April 26, 2025
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Set Stocking

set stocking: A grazing system associated with extensive grazing. Livestock graze an area where they remain for an indefinite period. This is the traditional practice in Britain. Farmers benefit from using set stocking systems for efficient and consistent livestock grazing.

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Mite

mite: a tiny animal of the spider family which may be free-living in the soil or on stored products, or parasitic on animals or plants. Understanding the role and management of mites can help farmers protect their crops and livestock, ensuring better health and productivity.

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Protoplasm

protoplasm: A substance like a jelly which makes up the largest part of each cell. Helpful content: Understanding protoplasm and cell biology is fundamental for plant and animal health. Farmers can improve crop and livestock management by applying this knowledge to enhance growth and development.

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Grain Pan

grain pan: A grain pan is the part of a combine where threshed grain collects and is shaken through to the bottom of the machine. Understanding combine mechanics helps farmers maintain equipment and optimize grain collection, improving efficiency.

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Alveolus

alveolus: A thin-walled air sac that occurs in large numbers in each lung and allows oxygen to enter and carbon dioxide to leave the blood. Understanding alveolus function helps farmers manage livestock respiratory health.

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Potato Blight

potato blight: A fungus disease (Phytophthora infestans) which kills potato foliage and rots the tubers. Helpful content: Early detection and management of potato blight are crucial for preventing significant crop losses. Farmers should implement integrated pest management strategies to control this disease and maintain healthy potato crops.

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Digestibility

digestibility: The proportion of food which is digested and is therefore of value to the animal which eats it. Understanding digestibility is important for developing balanced and nutritious diets for livestock. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to ensure that animal diets are highly digestible and promote optimal health. Implementing proper dietary practices will enhance the productivity and welfare of livestock.

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Liquorice

Liquorice: Liquorice is the root of a plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) used in making sweets and soft drinks. It also has medicinal properties. Growing liquorice can provide farmers with a versatile crop for culinary and medicinal uses.

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Quota System

quota system: A system where imports or supplies are regulated by fixing maximum or minimum amounts. The quota system helps stabilize markets by controlling supply levels, which can prevent price crashes and ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their products.

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Extreme

extreme: Referring to breeds of cattle which are traditionally kept for dairy or for meat, and not for a combination of the two. Understanding extreme breeds helps farmers specialize in specific livestock production for better quality and yield.

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Spine

spine: a pointed structure that is either a modified leaf, as in cacti, or part of a leaf or leaf base. Properly managing plants with spines ensures healthy growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.

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Maltase

maltase: an enzyme in the small intestine that converts maltose into glucose. Understanding the role of maltase in digestion can help farmers manage livestock nutrition more effectively, leading to better animal health and productivity.

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Pollution

pollution: The presence of unusually high concentrations of harmful substances or radioactivity in the environment, as a result of human activity or a natural process such as a volcanic eruption. Helpful content: Managing pollution on farms is crucial for protecting ecosystems and ensuring sustainable production. Farmers can implement practices like buffer strips, cover cropping, and proper waste management to reduce environmental impact.

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Hand Feeding

hand feeding: Hand rearing, the process of bringing up orphaned animals by feeding them with a bottle. Hand feeding orphaned animals ensures their survival and can contribute to the genetic diversity and productivity of the herd or flock.