Winter Kill
by winter kill: Winter kill refers to the death of plants during winter. Farmers need to choose resilient crop varieties and implement protective measures to minimize winter kill.
Dietary Fibre
dietary fibre: Same as roughage. COMMENT: Dietary fibre is found in cereals, nuts, fruit, and some green vegetables. It is believed to be necessary to help digestion and to avoid developing constipation, obesity, and appendicitis. Providing dietary fiber is important for maintaining the digestive health of livestock. Farmers should include adequate roughage in the diets of their animals to promote proper digestion and overall health. Understanding the sources and benefits of dietary fiber will aid in effective feed management.
Regional Development Agency
Regional Development Agency: An organization which promotes the social and economic benefits of living in a region and undertakes projects to bring new industries and jobs to the region. Abbreviation: RDA. RDAs support rural development and economic growth, benefiting farmers through improved infrastructure and market access.
Inorganic Acid
inorganic acid: An acid which comes from a mineral. Helps farmers understand chemical properties and applications.
Ecological Factors
ecological factors: Factors which influence the distribution of a plant species in a habitat. Knowledge of ecological factors helps farmers manage crops and land use effectively.
Foliar Fertilizer
A type of fertilizer applied directly to plant leaves to provide nutrients. Foliar fertilizers are quickly absorbed and can address nutrient deficiencies. For example, spraying foliar fertilizer on fruit trees to improve leaf health and fruit production.
Weather Forecasting And Monitoring
The use of meteorological data and technology to predict and track weather conditions, important for agricultural planning. For example, using weather forecasting and monitoring systems to optimize planting and harvesting schedules.
Deadnettle
deadnettle: Referring to red deadnettle. Red deadnettle can be a weed in gardens and fields. Farmers and gardeners should manage this plant through regular weeding and the use of herbicides. Understanding its growth patterns and implementing appropriate control methods will help maintain healthy crops and reduce competition for resources.
European Union
European Union: An alliance of 25 European countries, originally established with six members in 1957 by the Treaty of Rome. Among its powers are those for environmental and agricultural policy in its member states. Abbr EU. (NOTE: Formerly called the European Community or European Economic Community.) Understanding EU policies helps farmers comply with regulations and access funding opportunities.
Food Product Data Center Infrastructure
The physical and virtual systems that support data storage, processing, and management in food production and distribution, including servers, networks, and security. For example, developing food product data center infrastructure to ensure reliable and scalable data management.
Exhaustive
exhaustive: Complete and thorough. An exhaustive reply to the safety concerns. An exhaustive search for the information. Conducting exhaustive research helps farmers make informed decisions and implement best practices.
Animal Health Officer
Animal Health Officer: An employee of an Animal Health Divisional Office, with veterinary training. Abbr AHO. Farmers benefit from the expertise of Animal Health Officers to maintain livestock health and comply with animal welfare standards.
Beef Flank Steak
A cut of beef obtained from the abdominal muscles, known for its rich flavor and lean texture. Flank steak is commonly used for grilling and stir-frying. For example, producing flank steak for fajitas and Asian dishes.
Parthenogenesis
parthenogenesis: A form of reproduction in which an unfertilized ovum develops into an individual. Understanding reproductive mechanisms like parthenogenesis can aid in breeding programs and genetic research.
Chemotrophic
Chemotrophic: Referring to organisms obtaining energy from sources such as organic matter. Understanding chemotrophic processes aids farmers in managing soil health and nutrient availability for crops.
Seeder Unit
seeder unit: A seed drill which sows the seed separately at set intervals in the soil. Farmers benefit from using seeder units for efficient and precise planting.
Chemical Element
Chemical Element: A substance such as iron, calcium, or oxygen, existing independently and not formed from a combination of other substances. Understanding chemical elements aids in managing soil fertility and livestock nutrition for optimal farm productivity.
Pip-Pip Pip-Pip Pip-Pip
pip-pip pip-pip pip-pip: A cheerful farewell or greeting. Providing a positive and supportive environment improves farm worker morale and well-being.
Food Product Employee Assistance Programs
The initiatives that provide support and resources to employees facing personal or professional challenges, including counseling, financial advice, and work-life balance. For example, developing food product employee assistance programs to support employee well-being and retention.
Outcrossing
outcrossing: The process of bringing some new genetic variation (‘new blood’) into a flock or herd, usually by introducing a new male. Outcrossing can enhance genetic diversity and improve livestock health and productivity. Farmers can benefit from implementing outcrossing strategies to strengthen their herds and flocks.
Controlled Atmosphere
Controlled Atmosphere: Controlled atmosphere noun the conditions in which oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations are regulated and monitored, e.g. to improve the storage of fruit and vegetables. English plum producers are looking at the possibility of storing Victoria plums in controlled atmosphere to extend the season until at least September. [The Grocer]. Utilizing controlled atmosphere storage extends the shelf life of produce and maintains product quality.
Refrigerator
refrigerator: A device for cooling produce and keeping it cool. Using refrigerators helps farmers maintain the quality and freshness of their products.
Naturalise
naturalise: naturalise, verb to introduce a species into an area where it has not lived or grown before so that it becomes established as part of the ecosystem. Naturalizing beneficial plant species can help improve soil health, support pollinators, and enhance biodiversity on farms. Farmers can benefit from introducing cover crops, forage plants, and other species that contribute to sustainable land management. This practice can lead to improved soil structure, reduced erosion, and increased resilience to environmental stressors, promoting long-term agricultural productivity.
Feed Efficiency
The ratio of animal growth or production to the amount of feed consumed. Feed efficiency is a key factor in livestock management and profitability. For instance, improving feed efficiency in beef cattle to increase weight gain and reduce feed costs.
Shelter Belt
shelter belt: A row of trees planted to give protection from wind. Over the years the family has carried out extensive improvements, putting in shelter belts, new buildings, land drainage and farm road layouts. Farmers benefit from planting shelter belts to protect crops and livestock from wind and erosion.
Bunch Grass
bunch grass: A type of grass that grows in clumps. Managing bunch grasses supports pasture health and provides forage for livestock.
Dairy Water Recycling
The process of treating and reusing water in dairy production and processing to reduce consumption and waste. For example, using water recycling systems to minimize water usage and improve sustainability in dairy operations.
Depression
depression: An area of low atmospheric pressure. Also called low. Understanding weather patterns, including depressions, is important for managing farm activities. Farmers should monitor weather forecasts and plan operations accordingly to minimize the impact of adverse weather. Implementing weather-related risk management strategies can help protect crops and livestock from damage.
Beef Cattle Production
The practices and methods used to raise beef cattle for meat production, including breeding, feeding, and health care. For example, managing beef cattle production to produce high-quality meat and ensure profitability.
Saw-Toothed Beetle
saw-toothed beetle: A dark brown beetle which lives in stored grain. The eggs are laid in the grain and the larvae feed on it, causing mould. Farmers benefit from monitoring and managing saw-toothed beetle infestations to protect stored grain.
Convenience Foods
Convenience Foods: Convenience foods plural noun foods which have been prepared so that they are ready to be served after simply being reheated People are working longer hours. As a result demand for convenience foods has exploded, not just for pre-packed ready meals, but quickly cooked food like chops and steaks. [Farmers Guardian]. Producing convenience foods meets market demands and provides quick meal solutions.
Agroforestry
agroforestry: The growing of farm crops and trees together as a farming unit. Agroforestry practices benefit farmers by improving soil health, diversifying income streams, and enhancing biodiversity.
Fallow Length
Fallow Length: The period between cultivation periods. Adjusting fallow lengths helps farmers manage soil health and crop rotation effectively.