March 9, 2025

Soil Biodiversity

The variety of living organisms found within the soil, including bacteria, fungi, insects, and earthworms. Soil biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy soil ecosystems and supporting sustainable agriculture. For example, promoting soil biodiversity through crop rotation and reduced chemical use to enhance soil health and resilience.

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Footbath

Footbath: 1. A trough containing disinfectant through which sheep or cattle are driven to prevent or cure various diseases such as foot rot. 2. A shallow container containing disinfectant in which a person walks to disinfect shoes or boots. Properly using footbaths helps prevent the spread of diseases and maintain farm hygiene.

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Little Red Tractor

Little Red Tractor: Little Red Tractor is the symbol used on food packaging in the UK to show that it comes from a British Farm Standard-approved supplier. Adhering to quality standards like Little Red Tractor can enhance product marketability and consumer trust.

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Sweet Corn

sweet corn: a type of maize in which the grains contain a large amount of sugar rather than starch. It is grown for human consumption. Also called corn on the cob. Properly managing sweet corn crops ensures healthy growth and high yields, supporting farm productivity and profitability.

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Lleyn

Lleyn: Lleyn is a breed of sheep native to the Lleyn peninsula in North Wales. The animals are small, hornless, and hardy, good milkers, and very productive, often producing triplets. Raising Lleyn sheep can enhance farm productivity and provide high-quality wool and meat.

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Drought Order

drought order: Legislation that permits water companies to place restrictions on the use of water for a specific period when there is a drought. Understanding and complying with drought orders can help farmers manage water usage during dry periods.

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Natural Environment

natural environment: 1. same as natural habitat 2. the part of the Earth that has not been built or formed by humans. Compare built environment. The natural environment provides essential ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and nutrient cycling that support agricultural productivity. Farmers can benefit from preserving and enhancing natural habitats on their land, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance. By integrating natural areas into their farming systems, farmers can improve resilience to environmental stressors, enhance soil health, and ensure long-term sustainability.

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Ocds

OCDS: Older Cattle Disposal Scheme. The OCDS supports farmers by providing payment and support for the disposal of cattle that were born or reared in the United Kingdom before August 1996. This helps farmers manage older cattle and comply with regulations, ensuring a healthy and productive herd.

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Plant Nutrient

plant nutrient: A mineral whose presence is essential for the healthy growth of plants. Helpful content: Adequate plant nutrition is critical for optimal crop growth and yield. Farmers need to ensure that essential nutrients are available in the soil to prevent deficiencies and promote healthy plant development.

C

Chorleywood Bread Process

Chorleywood Bread Process: A method of making bread developed by the British Baking Industries Research Association, eliminating the long fermentation period by vigorous mechanical mixing of dough. Using the Chorleywood bread process helps farmers and bakers produce high-quality bread efficiently.

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Prunus

Prunus: The Latin name for the family of trees including the plum, peach, almond, cherry, damson, apricot. Helpful content: Understanding the Prunus family helps farmers manage orchards effectively. Knowledge of each species’ requirements and characteristics can improve cultivation practices and yields.

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Weed Beet

weed beet: A type of beet which is regarded as a weed because it produces seeds as opposed to roots which can be harvested. Weed beet affects sugar beet crops and can harbor rhizomania. It is controlled by limiting bolters and so preventing cross-pollination. The most effective control is by hand-pulling bolters. Managing weed beet can prevent crop losses and improve yields.

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Monogastric

monogastric: an animal such as a pig or human that has a single-compartment stomach. Compare ruminant. Understanding the digestive processes of monogastric animals can help farmers manage livestock nutrition more effectively, ensuring better health and productivity.

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Pore

pore: 1. A tiny hole in the skin through which sweat passes. 2. A tiny space in a rock formation or in the soil. 3. Same as stoma. Helpful content: Understanding soil porosity is crucial for effective water and nutrient management. Proper soil management practices can improve pore space, enhancing water infiltration, root growth, and overall soil health.

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Nomadism

nomadism: a habit of some animals that move from place to place without having a fixed range. Nomadism in livestock can be managed through rotational grazing practices that mimic natural movement patterns. Farmers can benefit from understanding and implementing nomadic grazing systems to enhance pasture health, reduce soil erosion, and improve forage quality. This approach supports sustainable land management, promotes healthy livestock, and increases overall farm productivity and resilience.

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Planning Controls

planning controls: Legislation used by a local authority to control building. Helpful content: Understanding planning controls is crucial for farmers who plan to construct new buildings or modify existing ones. Knowledge of these regulations helps avoid legal issues and ensures that developments meet local standards and requirements.

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Estimated Transmitting Ability

estimated transmitting ability: The value of an animal, calculated using an estimate of how many offspring it will have and how much genetic material it will transfer to each one. It is equal to half the animal’s estimated breeding value. Abbr ETA. Understanding ETA helps farmers make informed breeding decisions.