January 16, 2025
F

Foggage

Foggage: 1. A winter grazing of cattle on non-ryegrass swards. 2. Grass left standing to provide winter grazing for sheep and cattle. Proper management of foggage supports efficient grazing and livestock nutrition during the winter.

S

Soil Conservation

soil conservation: the use of a range of methods to prevent soil from being eroded or overcultivated, by irrigation, mulching, etc. Also called conservation of soil. Implementing soil conservation practices ensures long-term soil health and fertility, promoting sustainable agricultural productivity.

N

Nematodirus Disease

Nematodirus disease: a disease of lambs caused by parasitic roundworms. The animals suffer diarrhea and loss of condition. Preventing and managing Nematodirus disease is crucial for the health and productivity of lambs. Farmers can benefit from understanding the lifecycle of the parasite and implementing appropriate control measures such as strategic deworming and pasture management. Regular monitoring and early intervention can reduce the impact of the disease, ensuring healthier lambs, improved growth rates, and higher farm profitability.

B

Back

back: (Of the wind) changing direction anticlockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere. Farmers can use wind direction changes to predict weather patterns and protect crops from potential damage.

R

Rennin

rennin: An enzyme which makes milk coagulate in the stomach, so as to slow down the passage of the milk through the digestive system. Understanding rennin’s role helps farmers manage livestock diets and improve dairy production.

E

English Leicester

English Leicester: A breed of sheep derived from Robert Bakewell’s flock, used for breeding many other longwool breeds. It produces a heavy fleece and is now a rare breed. Raising English Leicester sheep can provide farmers with high-quality wool and contribute to the preservation of rare breeds.

H

Hand

hand: A measure used to show the height of a horse. One hand is 10.16cm, and the measurement is taken from the ground to the withers of the horse. Understanding measurements like ‘hand’ helps farmers and breeders accurately describe and assess horse height.

N

Nectar

nectar: a sweet sugary liquid produced by flowers, which attracts birds or insects which pollinate the flowers. Nectar is crucial for attracting pollinators like bees, which play a vital role in the pollination of many crops. Farmers can benefit from encouraging the presence of nectar-producing plants on their farms to support pollinator populations. This enhances pollination efficiency, leading to higher fruit and seed set, improved crop yields, and better quality produce. Supporting pollinators also promotes biodiversity and ecological health, contributing to sustainable farming practices.

L

Leatherjacket

Leatherjacket: Leatherjacket is the larva of the cranefly (Tipuda paludosa) which hatches from eggs laid on the ground and feeds on the young crop in spring. When grass is ploughed for cereal crops, the larvae feed on the seedling wheat, damaging the plants at or just below ground level. Managing leatherjacket infestations through pest control measures can protect crops and improve yields.

R

Rosemary

rosemary: An aromatic herb (Rosemarinus officinalis) used for flavoring and also as a source of oil used in soaps and cosmetics. Growing rosemary diversifies farm produce offerings and meets consumer demand for fresh herbs and herbal products.

H

Haccp

HACCP: A process for identifying and controlling hazards within a process, e.g., in the food industry. Full form Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points. Implementing HACCP ensures food safety, which is crucial for maintaining consumer trust and meeting regulatory standards.

Bee Venom

The toxic substance produced by bees, used in defense and sometimes harvested for medicinal purposes. Bee venom contains various compounds that can cause pain and inflammation. For instance, bee venom therapy is used in some alternative medicine practices.

M

Montana State University

Montana State University: a university in Montana, USA, which is noted for its agricultural research and education. Understanding the resources and expertise available at Montana State University can help farmers access valuable information and support for improving their agricultural practices.

D

Decompose

decompose: (Of organic material) to break down into simple chemical compounds by the action of sunlight, water, or bacteria and fungi. Decomposition is a natural process that recycles nutrients back into the soil. Farmers can utilize composting and other decomposition methods to enhance soil fertility and reduce waste. Proper management of organic material decomposition can lead to healthier soils and better crop yields.

M

Mango

mango: a tropical tree (Mangifera indica) and the fruit it produces. Growing mangoes can provide farmers with a high-value crop, especially in tropical regions where the climate is suitable for mango cultivation.

P

Primitive Breeds

primitive breeds: Old breeds of livestock which have not been bred commercially, but which are the descendants of wild livestock. Helpful content: Preserving primitive breeds helps maintain genetic diversity and resilience in livestock populations. These breeds often have unique traits that can be valuable for sustainable farming and adaptation to changing environments.

R

Recessiveness

recessiveness: The characteristic of a gene that leads to its not being expressed in the individual carrying it when a corresponding dominant gene is also present. Knowledge of recessive traits is crucial for breeding programs and improving farm animal and crop characteristics.

O

Organic

organic: Referring to food produced using only a restricted number of permitted pesticides and fertilizers, or to the production of such food. Organic farming practices can improve soil health, biodiversity, and marketability of farm products. Farmers can benefit from transitioning to organic methods to meet growing consumer demand and achieve premium prices.