Insect
insect: A small animal with six legs and a body in three parts. Helps farmers identify and manage insect pests.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
stages of growth: same as growth stages. Understanding the stages of growth in crops and livestock helps farmers optimize management practices for better yields and productivity.
pure breeding: The mating of purebred animals of the same breed. Helpful content: Pure breeding programs help maintain and improve breed characteristics. Farmers can achieve uniformity and higher quality in livestock through careful selection and breeding practices.
sewage sludge: The solid or semi-solid part of sewage. Farmers benefit from using sewage sludge as a fertilizer for soil improvement.
The practice of using hormones to control and synchronize the estrous cycles of female livestock, facilitating timed breeding. For instance, synchronizing the estrous cycles of a cowherd to enable mass artificial insemination.
A breed of beef cattle developed in Texas, known for its adaptability and hardiness. Santa Gertrudis cattle are used for meat production and crossbreeding. For example, raising Santa Gertrudis cattle in hot climates for their resilience and beef quality.
American foul brood: A disease affecting bees that is caused by a bacterial parasite of the Bacillaceae family that infests the larvae. Abbr AFB. Managing AFB is crucial for beekeepers to maintain healthy and productive hives.
Countryside Management: Countryside management noun the study and practice of environmental conservation in association with rural enterprise, countryside access, and recreational activities. Implementing countryside management practices promotes environmental conservation and sustainable rural development.
Formulation: The form in which a pesticide is sold for use, e.g., emulsions, wettable powders, etc., which can be mixed with water. Properly managing pesticide formulations ensures effective pest control and environmental safety.
Animals that live in the soil and contribute to soil health and ecosystem function. Soil fauna includes earthworms, insects, and other invertebrates. For example, promoting soil fauna diversity through organic farming practices to enhance soil health and support sustainable agriculture.
Exmoor Horn: A stock fat sheep, with a broad head, curled horns, and dense fleece. Mainly found on Exmoor, the breed has been crossed with the Devon Longwool to create the Devon Closewool. Raising Exmoor Horn sheep helps farmers produce high-quality wool and meat.
Colorado Beetle: Colorado beetle /k?l?r?d?? bi:t(?)l/ noun a beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) with black and yellow stripes which eats and destroys potato plants. Managing Colorado beetles involves using integrated pest management strategies to protect potato crops.
pecking order: The order of social dominance in a group of birds, and also animals (NOTE: The equivalent in cattle is the bunt order). Understanding social hierarchies in livestock helps in managing animal behavior and welfare.
drill coulter: A coulter that makes a furrow for sowing seed. Drill coulters are essential for precision planting, helping to create uniform seed rows and improve crop establishment.
Council for the Protection of Rural England: Council for the Protection of Rural England noun former name for CPRE. Engaging with the Council for the Protection of Rural England supports rural conservation and sustainable land use practices.
The guidelines and practices that ensure the protection of personal and sensitive information in the food production and distribution process, including data collection, storage, and sharing. For example, developing food product data privacy policies to comply with regulations and protect customer information.
National Envelope: a source of additional funds to help livestock producers, e.g., a beef national envelope and a sheep national envelope. The National Envelope provides financial support to livestock farmers, helping them manage production costs and invest in farm improvements. By accessing these funds, farmers can enhance their livestock operations, improve animal health and welfare, and adopt sustainable practices. This financial assistance can also help buffer against market fluctuations and other challenges, ensuring the long-term viability of livestock farming enterprises.
Cold Frame: Cold frame noun a box construction, with a glass lid, used for raising or keeping plants out of doors but with a certain amount of protection against frost. Utilizing cold frames extends the growing season and protects young plants from harsh weather.
Climate Change Levy: A tax on the use of energy by sectors like agriculture and industry to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding climate change levy regulations helps farmers adopt sustainable practices and reduce energy costs.
gangrene: A condition in which tissues die and decay, as a result of bacterial action, because the animal has lost blood supply to the affected part of the body through injury. Serious rot affecting potato tubers. Caused by fungi, it spreads in storage. Recognizing and managing gangrene can prevent severe losses in livestock and crops.
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade: Full form of GATT. Knowing international trade agreements helps farmers access global markets and improve competitiveness.
dried milk: Milk powder produced by removing water from liquid milk. The techniques involved include roller-drying and spray-drying. Dried milk is a versatile ingredient used in cooking and baking, and provides essential nutrients in a long-lasting form.
process: To treat produce in a way that will make it keep longer or become more palatable. Helpful content: Processing farm produce adds value and extends shelf life, providing new market opportunities. Techniques such as drying, canning, and fermenting can enhance product diversity and farm income.
rotation of crops: Same as crop rotation. Rotating crops supports soil health, reduces pest and disease pressure, and improves overall farm productivity.
transplant: Taking a growing plant from one place and planting it in the soil in another place. A plant taken from one place and planted in the soil in another place. Proper transplanting techniques can improve crop establishment and growth.
Rows of shrubs or trees planted to form a barrier or boundary in agricultural landscapes. Hedgerows provide habitat for wildlife, reduce wind erosion, and improve biodiversity. For example, planting hedgerows along field edges to create wildlife corridors and protect crops from wind damage.
whip and tongue cutting: A form of graft in which the stock and scion are cut diagonally to form large open surfaces with a small notch in each. The surfaces are bound together tightly with twine. Using whip and tongue cutting can improve plant propagation and crop yields.
national park: a large area of land selected because of its scenic, recreational, scientific, or historical importance for special protection from development, and managed by a local government body for recreational use by the public and the benefit of the local community. National parks offer farmers opportunities to engage in sustainable tourism and conservation efforts. By participating in national park initiatives, farmers can diversify their income through eco-tourism, promote their products to visitors, and enhance the environmental stewardship of their land. This collaboration can lead to a stronger community and a healthier ecosystem.
productive: Producing a lot of something that can be used or sold. Helpful content: Implementing productive farming techniques, such as crop rotation and precision farming, can increase output and profitability. Farmers can achieve sustainable growth by optimizing resource use and adopting best practices.
The commitment to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or other characteristics. For example, ensuring food product equal opportunity employment to promote diversity and fairness in the workplace.
Carbohydrate: An organic compound composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, such as sugars, cellulose, and starch. Managing carbohydrate intake in livestock diets ensures they receive adequate energy for growth and productivity.
Cerebrocortical Necrosis (CCN): A disease of sheep caused by thiamine deficiency, leading to symptoms like blindness and fits. Preventing CCN involves providing balanced nutrition and early intervention to maintain herd health.