Farm Dictionary - Page 71 of 159 - Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight

Hill

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 29, 2019May 25, 20242

hill: An area of ground higher than the surrounding areas but not as high as a mountain. Managing hill areas effectively supports grazing livestock and prevents soil erosion.

Support Price

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 29, 2019May 25, 20242

support price: the price at which the EU will buy farm produce which farmers cannot sell, in order to store it. Also called intervention price. Understanding and managing support prices ensures financial stability and market access for farmers, supporting farm profitability.

Marsh

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 29, 2019May 25, 20242

marsh: an area of permanently wet land and the plants that grow on it. Marshes may be fresh water or salt water and tidal or non-tidal. A marsh usually has a soil base, as opposed to a bog or fen, which is composed of peat. Understanding the role of marshes in the ecosystem can help farmers manage wetland areas on their property, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Fagopyrum

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 28, 2019May 25, 20240

Fagopyrum: The Latin name for buckwheat, a plant cultivated for its grain-like seeds and as a cover crop. Buckwheat is beneficial for farmers as it improves soil health, prevents erosion, and provides a nutritious food source.

Systematic Relating To A System

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 28, 2019May 25, 20242

systematic relating to a system: understanding and managing systematic agricultural practices ensures efficient farm operations and productivity.

Stock Farming

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 28, 2019May 25, 20242

stock farming: the rearing of livestock for sale. Properly managing stock farming operations ensures healthy growth and productivity, supporting farm profitability and sustainability.

Skim Coulter

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 25, 2019May 25, 20240

skim coulter: the part of a plough which turns a small slice off the corner of the furrow about to be turned and throws it into the bottom of the one before. It is attached to the beam behind the disc coulters. Using skim coulters improves soil aeration and preparation, promoting healthy root growth and better crop yields.

Food Product Waste Reduction Initiatives

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 24, 2019May 24, 20242

The efforts and strategies to minimize waste in food production and distribution, including recycling, repurposing, and reducing excess packaging. For example, implementing food product waste reduction initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Dairy Microbiology

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 24, 2019May 24, 20242

The study of microorganisms in dairy production, including their role in fermentation, spoilage, and food safety. For example, researching dairy microbiology to develop new fermentation techniques and improve product safety.

Envirowise

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 23, 2019May 25, 20242

Envirowise: A government program providing advice to businesses in industry and commerce on improving efficiency in the use of resources and reducing waste. Farmers can benefit from Envirowise by accessing advice on sustainable farming practices and resource management.

Doddle

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 23, 2019May 25, 20241

doddle: An easy task. Understanding the concept of a doddle can provide valuable insights into simplifying farm tasks and operations. Farmers should identify and implement strategies to make tasks easier and more efficient. Understanding the benefits of simplifying tasks will aid in improving productivity and reducing labor costs.

Physical Evidence

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 22, 2019May 25, 20241

physical evidence: Any object that can be used to prove a fact, e.g., a plant showing signs of disease. Using physical evidence helps in diagnosing agricultural issues and making informed decisions for farm management.

Bactericide

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 20, 2019May 25, 20242

bactericide: A substance that kills bacteria. Farmers use bactericides to control bacterial infections in plants and animals, ensuring healthier crops and livestock.

Warbles

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 18, 2019May 25, 20242

warbles: Swellings on the backs of cattle caused by the warble fly. Managing warbles can prevent discomfort and health issues in cattle, improving their well-being and productivity.

Record Keeping

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 18, 2019May 25, 20242

record keeping: The act of making records such as a livestock register, which are open to examination by the Government and welfare authorities. Accurate record keeping is essential for farm management, regulatory compliance, and improving operational efficiency.

Fodder Beet

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 18, 2019May 25, 20240

Fodder Beet: A root crop bred from sugar beet and mangolds, usually grown after cereals and used to feed stock. Properly managing fodder beet production ensures a valuable feed source for livestock.

