Chervil
Chervil: A herb (Anthriscus cerefolium) used as a garnish or in salads and soups. Growing chervil provides a specialty crop for culinary use, enhancing farm product diversity and income.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
peach: A small deciduous tree (Prunus persica) found particularly in Mediterranean areas, though it will grow as far north as southern England. The fruit is large and juicy, with a downy skin, but they cannot be kept for any length of time. (NOTE: Peaches are divided into two groups: the freestone (where the flesh is not attached to the stone), and the clingstone. The nectarine is a form of peach with a smooth skin.) Growing peaches provides a valuable fruit crop that meets market demand and can be sold fresh or processed.
staphylococcus: a bacterium that causes boils and food poisoning. Genus: Staphylococcus. Understanding staphylococcus bacteria helps farmers manage livestock health and prevent disease outbreaks, supporting productivity and well-being.
mating likes: same as assortive mating. Understanding mating preferences can help farmers improve breeding programs and ensure better livestock productivity.
County, Parish, Holding: County, parish, holding noun a unique 3-part identification number for land used to keep livestock. Abbr CPH. Utilizing county, parish, holding identification ensures proper livestock management and traceability.
pollen: The mass of small grains in the anthers of flowers which contain the male gametes. Helpful content: Understanding pollen biology is important for crop pollination and breeding. Farmers can enhance crop yields by ensuring effective pollination, whether through natural pollinators or managed practices.
Mendels laws: the laws governing heredity. The two laws set out by Gregor Mendel following his experiments growing peas, were (in modern terms): that genes for separate genetic characters assort independently of each other and that the genes for a pair of genetic characters are carried by different gametes. For animal breeders, the main feature of Mendelism is that it is based on simple and clearly-defined traits that are inherited as separate entities: these were traits such as colour, which are controlled by single genes. Understanding Mendels laws can help farmers improve their breeding programs and ensure better genetic diversity and productivity.
The services and platforms that provide information and analysis on cyber threats and vulnerabilities, helping food production and distribution businesses to proactively defend against attacks. For example, using food product threat intelligence services to stay informed and protect against emerging threats.
A cut of beef obtained from the hindquarters, known for its lean texture and versatility. Rump roast is commonly used for roasting and slow cooking. For instance, producing rump roast for family dinners and potlucks.
Green Belt: Green Belt is an area of agricultural land, woodland, or parkland surrounding an urban area where building is restricted. Understanding Green Belt regulations helps farmers maintain agricultural land and prevent urban sprawl.
Swaledale: a very hardy breed of sheep, with distinctive twisting horns and a black face with a white nose, which originated in the North Pennines of Yorkshire. The fleece has an outer layer of long coarse wool and an inner layer of fine dense wool. The Swaledale ewe is the mother of the popular lowland mule ewe when mated to the Blue-faced (Hexham) Leicester ram. Properly managing Swaledale sheep ensures healthy growth and productivity, supporting farm profitability and sustainability.
The practices and techniques used to move and handle livestock safely and humanely, including loading, unloading, and transportation. For example, following livestock transport and handling guidelines to minimize stress and ensure animal welfare.
placental: Referring to the placenta. Helpful content: Knowledge of placental health helps in monitoring the reproductive health of livestock, leading to better management and productivity. This understanding can assist in early detection of potential problems, allowing for timely interventions.
pedologist: A scientist who specializes in the study of the soil. Research by pedologists contributes to better soil management and crop production practices.
danthonia: A tufted pasture grass found in Australia and New Zealand. Danthonia is valued for its drought tolerance and suitability for grazing. Farmers can use danthonia in pasture management to improve forage availability, especially in arid regions. Rotational grazing and proper fertilization will help maintain healthy danthonia pastures, providing consistent feed for livestock.
