Zero Tillage
by 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.
Cattle Milk Alternatives
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
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
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
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
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.
Vitamins
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
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
pathogenicity: The ability of a pathogen to cause a disease. Assessing pathogenicity helps in determining the potential impact of diseases on crops and livestock.
Crush Margin
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.
Show Bull
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.
Agroecology Principles
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
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
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
endoparasite: A parasite that lives inside its host. Compare ectoparasite. Managing endoparasites is crucial for maintaining animal health and productivity on farms.
Subsoiler
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
double suckling: A method of raising beef calves where a second calf is placed with the cowÂ’s own calf and allowed to suckle. This practice can improve the growth rates of calves and optimize the use of maternal resources.
Plough Pan
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
right of access: The right of someone to be able to get to land by passing over someone elseÂ’s 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
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.
Beef Top Sirloin Steak
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.
Crop Disease Identification And Management
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
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.
Beef Strip Steak
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.
Cattle Farm
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
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
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
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
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.