April 1, 2025
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Welsh

Welsh: Referring to a breed of pig, white in color, with lop ears. It is one of the older breeds of British pig. Preserving traditional breeds like the Welsh pig can maintain genetic diversity and cultural heritage in livestock farming.

Weed Control

Practices and techniques used to manage and reduce weed populations in agricultural fields. Weed control methods include mechanical, chemical, and cultural approaches. For example, using herbicides and crop rotation to control weeds and maintain healthy crop growth.

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Montbéliarde

Montbéliarde: a breed of dairy cow from the Montbéliard region of France. It is red and white in colour, hardy and heavy and used for beef or dairy crossbreeding. Raising Montbéliarde cows can provide farmers with a versatile and productive breed, contributing to better income and farm sustainability.

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Stolon

stolon: a stem that grows along the ground and gives rise to a new plant when it roots. Properly managing stolons ensures healthy plant propagation and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.

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Surface Runoff

surface runoff: a flow of rainwater, melted snow, or excess fertiliser from the surface of land into streams and rivers. Properly managing surface runoff ensures water conservation and prevents soil erosion, supporting sustainable farming practices.

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Pitch

pitch: A dark sticky substance obtained from tar, used to make objects watertight. Helpful content: Pitch is essential for farmers when waterproofing wooden structures or tools, ensuring durability and longevity. Proper waterproofing can prevent damage from moisture, extending the life of barns, fences, and equipment.

Soil Loss

The removal of soil from the land surface through processes such as erosion, runoff, and human activity. Soil loss can reduce soil fertility and degrade land quality. For example, implementing erosion control practices to prevent soil loss and maintain soil health in agricultural landscapes.

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Obf

OBF: Officially Brucellosis Free. Achieving OBF status is crucial for farmers as it indicates that their herd is free from brucellosis, a disease that can affect both animals and humans. Maintaining OBF status can improve herd health, ensure compliance with regulations, and enhance marketability of livestock and livestock products.

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Livestock Auction

Livestock Auction: A livestock auction is an auction sale where livestock are shown in a ring and sold to the highest bidder. Participating in livestock auctions can provide farmers with a platform to sell animals and gain competitive prices.

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Algae

algae: Tiny plants living in water or in moist conditions, which contain chlorophyll and have no stems, roots, or leaves. Managing algae growth is important for farmers to maintain water quality and prevent crop damage.

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Cultivator

Cultivator: Cultivator /k?lt?ve?t?/ noun 1. a person who cultivates land 2. an instrument or small machine for cultivating small areas of land COMMENT: A cultivator has a frame with a number of tines which break up and stir the soil as the implement is pulled across the surface. There are several types of tine, both rigid and spring-loaded. Cultivators can also be used for cleaning stubble and general weed control; the tines can be grouped together so that they pass easily between the rows of growing plants. Utilizing cultivators enhances soil management and crop production.

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Csf

CSF: CSF abbreviation 1. Catchment Sensitive Farming 2. classical swine fever. Engaging with Catchment Sensitive Farming supports sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. Managing classical swine fever involves implementing biosecurity measures to protect livestock health.

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Complementarity

Complementarity: Complementarity /k?mplimen triti/ noun nature conservation based on a balance between wild and domesticated species in an area. Managing complementarity involves promoting biodiversity and sustainable land use practices.

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Navy Bean

navy bean: a dried seed of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), used in particular for canning as baked beans. Also called haricot bean. Navy beans are a nutritious crop that can provide farmers with a valuable source of income. They are well-suited for canning and other food processing, offering market opportunities both locally and internationally. Growing navy beans can enhance crop diversity, improve soil health through nitrogen fixation, and contribute to food security. Farmers can benefit from understanding market demands and adopting best practices for navy bean cultivation.

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Pea And Bean Weevil

pea and bean weevil: A pest (Sitona sp) affecting peas, beans, and other legumes. The eggs are laid in the soil near the plants, allowing the larvae to feed on the roots. The adult weevils feed on the leaves, making U-shaped notches in the edges of the leaves. Managing pea and bean weevil infestations is essential for protecting legume crops and ensuring healthy yields.

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Deep-Rooted

deep-rooted: Referring to a plant with long roots which go deep into the soil. Compare surface-rooting. Deep-rooted plants can improve soil structure, enhance water infiltration, and access nutrients from deeper soil layers. Farmers should include deep-rooted crops in their rotation to improve soil health and resilience. These plants can also help in managing soil erosion and maintaining soil moisture levels during dry periods.

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Straw Chopper

straw chopper: a device fitted to the back of a combine which chops straw into short lengths and drops it on the stubble. Chopped straw is easier to plough in. Using straw choppers ensures efficient straw management and soil preparation, supporting productive agriculture.

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Swede

swede: a vegetable (Brassica rutabaga) with a swollen root. An important forage crop, it is grown for feeding sheep and cattle, either in the field or as winter feed for housed livestock. Swedes have a slightly higher feeding value and keep better than turnips, so they are often lifted and clamped. Properly managing swede crops ensures healthy growth and high yields, supporting farm productivity and profitability.