affect crops, including prevention, treatment, and control measures. For example, implementing crop disease identification and management practices to protect yields and ensure crop health.
stock: animals or plants that are derived from a common ancestor; a plant with roots onto which a piece of another plant, the scion, is grafted; a supply of something available for future use. Properly managing stock ensures healthy growth and productivity in livestock and crop operations, supporting farm profitability and sustainability.
A cut of beef obtained from the short loin, known for its tenderness and flavor. Strip steaks are popular for grilling and high-end dining. For instance, producing strip steaks for steakhouses and premium markets.
A farm where cattle are raised for various purposes, including meat, milk, and breeding. Cattle farms vary in size and management practices. For instance, operating a cattle farm that focuses on both beef and dairy production.
DCS: Abbreviation for Deer Commission for Scotland. Farmers involved in deer farming should be aware of the regulations and best practices promoted by the DCS. Following these guidelines will help ensure sustainable and ethical deer farming practices, contributing to the health and productivity of the herd.
Chisel Plough: A plough with a heavy-duty frame and tines bolted to it, used for deep soil cultivation. Using chisel ploughs helps farmers improve soil structure, manage weeds, and enhance crop growth.
slash and burn agriculture: a form of agriculture in which forest is cut down and burnt to create open space for growing crops. Also called swidden farming. (NOTE: The space is abandoned after several crops have been grown and then more forest is cut down.) Understanding the environmental impact of slash and burn agriculture encourages farmers to adopt more sustainable practices, preserving forests and promoting long-term agricultural productivity.
diterpenoid: A type of compound derived from diterpenes, found in plants and fungi. Understanding diterpenoids is important for managing plant health and developing pest control strategies. Farmers should work with plant scientists to explore the benefits and applications of diterpenoids. Understanding the properties and functions of diterpenoids will aid in effective crop management and pest control.
Crushing Subsidy: Crushing subsidy noun payment made in the EU to oil producers to compensate for the difference between vegetable oil prices in the EU and those outside. Understanding crushing subsidies aids in managing agricultural markets and support policies.
Anglo-Nubian: A hardy breed of goat with high milk yields. It has a brown coat with white patches. Raising Anglo-Nubian goats provides farmers with valuable milk production and fiber.
habitat management: Same as nature management. Effective habitat management can lead to sustainable farming practices, helping maintain soil health and supporting beneficial wildlife.
vermiculite: A form of silica processed into small pieces, used instead of soil in horticulture because it retains moisture. Using vermiculite can improve plant growth and soil health, enhancing crop yields.
spray: a mass of tiny drops of liquid; special liquid for spraying onto a plant to prevent insect infestation or disease; to send out a liquid in a mass of tiny drops; to send out a special liquid onto a plant to prevent insect infestation or disease. Using sprays effectively helps farmers manage pests and diseases, ensuring healthy crop growth and better yields.
enzootic disease: An outbreak of disease among certain species of animals in a certain area. Compare epizootic disease. Managing enzootic diseases helps farmers protect animal health and prevent the spread of infections.
PSE: Abbreviation for pale soft exudative muscle and porcine spongiform encephalopathy. Helpful content: Managing PSE conditions involves understanding their causes and implementing preventive measures. Farmers should ensure proper handling and nutrition to minimize stress and prevent these issues in livestock.
New Hampshire Red: a breed of poultry with red plumage, lighter in weight than Rhode Island Red. New Hampshire Reds are mainly kept as layers, producing brownish-tinted eggs. New Hampshire Red chickens are valued for their egg-laying abilities and adaptability to various farming conditions. Farmers can benefit from raising this breed to diversify their poultry operations, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality eggs. Understanding the breed’s characteristics and management needs helps optimize production, improve animal welfare, and enhance farm profitability.