methane: a colourless flammable gas produced naturally from rotting organic waste, as in landfill sites or animal excreta. Formula: CH4. Methane is produced naturally from rotting vegetation in marshes, where it can sometimes catch fire, creating the phenomenon called will o the wisp, a light flickering over a marsh. Large quantities may also be formed in the rumen of cattle. It occurs as the product of animal excretions in livestock farming. Excreta from livestock can be passed into tanks where methane is extracted leaving the slurry which is then used as fertiliser. The methane can be used for heating or as a power source. Methane is also a greenhouse gas, and it has been suggested that methane from rotting vegetation, from cattle excreta, from water in paddy fields, and even from termites nests, all contribute to the greenhouse effect. Understanding the production and management of methane can help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and utilize methane as a renewable energy source, contributing to environmental sustainability and farm profitability.
no-till farming: A farming practice where crops are grown without disturbing the soil through tillage. No-till farming helps prevent soil erosion and improve soil health.
mastitis: a common bacterial disease affecting dairy animals in which the udders become inflamed and swollen, and the passage of the milk is blocked. Common causes are staphylococci such as Staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcal mastitis), streptococci (Streptococcus uberis) or other bacteria (E. coli mastitis). The condition can be treated with antibiotics. Managing and preventing mastitis is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of dairy animals, ensuring better milk yield and quality.
The organization and hosting of festivals and markets on farms, celebrating agriculture, local food, and rural culture. For example, hosting farm festivals and markets to attract visitors and promote local products.
The characteristics of milk, including composition, flavor, and safety. Milk quality is essential for consumer satisfaction and dairy product processing. For instance, monitoring milk quality through regular testing and adhering to hygiene standards.
Commercial Seed: Commercial seed noun seed sold as being true to kind, but not necessarily pure. Utilizing commercial seed ensures crop consistency and reliability.
A classic French dish made from beef braised in red wine, with vegetables and herbs. For example, producing beef bourguignon cuts for gourmet cooking and fine dining.
June agricultural census: June agricultural census – an annual survey of agricultural activity in Great Britain carried out by Defra. Helps farmers stay informed about agricultural trends and statistics.
mechanisation: the introduction of machines for agricultural working purposes. Mechanisation has been an important factor in the contraction of the agricultural labour force. Mechanisation has not only involved increases in the number and range of machines, but also dramatic increases in their size and power. This has enabled slopes previously regarded as too steep for ploughing to be cultivated. The increased size of tractors and combines has encouraged enlargement of fields and the removal of hedgerows. This has caused alarm amongst conservationists and led to increased erosion in wet weather in some areas. Understanding the benefits and challenges of mechanisation can help farmers optimize their operations and improve productivity while managing environmental impacts.
small nettle: a weed (Urtica urens) which is common on rich friable soils. It affects vegetables and other row crops. Also called annual nettle, burning nettle. Managing small nettle helps farmers protect crops from weed competition, ensuring healthy growth and better yields.
A cut of beef liver, often grilled or sautéed and served with onions. For example, producing liver steaks for traditional and health-conscious consumers.
The transformation of raw agricultural products into consumable food items. Food processing includes activities such as cleaning, packaging, and cooking. For instance, processing milk into cheese and yogurt products.
soya: a plant that produces edible beans which have a high protein and fat content and very little starch. Latin name: Glycine max. Also called soya bean, soybean. Growing soya provides farmers with a high-protein crop for human and animal consumption, supporting food security and economic stability.
State Veterinary Service: a nationwide service based in Worcester, with 24 regional offices in the UK, set up by the government to deliver its policies on the health and welfare of livestock. Abbr SVS. Engaging with the State Veterinary Service ensures compliance with health and welfare regulations, supporting livestock productivity and farm sustainability.
rural recreation: Same as countryside recreation. Promoting rural recreation supports agritourism and enhances farm income.
The methods and approaches used to produce food in a way that protects the environment, preserves resources, and supports long-term agricultural viability. For example, adopting sustainable agriculture practices to reduce environmental impact and improve farm resilience.
The approaches used to enhance the ability of food production and distribution businesses to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges and disruptions. For example, developing food product resilience strategies to strengthen operations and ensure sustainability.