Peppermint
peppermint: An aromatic herb (Mentha piperata) which is cultivated to produce an oil used in confectionery, drinks, and toothpaste. Growing herbs like peppermint can provide additional income and diversify farm products.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
peppermint: An aromatic herb (Mentha piperata) which is cultivated to produce an oil used in confectionery, drinks, and toothpaste. Growing herbs like peppermint can provide additional income and diversify farm products.
Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate: A branch of Defra which deals with plant health in the UK. Abbr PHSI. Helpful content: The Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate provides valuable services to farmers by monitoring and controlling plant pests and diseases. Their inspections and certifications help ensure the health and quality of crops, facilitating trade and market access.
proteolytic: Referring to proteolysis. Helpful content: Knowledge of proteolytic processes helps farmers manage livestock diets effectively. Ensuring efficient protein digestion can improve feed efficiency and animal performance.
The proportion of lean meat obtained from a carcass, expressed as a percentage. Lean yield is important for meat production efficiency. For instance, aiming for higher lean yields in beef production to maximize meat output and profitability.
interveinal yellowing: A condition of plants caused by magnesium deficiency, where the surface of the leaves turns yellow and the veins stay green. Helps farmers identify and correct nutrient deficiencies in crops.
rectal palpation: A technique used to diagnose pregnancy in cows. Early pregnancy detection through rectal palpation allows farmers to manage breeding programs more effectively.
Dutch harrow: An implement with a metal or wooden frame, with heavy tine bars almost at right angles to the direction of travel. The tines loosen the soil, and the heavy bars level the surface. Also called float. Dutch harrows are used in soil preparation to create a smooth seedbed for planting.
experimental farm: A farm which is used to experiment with new farming techniques, rather than being run as a commercial enterprise. Learning from experimental farms helps farmers adopt innovative practices and improve productivity.
potato spinner: A machine for lifting the potato crop. Helpful content: Potato spinners facilitate the harvesting process, helping to lift and separate potatoes from the soil. This equipment can improve harvest efficiency and reduce manual labor.
genetic manipulation: Same as genetic modification. Genetic manipulation techniques enable the development of crops and livestock with enhanced characteristics, aiding farmers in achieving higher efficiency and sustainability.
sericulture: Raising silkworms for the production of silk. Farmers benefit from engaging in sericulture for the production of valuable silk products.
oestrogen: A steroid hormone that controls the reproductive cycle and the development of secondary sexual characteristics in female primates. Understanding oestrogen’s role is important for managing livestock reproduction. Farmers can benefit from hormone management practices to optimize breeding programs and improve reproductive efficiency.
enclosure: 1. An area surrounded by a fence, often to contain animals. Compare exclosure 2. The action of enclosing open land. Field (NOTE: The term enclosure is used in England to refer especially to the enclosure of common land in the 16th and 18th centuries, when rights to common land were removed and major landowners used ditches, fences, hedgerows, and walls to mark the boundaries of land which they owned freehold.) Understanding enclosure history helps farmers manage land and livestock effectively.
Individual enclosures used to house calves, providing protection and isolation. Calf hutches help manage health and nutrition. For example, placing calves in hutches to monitor their growth and prevent the spread of diseases.
The practice of providing cattle with balanced diets to support their growth, reproduction, and health. Cattle feeding includes forage, grains, and supplements. For example, developing a feeding plan to optimize cattle nutrition and performance.
Farmland Bird: A bird that nests in an agricultural environment. Many are declining in numbers because of changes in agricultural practices. Protecting farmland birds supports biodiversity and ecological balance on farms.
dew: Drops of condensed moisture left on surfaces overnight in cool places. Dew can provide a valuable source of moisture for plants in arid regions. Farmers should consider the role of dew in their irrigation management and monitor its impact on crop health. Understanding the benefits of dew can help optimize water use and improve plant growth.
proteolysis: The breaking down of proteins in food by digestive enzymes. Helpful content: Understanding proteolysis is important for optimizing animal nutrition and digestion. Proper feed formulations can enhance protein breakdown and nutrient absorption, supporting animal health and productivity.
dental: Referring to teeth. Dental health is important for livestock to ensure proper feeding and nutrition. Farmers should regularly inspect and care for the teeth of their animals to prevent dental issues and maintain overall health. Working with veterinarians to develop dental care routines can improve animal welfare and productivity.
