Feed Refusal
by Feed Refusal: The amount of allotted feed that a farm animal does not eat. Monitoring feed refusal helps identify health issues and adjust feeding practices accordingly.
Plant Genetics
The study of genes and heredity in plants, focusing on how genetic traits are passed from one generation to the next. Plant genetics helps improve crop breeding and biotechnology. For instance, using genetic markers to identify desirable traits in crops and develop new varieties.
Global Environment Facility
Global Environment Facility: An organization set up in 1991 to tackle environmental problems that go beyond country boundaries. It is funded by the World Bank. Participating in Global Environment Facility programs can help farmers access resources and support for sustainable practices.
Feeding Face
Feeding Face: The area allowed to each animal to feed from under controlled conditions. Each cow needs 150mm of feeding face. Managing feeding space ensures all animals have access to food and reduces competition.
Soil Bacteria
Microscopic organisms that live in the soil and play a key role in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil health. Soil bacteria help improve soil fertility and support plant growth. For example, encouraging beneficial soil bacteria through organic farming practices to enhance soil health and crop productivity.
Ectoparasite Disease
ectoparasite disease: A disease caused by lice and other insects, usually characterized by intense irritation. Farmers need to manage ectoparasite diseases to ensure the health and welfare of their livestock.
Bee Foundation
A sheet of wax or plastic used in beekeeping to provide a base for bees to build their comb. This helps guide the bees and ensures straight, uniform comb construction. For instance, placing a foundation in a beehive frame to encourage bees to build honeycomb.
Disperse
disperse: To spread something over an area. Dispersing seeds, fertilizer, or pesticides properly is important for achieving uniform application and optimal results. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and techniques for effective dispersal. Understanding the benefits and applications of dispersal will aid in effective crop and soil management.
Cold Treatment
Cold Treatment: Cold treatment noun the use of freezing to disinfest storage containers. Applying cold treatment protects stored produce from pests and diseases.
Incompatible
incompatible: Unable to cross-fertilize and produce offspring. Helps farmers understand breeding limitations and compatibility.
Garlic
garlic: A plant (Allium sativum) with a strong-smelling pungent root used as a flavoring in cooking. The bulb consists of a series of wedge-shaped cloves, surrounded by a white fibrous skin. Growing garlic can diversify farm products and provide additional income through sales of fresh garlic and value-added products.
Food Product Community Development
The efforts and initiatives to contribute to the economic, social, and environmental development of communities where food production and distribution businesses operate, including local sourcing, job creation, and environmental stewardship. For example, engaging in food product community development to support local economies and enhance social impact.
Mast Swine
mast swine: a German term for a fattening pig. Understanding the growth requirements and management of mast swine can help farmers optimize their pig production, leading to better yields and profitability.
Grain Farming
The cultivation of cereal crops such as wheat, corn, and barley for their seeds. Grain farming involves planting, managing, and harvesting grain crops. For instance, operating a farm that grows and sells corn for animal feed and ethanol production.
C4
C4: A metabolic pathway for CO2 fixation, which uses four-carbon compounds. Plants with this mechanism, such as maize, are adapted to high sunlight and arid conditions. They have low photorespiration. Understanding C4 plants helps farmers in dry regions choose crops that maximize water use efficiency and yield.
Zero Tillage
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.