April 1, 2025
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Mate

mate: an animal that reproduces sexually with another. Understanding mating behavior can help farmers manage breeding programs more effectively, ensuring better livestock productivity and genetic diversity.

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IBR

IBR: Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis – a virus disease of cattle which affects the reproductive, nervous, respiratory or digestive systems. Milk yield is depressed as adults run a high fever. Understanding IBR helps farmers manage herd health.

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Stakeholder

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.

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Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs

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.

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Methyl Bromide

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.

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Natural Insecticide

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.

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Nicotine

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.

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Milk Fever

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.

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Thorax

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.

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Naked Grain

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.

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Sentient

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.

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Pre-Emergent

pre-emergent: Before a plant’s 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.

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Mouse

mouse: a small rodent (Mus musculus) that may be found in fields, barns, stores, etc., where it may cause damage. Managing mouse infestations can help farmers protect their crops and stored products, ensuring better health and productivity.

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Nomadic

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.

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Dogs Trust

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.

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Once Grown Seed

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.

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Plant Cover

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.