Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
methyl bromide: an effective chemical for sterilising soil and fumigating spaces. Understanding the application and effects of methyl bromide can help farmers manage pest control and soil sterilization more effectively, ensuring better crop health and yields.
natural insecticide: an insecticide produced from plant extracts. Natural insecticides offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals, helping farmers manage pests without harming beneficial insects or the environment. By using natural insecticides, farmers can reduce chemical residues on crops, improve soil health, and support biodiversity. This approach aligns with organic farming practices and can attract consumers who prefer naturally grown produce, enhancing marketability and farm profitability.
Compositae: Compositae /k?m pozitai/ plural noun former name for Asteraceae. Understanding plant families like Compositae aids in crop classification and management.
Rhode Island Red: A heavy breed of fowl, with red feathers on the body, and black tail and wing feathers. It produces large brown eggs. Raising Rhode Island Reds provides farmers with a reliable source of high-quality eggs and meat.
nicotine: a harmful substance in tobacco. It is used as an insecticide. Understanding the use and risks of nicotine as an insecticide helps farmers make informed decisions about pest control. While effective, nicotine-based insecticides must be used responsibly to minimize environmental and health impacts. Farmers can benefit from exploring alternative pest management strategies that reduce reliance on harmful chemicals, promoting safer and more sustainable farming practices.
milk fever: a disease of milk cows, milk goats and ewes. Technical name hypocalcaemia. In spite of its name, the disease is not a fever, and may affect a dairy cow just before calving or during the seven days which follow calving. The first symptoms are restlessness, moving the hind feet up and down while standing; these symptoms are followed by loss of balance and later loss of consciousness. The disease is common at the third, fourth or fifth time of calving, and is caused by a metabolic disturbance or imbalance in the system, due to a low calcium content in the blood. The disease is treated by injections of calcium borogluconate. Managing and preventing milk fever is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of dairy animals, ensuring better milk yield and quality.
The methods and techniques used to raise fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms for food and other purposes. For example, adopting aquaculture practices to produce high-quality seafood and support sustainable fisheries.
environmental assessment: The identification of the expected environmental effects of a proposed action. Conducting an environmental assessment helps farmers plan sustainable agricultural practices and comply with environmental regulations.
thorax: A cavity in the top part of the body of an animal above the abdomen, containing the diaphragm, heart, and lungs, all surrounded by the rib cage. The middle section of the body of an insect, between the head and the abdomen. Understanding thorax anatomy helps in managing livestock health and diagnosing issues.
Skewered and grilled pieces of beef, often marinated and served with vegetables. For example, producing beef kebabs for grilling and outdoor dining.
silver-laced Wyandotte: A dual-purpose breed of poultry. The feathers are silvery, with black edges, especially on the tail. Farmers benefit from raising silver-laced Wyandotte poultry for their efficient meat and egg production.
naked grain: a grain such as wheat that is easily separated or threshed out from its husk, i.e., in its caryopsis state. Naked grains are advantageous for farmers as they reduce post-harvest processing time and costs. The ease of threshing means less labor and lower energy requirements for cleaning the grain, leading to higher efficiency and cost savings. Additionally, naked grains can result in better quality end products, which can attract premium prices in the market. By growing naked grain varieties, farmers can improve their overall profitability and streamline their grain production processes.
sentient: Capable of feeling and perception. Since 1997 EU law has recognised that animals are sentient, and this concept lies behind the animal welfare codes that set out guidelines for the treatment of farm animals in the United Kingdom. Farmers benefit from understanding sentience for ensuring animal welfare and compliance with regulations.
bioaccumulation: The accumulation of substances like toxic chemicals in increasing amounts up the food chain. Managing bioaccumulation helps prevent contamination of crops and livestock.
Fungicidal: Referring to a substance that kills fungi. Properly using fungicidal products ensures effective disease control and crop health.
parasitoid: An organism that is a parasite only at one stage in its development. Recognizing parasitoid life cycles helps in biological pest control strategies.
pre-emergent: Before a plants leaves appear from the seed in the soil. Helpful content: Pre-emergent herbicides are used to control weeds before they emerge, reducing competition for crops. Proper application timing can significantly improve weed management and crop performance.
The process of applying fertilizer to soil or plants to provide nutrients. Fertilizer application methods include broadcasting, side-dressing, and fertigation. For instance, using a spreader to evenly distribute fertilizer across a field.
infiltration: The passing of water into the soil or into a drainage system. Helps farmers manage irrigation and soil water levels.
nomadic: adjective referring to nomads. Nomadic grazing systems involve moving livestock to different pastures to prevent overgrazing and maintain pasture health. Farmers can benefit from adopting nomadic grazing practices, as they promote sustainable land management, improve forage availability, and enhance soil health. This approach reduces the need for supplemental feeding, lowers input costs, and supports healthy livestock growth. Embracing nomadic grazing contributes to sustainable and resilient farming systems.
The process of developing and implementing a strategic plan for mushroom farming operations, including goals, resources, and financial projections. For example, creating a mushroom farm business plan to guide decision-making and achieve long-term success.
Dogs Trust: A UK charity that campaigns for the welfare of dogs. Dogs Trust provides resources, adoption services, and educational programs to promote responsible dog ownership. Farmers can benefit from the charity’s guidance on dog care and training.
once grown seed: Seed obtained from plants grown from a certified seed and intended for use by the farmer on their own farm, and not for resale. Using once grown seed can reduce input costs and ensure crop consistency. Farmers can benefit from understanding seed certification and saving practices to maintain quality and compliance.
Providing balanced diets to calves to support their growth and health. Calf nutrition includes milk or milk replacer, starter feed, and water. For example, feeding high-quality milk replacer to calves to ensure they receive essential nutrients.
plant cover: The percentage of an area occupied by plants. Helpful content: Assessing plant cover is important for managing soil health and preventing erosion. High plant cover can protect soil from wind and water erosion, improve water infiltration, and enhance biodiversity on farms.
The provision of meals prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from the farm, often served in a farm setting. For example, offering farm-to-table dining experiences to showcase seasonal produce and connect with consumers.
sciarid fly: A pest (Bradysia) affecting greenhouse pot plants. The larvae feed on fine roots causing plants to wilt. Farmers benefit from controlling sciarid fly to protect greenhouse crops and ensure healthy plant growth.
The measurement of the fat layer around the kidneys, used to assess carcass fat and yield. For instance, measuring kidney fat thickness to optimize meat quality and processing efficiency.
The process of building and maintaining relationships with individuals and groups affected by or interested in food production and distribution businesses, including customers, employees, suppliers, and regulators. For example, implementing food product stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure open communication and address stakeholder concerns.
tree nursery: A place where trees are grown from seed until they are large enough to be planted out. Utilizing tree nurseries can ensure a reliable supply of healthy saplings for reforestation or commercial planting.
pippin pippin pippin: A type of apple that is grown for its flavor rather than for its appearance. Growing and processing pippins provides valuable fruit crops that meet market demand and offer nutritional benefits.
meat and bone meal: meal made from waste meat and bones, formerly used in animal feed but now banned in the EU because of fears that it was a contributing factor in the spread of BSE. Abbr MBM. Understanding the regulations and alternatives to meat and bone meal can help farmers ensure the safety and marketability of their feed products.
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