Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
The process by which dissolved substances, such as nutrients and chemicals, are washed out of the soil by water movement. Soil leaching can result in nutrient loss and groundwater contamination. For example, managing soil leaching through proper irrigation and fertilization practices to protect soil health and water quality.
Environment Agency: In England and Wales, the government agency responsible for the protection of the environment, including flood and sea defenses. Abbr EA. Understanding the role of the EA helps farmers comply with environmental regulations and improve sustainable farming practices.
intramuscular: Referring to something which is inside the muscle, as intramuscular fat in meat. Helps farmers understand animal anatomy and meat quality. Compare intermuscular.
dry matter intake: The amount of feed that an animal consumes or requires, discounting its water content. Abbr DMI. Understanding dry matter intake helps farmers ensure their animals receive the necessary nutrients for growth and production.
The practice of attaching identification tags to livestock, usually on the ear, for management and record-keeping purposes. Tagging helps track individual animals’ health and production records. For example, using ear tags to identify and monitor each cow in a herd.
yellow dwarf virus: Yellow dwarf virus affects barley, wheat, and grass. Farmers need to manage this virus to prevent crop damage and ensure high yields.
The practices and protocols used to manage and execute product recalls, ensuring swift action and consumer safety. For example, establishing food product recall management procedures to address safety issues and minimize impact on the business.
Meuse-Rhine-Ijssel: a dual-purpose breed of cattle, originating from the Netherlands. It is used by breeders in Britain to upgrade Dairy Shorthorn. The breeds dairy performance is similar to that of the British Friesian, and it has a fine beef conformation. Cattle are red and white in colour. Abbr MRI. Raising Meuse-Rhine-Ijssel cattle can provide farmers with a versatile and productive breed, contributing to better income and farm sustainability.
stewardship: the protection of the environment for the benefit of future generations of human beings by developing appropriate institutions and strategies. Implementing stewardship practices ensures sustainable management of land and resources, promoting long-term agricultural productivity.
erucic acid: A fatty acid found in rape oil, which is linked to heart disease. Varieties of oilseed rape with low erucic acid content are considered the best. Understanding erucic acid helps farmers select and grow healthier crop varieties.
The study and application of dietary principles to optimize the health and productivity of dairy cattle. For example, formulating balanced diets to meet the nutritional needs of dairy cows and improve milk production.
paratyphoid: A disease of pigs caused by infection with salmonella bacteria. Young pigs run a high fever and may die within 24 hours. Preventing and managing infections like paratyphoid is essential for livestock health and farm profitability.
Crossbreed: Crossbreed /kr?sbri:d/ noun an animal bred from two different pure breeds verb to produce new breeds of animals by mating animals of different pure breeds. Engaging in crossbreeding practices supports genetic diversity and livestock improvement.
Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO): The managing head of a state veterinary service. Engaging with the CVO helps farmers stay informed about and comply with livestock health regulations and best practices.
The initiatives and activities that involve and support local communities in the food production and distribution process, including education, health, and economic development. For example, implementing food product community engagement programs to build positive relationships and contribute to community well-being.
greenfield site: A greenfield site is a place in the countryside not previously built on, chosen for new development. Knowing about greenfield sites helps farmers understand land use regulations and potential impacts on agricultural land.
Middle White: a breed of white pig which comes from a cross between the Large White and the Small White. It is short and compact with long upright ears and a turned-up snout. It is now a rare breed. Raising Middle White pigs can provide farmers with a unique and high-value product, particularly for niche markets interested in rare breeds and specialty pork.
strawberry: a soft fruit of the Fragaria species, used as a dessert fruit, but also preserved as jam. Growing strawberries provides farmers with high-value crops for fresh and processed markets, enhancing farm income and sustainability.
The tissues in cattle responsible for movement and meat production. Muscle development is important for livestock performance and meat quality. For instance, evaluating cattle muscles to select animals with desirable meat traits.
A type of fence made of wire with sharp barbs, used to confine livestock and protect property. Barbed wire fences are durable and effective. For example, installing barbed wire fences to secure pastures and prevent livestock from wandering.
protectant fungicide: A fungicide applied to the leaves of plants. It can be washed off by rain, so removing the protection. Helpful content: Using protectant fungicides helps prevent fungal infections and protect crop health. Farmers should reapply as needed, especially after rainfall, to maintain effective disease control.
Cyanocobalamin: Cyanocobalamin /sa??n??k??bæl? m?n/ noun vitamin B12. Understanding cyanocobalamin aids in managing livestock nutrition and health.
seedless hay: Hay obtained from a grass crop after threshing out the seedheads. Farmers benefit from using seedless hay for high-quality forage.
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.
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