October 9, 2024
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Silage Effluent

silage effluent: An acidic liquid produced by the silage process which can be a serious pollutant, especially if it drains into a watercourse. Farmers benefit from managing silage effluent to prevent environmental contamination and ensure sustainable farming practices.

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Primary Product

primary product: A product which is a basic raw material, e.g., wood, milk, or fish. Helpful content: Producing high-quality primary products involves adhering to best practices in farming and harvesting. Farmers can benefit from value-added processing and marketing strategies to increase their income.

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Carbon (C)

Carbon (C): A common non-metallic element that is an essential component of living matter and organic chemical compounds. Carbon is crucial for plant photosynthesis, where it is absorbed from the air and converted into organic matter. Understanding the role of carbon helps farmers enhance soil health and crop productivity through practices like carbon sequestration and proper crop rotation.

Vermicompost

Compost produced through the breakdown of organic matter by earthworms. Vermicompost is rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. For example, using vermicompost as a natural fertilizer to improve soil health and support healthy plant growth in a vegetable garden.

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Llanwenog

Llanwenog: Llanwenog is a breed of sheep found in many parts of West Wales. The fleeces are considered to be the finest produced in the UK. The wool has a very soft handle. Raising Llanwenog sheep can provide farmers with high-quality wool and enhance farm profitability.

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Fescue

Fescue: A common name for about 100 species of grasses, including many valuable pasture and fodder species. Growing fescue provides nutritious forage for livestock and supports sustainable pasture management.

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Red List

Red list: A searchable database maintained by IUCN that records the conservation status of different organisms throughout the world. Full form: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Red list helps farmers and conservationists monitor and protect endangered species, promoting biodiversity.

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Label

Label: Label is a piece of paper attached to produce, showing the price and other details. It can also be a verb to identify something by using a label. Government regulations cover the labelling of food; it should show not only the price and weight, but also where it comes from, the quality grade, and a sell-by date. Proper labelling ensures that farmers’ products meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations, promoting transparency and trust in the marketplace.

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Natural Resource

natural resource: a naturally occurring material that can be put to use by humans, e.g., wood or oil (often plural). Natural resources such as water, soil, and minerals are fundamental to farming operations. Farmers can benefit from managing natural resources sustainably to ensure their long-term availability and productivity. Practices like water conservation, soil health management, and efficient use of inputs help preserve these resources, reduce costs, and promote environmental stewardship. Sustainable resource management supports the resilience and profitability of farming enterprises.

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Plymouth Rock

Plymouth Rock: A large, heavy, hardy dual-purpose breed of poultry, originally coming from the USA. The feathers are rich lemon-buff. Helpful content: Plymouth Rock chickens are valued for their meat and egg production. Farmers can benefit from raising this breed due to its hardiness and productivity, making it suitable for various farming environments.

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Pesticide Resistance

pesticide resistance: The ability of a pest to resist the effects of a pesticide, usually caused by the excessive or inappropriate use of pesticides. Managing pesticide resistance through integrated pest management strategies ensures effective pest control and sustainable agricultural practices.

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Stabilise

stabilise: to take measures to prevent soil being eroded, especially from a hillside. Implementing soil stabilisation techniques protects land resources from erosion, promoting long-term soil health and sustainable agricultural productivity.

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Old English Game

Old English game: A breed of poultry, now mainly a fancy breed. The birds are colored black and white with blue wing tips. Raising Old English game can provide farmers with niche market opportunities for ornamental and exhibition purposes. Understanding the breed’s characteristics and care requirements can enhance profitability.

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NASPM

NASPM: abbreviation for National Association of Seed Potato Merchants. NASPM supports seed potato merchants and provides guidelines for seed quality and certification. Farmers can benefit from NASPM’s standards by ensuring they purchase high-quality seed potatoes that are disease-free and genetically pure. This leads to better crop establishment, higher yields, and reduced risk of crop failures. By following NASPM’s recommendations, farmers can improve the productivity and profitability of their potato crops, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient farming operation.

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Scythe

scythe: A hand implement with a long slightly curved blade attached to a handle with two short projecting hand grips. Scythes are now used for cutting grass and were formerly used for reaping. Farmers benefit from using scythes for manual harvesting and grass cutting.

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Power Harrow

power harrow: A harrow with a rotary system of bars driven from the power take-off. Helpful content: Power harrows are essential for preparing seedbeds with a fine tilth. They improve soil structure and create an ideal environment for seed germination and root development. Proper use of power harrows can enhance crop establishment and yields.

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Curry Report

Curry Report: Curry Report noun a UK government report published in 2002 after a major outbreak of foot and mouth disease. It recommended radical changes to the agriculture and food industries, looking forward to a profitable sustainable future for farming in providing good food for consumers who place increasing emphasis on a healthy diet as well as caring for the environment. Engaging with the Curry Report supports agricultural policy development and sustainable farming practices.

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Steppe

steppe: a wide grassy plain with no trees, especially in Europe and Asia. (NOTE: The North American equivalent of a steppe is a prairie.) Managing steppes supports sustainable grazing and biodiversity, promoting ecological balance and agricultural productivity.