Claypan
Claypan: A hollow on the surface of clay land where rain collects. Managing claypans involves using appropriate drainage practices to prevent waterlogging and ensure healthy crop growth.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
tetraploid: Forms of grass and clover with larger seeds and a larger plant than ordinary grass and clover. Utilizing tetraploid varieties can improve forage quality and yield, benefiting livestock nutrition and farm productivity.
halo blight: A disease which affects the pods of peas and beans, making them brown and withered. Managing halo blight through proper crop rotation and disease control methods can improve legume yields.
polluter: A person or company that causes pollution. Helpful content: Addressing polluters within the agricultural sector is important for environmental health. Farmers can adopt practices that minimize pollution and work with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and protect natural resources.
A designated area in a barn or feedlot where feed is distributed to livestock. Feed alleys help organize feeding and improve efficiency. For example, designing a feed alley in a dairy barn to streamline the feeding process and ensure cows receive their rations.
palm: 1. A large tropical plant like a tree with branching divided leaves, that produces fruits which give oil and other foodstuffs 2. The inner surface of the hand or the underside of a mammals forefoot that is often in contact with the ground. Palm oil production can be a valuable income source, while understanding animal anatomy aids in better livestock handling.
rural environment: The countryside. Protecting the rural environment supports sustainable agriculture and enhances biodiversity.
Various infectious and non-infectious health conditions that can affect cattle. Common cattle diseases include BVD, BRD, and mastitis. For example, monitoring and treating cattle diseases to maintain herd health and productivity.
grading up: Grading up is a selective breeding process using males of one breed to mate with females of another for at least four generations. This process improves the herd’s genetic quality, leading to better production traits and farm profitability.
organic material: Carbon-based material derived from organisms, such as decomposed plant material or animal dung. Organic material is crucial for soil health, improving water retention, nutrient availability, and soil structure. Farmers can benefit from incorporating organic matter through composting, cover cropping, and reduced tillage to enhance soil fertility and sustainability.
yellow rust: Yellow rust is a fungal disease affecting cereals. Farmers need to manage yellow rust to protect crop health and ensure optimal yields.
marrowstem kale: a variety of kale with a thick stem and large leaves, grown as feed for livestock in the autumn and winter months, though it is not winter hardy. Growing marrowstem kale can provide farmers with a valuable fodder crop, ensuring a steady supply of feed for livestock during the colder months.
placement drill: A machine which drills seeds and fertiliser at the same time, placing the fertiliser close to the side of and below the rows of seeds. Helpful content: Placement drills ensure efficient seed and fertiliser placement, promoting healthy plant growth and reducing waste. This precision can lead to higher yields and more efficient use of resources.
Large Black: Large Black is a dual-purpose hardy breed of pig that is black with long lop ears. Raising Large Black pigs can diversify farm operations and provide high-quality pork.
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restrictions of Chemicals: A proposed review of the EUs chemicals policy, in which comprehensive health and safety research will be carried out for all substances. Abbreviation: REACH. REACH regulations ensure safe use of chemicals in agriculture, protecting farmworkers, consumers, and the environment.
stakeholder: a person who has an interest in something such as a new environmental policy and is personally affected by how successful it is and how difficult it is to put in place. Engaging with stakeholders ensures collaborative decision-making and support for sustainable agricultural practices.
The tools and systems that enable employees to work remotely, including video conferencing, collaboration platforms, and secure access to company networks. For example, using food product telecommuting technology to support remote work and maintain productivity.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: The UK government department responsible for farming, the environment, animal welfare, and rural development in England and Wales. Abbr Defra. Farmers should engage with Defra to access resources, support, and guidance on sustainable farming practices. Utilizing Defra’s programs can enhance farm productivity, environmental stewardship, and compliance with regulations. Staying informed about Defra initiatives will help farmers adopt best practices and benefit from available opportunities.
sulphate of ammonia: same as ammonium sulphate. Understanding and using ammonium sulphate effectively supports soil fertility and healthy crop growth, enhancing farm productivity.
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.