October 9, 2024
W

Water

water: A liquid which forms rain, rivers, lakes, and the sea and makes up a large part of the bodies of organisms. Water is essential to plant and animal life. Proper water management can improve farm productivity and sustainability.

N

National Farmers’ Union

National Farmers’ Union: an organization representing the interests of British farmers in negotiations with the government and other agencies. Abbr NFU. The National Farmers’ Union advocates for farmers’ rights and interests, providing a unified voice in policy discussions and negotiations. Membership in the NFU offers farmers access to valuable resources, including legal advice, market information, and training programs. By participating in the NFU, farmers can influence agricultural policies, stay informed about industry trends, and benefit from collective bargaining power, ultimately strengthening their farm businesses.

M

Minimum Tillage

minimum tillage: a method of ploughing in which disturbance of the soil does not affect the deeper layers. The benefits are conservation of organic matter, leading to a better soil structure and less soil erosion, better soil biodiversity and the use of less energy. The disadvantages include the easier germination of grass seeds. Also called min-till. Understanding minimum tillage can help farmers optimize their soil and crop management practices, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

Soil Runoff

The movement of water and dissolved substances over the soil surface, which can result in soil erosion and nutrient loss. Soil runoff can be influenced by factors such as rainfall, soil texture, and land management practices. For example, implementing erosion control practices to reduce soil runoff and protect soil health and water quality in agricultural landscapes.

R

Roan

roan: The coat of an animal in which the main color is mixed with another, as e.g. red and white, or black and white. Understanding coat colors helps farmers manage breeding programs and livestock identification.

L

Loam

Loam: Loam is 1. dark soil, with medium-sized grains of sand, which crumbles easily and is very fertile, and 2. a mixture of clay, sand, and humus, used as a potting compost. Utilizing loam can improve soil health and crop growth.

S

Support Price

support price: the price at which the EU will buy farm produce which farmers cannot sell, in order to store it. Also called intervention price. Understanding and managing support prices ensures financial stability and market access for farmers, supporting farm profitability.

M

Marsh

marsh: an area of permanently wet land and the plants that grow on it. Marshes may be fresh water or salt water and tidal or non-tidal. A marsh usually has a soil base, as opposed to a bog or fen, which is composed of peat. Understanding the role of marshes in the ecosystem can help farmers manage wetland areas on their property, contributing to environmental sustainability.

S

Skim Coulter

skim coulter: the part of a plough which turns a small slice off the corner of the furrow about to be turned and throws it into the bottom of the one before. It is attached to the beam behind the disc coulters. Using skim coulters improves soil aeration and preparation, promoting healthy root growth and better crop yields.

E

Envirowise

Envirowise: A government program providing advice to businesses in industry and commerce on improving efficiency in the use of resources and reducing waste. Farmers can benefit from Envirowise by accessing advice on sustainable farming practices and resource management.

D

Doddle

doddle: An easy task. Understanding the concept of a doddle can provide valuable insights into simplifying farm tasks and operations. Farmers should identify and implement strategies to make tasks easier and more efficient. Understanding the benefits of simplifying tasks will aid in improving productivity and reducing labor costs.

R

Record Keeping

record keeping: The act of making records such as a livestock register, which are open to examination by the Government and welfare authorities. Accurate record keeping is essential for farm management, regulatory compliance, and improving operational efficiency.

T

Transpiration

transpiration: The loss of water from a plant through its stomata. The removal of moisture from the soil by plant roots, which pass the moisture up the stem to the leaves. Understanding transpiration processes can help farmers manage irrigation and optimize water use.

P

Preservative

preservative: A substance added to food to preserve it by slowing natural decay caused by microorganisms. Helpful content: Using preservatives can maintain the quality and safety of farm products during storage and transportation. Understanding the appropriate use of preservatives helps farmers meet market standards and consumer preferences.

O

Oviparous

oviparous: Referring to an animal that carries and lays eggs. Managing oviparous livestock requires understanding their reproductive needs and behaviors. Farmers can benefit from optimizing breeding and incubation practices to enhance egg production and hatchability.

F

Frog

Frog: 1. The part of a plough to which the mouldboard and share are attached. 2. A tough flexible pad in the middle of the sole of a horse’s hoof. Properly managing frogs ensures efficient plough operation and horse health.

S

Selenium

selenium: A trace element, an essential part of the diet for all animals. White muscle disease is the symptom of selenium deficiency. Farmers benefit from understanding selenium’s role in preventing deficiencies and ensuring livestock productivity.

S

Slug Pellet

slug pellet: a small hard piece of a mixture containing a substance such as metaldehyde which kills slugs. Slug pellets are usually coloured blue-green. Using slug pellets effectively helps farmers control slug infestations, protecting crops and improving yields.

F

Food Safety

Food Safety: The issues surrounding the production, handling, storage, and cooking of food that determine whether or not it is safe to eat. Properly managing food safety ensures high-quality food products and protects public health.