Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
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.
Cover Crop: Cover crop noun 1. a crop sown to cover the soil and prevent it from drying out and being eroded (NOTE: When the cover crop has served its purpose, it is usually ploughed in, so leguminous plants which are able to enrich the soil are often used as cover crops.) 2. a crop grown to give protection to another crop that is sown with it In the tropics, bananas can be used as a cover crop for cocoa. 3. a crop grown to give cover to game birds. As leaving maize stubble fields bare could risk failure to meet cross-compliance, more growers are recognizing cover crops could prove a worthwhile option. [Farmers Weekly]. Utilizing cover crops enhances soil health and prevents erosion.
retained placenta: A disease of cattle caused by interference at calving, premature calving, or milk fever. Managing retained placenta ensures the health and reproductive efficiency of dairy herds.
agri-biotechnology: Biotechnology as applied to agriculture. Understanding agri-biotechnology helps farmers adopt innovations that improve crop yields and livestock productivity.
Farms that allow visitors to pick their own fruits, vegetables, and other produce, providing a hands-on agricultural experience. For example, operating a U-pick farm to offer fresh produce and attract visitors.
Foot Rot: A disease of the horny parts and soft tissue of sheeps feet, occurring particularly in wet marshy and badly-drained pastures, caused primarily by the organism Fusiformis necrophorus and sometimes Fusiformis nodosus. Managing foot rot through proper practices ensures sheep health and productivity.
plastic: A man-made material used as a cover to protect young crops. Thin films of polythene may be used to cover and warm soil, while black plastic sheeting is used as a form of mulch, and also to cover clamps and bales. Helpful content: Plastic covers and mulches can protect crops from adverse weather, conserve soil moisture, and suppress weeds. These benefits can lead to healthier plants and higher yields.
gravity feed: Gravity feed is a system where pellets, seeds, or granules fall from a hopper into a distribution channel. Using gravity feed systems improves efficiency and consistency in feeding livestock.
A primal cut of beef obtained from the back, known for its tenderness and flavor. Sirloin cuts include top sirloin and bottom sirloin. For instance, producing top sirloin steaks for grilling and roasting.
Cloxacillin: A type of antibiotic. Using antibiotics like cloxacillin helps farmers manage livestock health and treat bacterial infections effectively.
tree farming: The growing of trees for commercial purposes. Implementing tree farming can provide sustainable income and support conservation efforts.
potato elevator digger: A machine which lifts potatoes. Helpful content: Using a potato elevator digger can improve harvest efficiency and reduce labor costs. This machine helps farmers quickly and effectively lift potatoes from the field, ensuring timely and high-quality harvests.
The practice of maintaining detailed health and management records for each calf. Recordkeeping helps track vaccinations, treatments, and growth. For instance, using software to manage the health records of calves and monitor their development.
water meter: A device that records the amount of water that passes through a pipe, e.g. to monitor the water intake of animals. Using water meters can improve water use efficiency and reduce costs on the farm.
The lining of the stomach of ruminant animals, known for its chewy texture and mild flavor. Tripe is used in various traditional dishes. For example, processing beef tripe for use in soups and stews.
White Plymouth Rock: A large heavy breed of table poultry. Raising White Plymouth Rock chickens can provide high-quality meat, enhancing farm profitability.
silage effluent: An acidic liquid produced by the silage process which can be a serious pollutant, especially if it drains into a watercourse. Farmers benefit from managing silage effluent to prevent environmental contamination and ensure sustainable farming practices.
primary product: A product which is a basic raw material, e.g., wood, milk, or fish. Helpful content: Producing high-quality primary products involves adhering to best practices in farming and harvesting. Farmers can benefit from value-added processing and marketing strategies to increase their income.
A group of diseases affecting the respiratory system of calves, often caused by viruses, bacteria, or environmental factors. Respiratory diseases can impact growth and productivity. For example, vaccinating calves against respiratory pathogens to prevent outbreaks.
pharyngitis: A sore throat. Managing livestock health includes addressing common conditions like pharyngitis to prevent further complications.
Carbon (C): A common non-metallic element that is an essential component of living matter and organic chemical compounds. Carbon is crucial for plant photosynthesis, where it is absorbed from the air and converted into organic matter. Understanding the role of carbon helps farmers enhance soil health and crop productivity through practices like carbon sequestration and proper crop rotation.
Compost produced through the breakdown of organic matter by earthworms. Vermicompost is rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. For example, using vermicompost as a natural fertilizer to improve soil health and support healthy plant growth in a vegetable garden.
The programs and practices that promote the health and wellness of consumers, employees, and communities in the food production and distribution process, including nutrition, physical activity, and mental health. For example, developing food product health and wellness initiatives to support holistic well-being and enhance social impact.
A chemical product used in agriculture, such as a pesticide, fertilizer, or herbicide, to enhance crop production. These chemicals help control pests, improve soil fertility, and increase crop yields. For example, using herbicides to control weeds in a cornfield.
Red list: A searchable database maintained by IUCN that records the conservation status of different organisms throughout the world. Full form: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Red list helps farmers and conservationists monitor and protect endangered species, promoting biodiversity.
The practices and strategies used to manage and optimize inventory levels, ensuring product availability and reducing waste. For example, implementing food product inventory optimization techniques to balance supply and demand and minimize losses.
Livestock Unit: A livestock unit is the part of a farm where livestock are reared. Managing livestock units effectively can enhance farm productivity and animal welfare.
Fair Average Quality: The average quality of agricultural produce based on samples taken from bulk. Abbr FAQ. Understanding fair average quality helps farmers meet market standards and ensures consistent product quality for better sales and customer satisfaction.
The study and application of genetic principles to improve cattle traits such as growth, milk production, and disease resistance. For instance, using genomic selection to enhance cattle genetics and achieve better performance.
inorganic fertiliser: An artificially synthesized fertilizer. Helps farmers use inorganic fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and crop production.
The practices and strategies used to manage the financial aspects of fish farming operations, including budgeting, accounting, and investment. For example, conducting fish farm financial management to ensure profitability and sustainable growth.
solid-not-fat percentage: a measure of milk quality, showing the percentages of all substances other than fat in the milk. Abbr SNF percentage. Monitoring the solid-not-fat percentage in milk ensures high-quality dairy production, supporting consumer health and market value.
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