Transpiration

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 18, 2019May 25, 20243

transpiration: The loss of water from a plant through its stomata. The removal of moisture from the soil by plant roots, which pass the moisture up the stem to the leaves. Understanding transpiration processes can help farmers manage irrigation and optimize water use.

Preservative

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 17, 2019May 25, 20242

preservative: A substance added to food to preserve it by slowing natural decay caused by microorganisms. Helpful content: Using preservatives can maintain the quality and safety of farm products during storage and transportation. Understanding the appropriate use of preservatives helps farmers meet market standards and consumer preferences.

Oviparous

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 17, 2019May 25, 20241

oviparous: Referring to an animal that carries and lays eggs. Managing oviparous livestock requires understanding their reproductive needs and behaviors. Farmers can benefit from optimizing breeding and incubation practices to enhance egg production and hatchability.

Frog

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 17, 2019May 25, 20242

Frog: 1. The part of a plough to which the mouldboard and share are attached. 2. A tough flexible pad in the middle of the sole of a horses hoof. Properly managing frogs ensures efficient plough operation and horse health.

Channel Island Breeds

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 16, 2019May 25, 20240

Channel Island Breeds: The Guernsey and Jersey breeds of dairy cattle. Raising Channel Island breeds provides high-quality milk and contributes to the profitability of dairy operations.

Selenium

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 16, 2019May 25, 20242

selenium: A trace element, an essential part of the diet for all animals. White muscle disease is the symptom of selenium deficiency. Farmers benefit from understanding selenium’s role in preventing deficiencies and ensuring livestock productivity.

Hydrated

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 15, 2019May 25, 20242

hydrated: Referring to a chemical compound in which water is bound. Properly managing hydration in livestock and crops ensures their health and productivity.

Reedbed

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 12, 2019May 25, 20242

reedbed: A mass of reeds growing together. Reedbeds can provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to water purification in agricultural areas.

Slug Pellet

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 10, 2019May 25, 20240

slug pellet: a small hard piece of a mixture containing a substance such as metaldehyde which kills slugs. Slug pellets are usually coloured blue-green. Using slug pellets effectively helps farmers control slug infestations, protecting crops and improving yields.

Food Safety

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 8, 2019May 25, 20241

Food Safety: The issues surrounding the production, handling, storage, and cooking of food that determine whether or not it is safe to eat. Properly managing food safety ensures high-quality food products and protects public health.

Whole Crops

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 8, 2019May 25, 20242

whole crops: Crops used for silage which do not need wilting. Growing whole crops can provide a reliable source of silage, improving livestock nutrition.

Inbreeding

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 8, 2019May 25, 20242

inbreeding: The process of mating or crossing between closely related individuals, leading to a reduction in variation. Compare outbreeding. Helps farmers manage genetic diversity in livestock.

Chicken

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 6, 2019May 25, 20242

Chicken: A young bird of a domestic fowl or the meat of domestic poultry. Raising chickens provides nutritious meat and valuable produce for fresh markets and processing, contributing to farm income.

Mineral Nutrients

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 5, 2019May 25, 20240

mineral nutrients: nutrients except carbon, hydrogen and oxygen which are inorganic and are absorbed by plants from the soil. Understanding the role of mineral nutrients can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

Loess

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 4, 2019May 25, 20242

Loess: Loess is a fine fertile soil formed of tiny clay and silt particles deposited by the wind. Utilizing loess can improve soil health and crop productivity.

Septoria

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 3, 2019May 25, 20242

septoria: A fungal disease which affects the leaves of wheat crops. Farmers benefit from managing septoria to protect wheat crops and ensure high yields.

First Calf Heifer

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 3, 2019May 25, 20240

First Calf Heifer: A heifer that has borne its first calf. Managing first calf heifers ensures their health and productivity as they enter the milking herd.

Crop Residue Management

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 3, 2019May 24, 20241

The practices used to manage the remains of harvested crops, including plowing, mulching, and composting, to improve soil health and reduce pests. For example, using crop residue management techniques to recycle nutrients and enhance soil fertility.