The strategies and practices used to promote and sell milk and dairy products. Effective dairy marketing helps reach consumers and increase sales. For example, developing marketing campaigns to highlight the quality and benefits of locally produced milk.
The practices used to sell and display food products in retail settings, including shelf placement, pricing, and promotions. For example, implementing food product sales and merchandising techniques to attract customers and increase sales.
orchard: An area of land used for growing fruit trees. Orchards can provide farmers with high-value crops and diversified income streams. Farmers can benefit from implementing best practices in orchard management, including pruning, pest control, and irrigation, to enhance fruit quality and yields.
Agriculture Industry Advisory Committee: The committee that advises the Health and Safety Commission on the protection of people at work and others from hazards to health and safety arising within the agricultural and related industries. Farmers benefit from the guidance of this committee to ensure workplace safety and compliance.
agricultural laborer: A person who does heavy work on a farm, formerly a rural worker with no land, and sometimes still a worker with a special skill, such as ditching or hedging. Understanding the role of agricultural laborers helps farmers manage their workforce effectively.
Low-Intensity Land: Low-intensity land is land on which crops are not intensively cultivated. Managing low-intensity land can enhance biodiversity and soil health.
hydrostatic pressure: The pressure of water that is not moving. Understanding hydrostatic pressure supports proper water management and infrastructure on the farm.
switchback: an acute disease of sheep that produces paralysis of the legs. Managing switchback disease ensures sheep health and productivity, supporting farm profitability.
The process of creating maps to visualize and analyze soil erosion patterns and risk areas. Soil erosion mapping helps guide land use planning and conservation efforts. For example, using soil erosion maps to identify high-risk areas and implement targeted erosion control measures on a farm.
riboflavin: A vitamin found in eggs, liver, green vegetables, milk, and yeast and also used as an additive (E101) in processed food. Also called vitamin B2. Ensuring adequate riboflavin intake supports livestock health and growth.
stillbirth: the birth of a dead animal or abortion at a late stage of pregnancy. Properly managing stillbirths ensures livestock health and productivity, supporting farm profitability.
diet formulation: The combining of different types of feedstuffs or nutrients to form a healthy and balanced diet for an animal. Probably the most likely area for reform was diet formulation, and with feed accounting for 70 percent of production costs, it was essential to examine management practices such as phase feeding to more precisely tailor feed inputs to requirements. [Farming News]. Proper diet formulation is crucial for optimizing the health and productivity of livestock. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop balanced and cost-effective diets for their animals. Understanding the principles of diet formulation will aid in efficient feed management and improved farm profitability.
soil management: the study of soils physical properties and how to maintain a healthy and functional soil system. Proper soil management ensures long-term soil health and productivity, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
risk: A combination of the likelihood of injury, damage, or loss being caused by a potentially dangerous substance, technology, or activity, or by a failure to do something, and the seriousness of the possible consequences; something that is regarded as likely to cause injury, damage, or loss. Understanding and managing risks helps farmers protect farm assets and ensure operational safety.
Crazy Chick Disease: Crazy chick disease noun a disease of chicks associated with a diet which is too rich in fats or deficiency of vitamin E. The symptoms include falling over and paralysis. Managing crazy chick disease involves providing proper nutrition and healthcare for poultry.
Products made from raw agricultural materials that have been processed or enhanced to increase their value, such as jams, cheeses, and canned goods. For example, producing value-added food products to diversify farm income and meet consumer demand.
The practice of managing land and water resources within a watershed to protect water quality and support sustainable agriculture. Watershed management includes erosion control, reforestation, and water conservation practices. For example, implementing watershed management practices to reduce sediment runoff and improve water quality in agricultural areas.
roller crusher: A machine used to condition freshly-cut grass. The swath of cut grass is picked up by the rolls and the stems are flattened as the grass is passed between them. Using roller crushers speeds up the drying process, improving forage quality.