Beef Barbecue

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 3, 2019May 24, 20240

A method of cooking beef using slow, indirect heat and smoke, often with a flavorful sauce. For example, producing beef cuts for barbecue and smoked meat products.

Common Prices

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 2, 2019May 25, 20242

Common Prices: Common prices plural noun the prices obtained by all EU farmers for a wide range of their products, including beef, cereals, milk products, and sugar. EU regulations involve control on imports and intervention buying. These prices are reviewed each year. Understanding common prices helps farmers plan production and marketing strategies.

Basmati

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.December 2, 2019May 25, 20240

basmati: A common variety of long-grain rice. Cultivating basmati rice can meet market demands for high-quality, aromatic rice.

Rustler

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.November 30, 2019May 25, 20242

rustler: A person who steals livestock; a cattle rustler. Preventing rustling protects farm assets and ensures livestock security.

Surplus

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.November 29, 2019May 25, 20242

surplus: more than is needed. Properly managing surplus production ensures efficient resource use and supports farm profitability.

Forward Creep Grazing

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.November 28, 2019May 25, 20242

Forward Creep Grazing: A grazing method where grassland allocated to ewes and lambs during the fattening period is divided into paddocks separated by portable fencing. Moving the fencing allows the animals to access new areas as one is finished. Properly managing forward creep grazing ensures efficient pasture use and livestock nutrition.

Block Grazing

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.November 28, 2019May 25, 20242

block grazing: A method of grazing where livestock are confined to a small area for a short period. Block grazing improves pasture management and promotes even grazing distribution.

Systolic Blood Pressure

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.November 24, 2019May 25, 20242

Systolic blood pressure: is the pressure of the blood in the arteries when the heart beats. Understanding and managing systolic blood pressure in livestock ensures health and productivity, supporting farm profitability and well-being.

Sheep Annual Premium Scheme

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.November 23, 2019May 25, 20241

Sheep Annual Premium Scheme: Until 2005, a subsidy for breeding ewes. Now superseded by the Single Payment Scheme. Farmers benefit from engaging in subsidy programs for financial support in livestock production.

Multi-Storey System

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.November 23, 2019May 25, 20242

multi-storey system: a pig-rearing system in which pigs are kept in a building which has several floors or tiers. Understanding multi-storey systems can help farmers manage pig production more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

EFSA

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.November 22, 2019May 25, 20242

EFSA: Abbreviation for European Food Safety Authority. Farmers can benefit from EFSA guidelines to ensure food safety and meet regulatory standards.

Branch

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.November 21, 2019May 25, 20242

branch: A division of a main stem or trunk of a plant. Managing branches supports healthy plant growth and optimal fruit production.

Run

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.November 19, 2019May 25, 20242

run: An enclosure for animals, e.g. a chicken run; an extensive area of land used for sheep grazing; to keep animals. Providing runs supports livestock health and productivity by ensuring safe and spacious living conditions.

MLC

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.November 19, 2019May 25, 20242

MLC: abbreviation Meat and Livestock Commission. Understanding the role of the Meat and Livestock Commission can help farmers access valuable resources and support for improving their livestock production and marketability.

Decortication

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.November 18, 2019May 25, 20240

decortication: The process of removing husks from seeds. Decortication is important for processing seeds like cotton and sunflower. Farmers and processors should use appropriate machinery and techniques to ensure efficient decortication, improving the quality and marketability of the seeds. Proper maintenance of decortication equipment will also enhance its longevity and performance.

Cultivate

by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.November 18, 2019May 25, 20242

Cultivate: Cultivate verb 1. to grow crops Potatoes are cultivated as the main crop. 2. to dig and manure the soil ready for growing crops The fields are cultivated in the autumn, ready for sowing wheat. Engaging in cultivation practices supports sustainable agriculture and crop production.