Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
soft fruit: a general term for all fruits and berries that grow on bushes and canes, have a relatively soft flesh, and so cannot be kept, except in some cases by freezing. Typical soft fruit are raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, and the various currants. Growing soft fruits provides farmers with high-value crops for fresh and processed markets, enhancing farm income.
Cherry Tomato: A variety of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) with very small fruit. Growing cherry tomatoes provides nutritious and versatile produce for fresh markets, enhancing farm income.
herbage allowance: The weight of herbage per unit of live weight at a point in time. Calculating herbage allowance helps farmers manage grazing efficiently and maintain pasture health.
Enterobius: A threadworm or nematode which infests the intestine. Managing Enterobius infestations is crucial for farmers to ensure the health and productivity of their livestock.
Essential nutrients required by plants and animals in small quantities for proper growth and development. Micronutrients include elements such as iron, zinc, and manganese for plants, and vitamins and minerals for animals. For example, adding a micronutrient supplement to livestock feed to ensure balanced nutrition.
digestive system: The set of organs in the body associated with the digestion of food. Understanding the digestive system is important for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop balanced and nutritious diets that support the digestive system. Implementing proper dietary practices and monitoring digestive health will enhance the well-being and performance of livestock.
acid deposition: Same as acid rain. Acid deposition can negatively impact soil and water quality, so farmers must take measures to mitigate its effects on their crops and livestock.
monoplane leaf: a leaf that is flattened out horizontally and does not have a ridge or prominent vein. Understanding the characteristics of monoplane leaves can help farmers manage crop health and productivity more effectively.
A device used in artificial insemination to collect semen from bulls. The artificial vagina simulates the natural mating process. For instance, using an artificial vagina to collect high-quality semen for AI programs.
pathogenesis: The origin, production, or development of a disease. Understanding pathogenesis helps in developing effective disease management strategies in agriculture.
dehorn: To remove the horns of an animal, done by disbudding when the animal is young. Dehorning is a common practice in livestock management to reduce injury risks. Farmers should use proper techniques and follow animal welfare guidelines to ensure humane and effective dehorning. Understanding the benefits and methods of dehorning can improve livestock management and enhance animal welfare.
on-the-hoof: Referring to animals which are sold live for slaughter. Understanding on-the-hoof sales can help farmers maximize livestock value. Farmers can benefit from optimizing animal health and market timing to achieve better prices and reduce transportation stress.
incubation: The process of keeping eggs warm until the young birds come out, either by an adult bird sitting on them or by artificial means. Helps farmers manage poultry production.
Lamb: Lamb refers to 1. a young sheep under six months of age, and 2. meat from a lamb. To lamb means to give birth to lambs. Most ewes lamb without difficulty, but some may need help. Proper lambing management ensures the health of both ewes and lambs, leading to higher survival rates and better meat production.
modified atmosphere: an oxygen-depleted atmosphere enriched with carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide, used for disinfestation of pests or for increasing the shelf life of food. Abbr MA. Understanding the uses and effects of modified atmosphere can help farmers manage pest control and food preservation more effectively, ensuring better crop and product quality and marketability.
Cruciferae: Cruciferae /kru: s?f?ri:/ noun former name for Brassicaceae. Cultivating crucifer crops provides nutritious vegetables for markets.
Commodity Mountain: Commodity mountain noun a surplus of a certain agricultural product produced in the EU, e.g. the butter mountain. Understanding commodity mountains helps manage supply and demand in agricultural markets.
phytoplasma: A type of bacterium that affects plants. Managing phytoplasma infections is crucial for maintaining healthy crops and preventing economic losses.
transgenesis: The process of transferring genetic material from one organism to another. Utilizing transgenesis can improve crop and livestock traits, enhancing productivity and resilience.
plant protection: The activity of protecting plants from disease by biocontrol, cultivation practices, and especially by the application of pesticides. Helpful content: Effective plant protection strategies are crucial for preventing crop damage and losses due to pests and diseases. Integrated pest management (IPM) combines various methods to minimize pesticide use and enhance sustainability.
garden implements: Implements such as forks and spades which are used in the garden. Proper use of garden implements can increase efficiency and reduce labor costs.
methyl phosphine: a compound with specific action against phosphine-resistant strains of storage pests. Understanding the uses and effects of methyl phosphine can help farmers manage pest infestations in stored products more effectively, ensuring better storage and marketability.
intensive agriculture: A method of farming in which as much use is made of the land as possible by growing crops close together, growing several crops in a year or using large amounts of fertilizer. Opposite extensive agriculture. Also called productive agriculture. Helps farmers maximize land use efficiency.
division: Another name for a section of an organization. Managing divisions involves coordinating and aligning different parts of the farm or organization to achieve common goals. Farmers should establish clear communication and management practices to ensure effective division operations. Understanding the benefits of organized divisions will aid in efficient farm management and productivity.
The consideration of social, environmental, and economic impacts in the decision-making processes of food production and distribution businesses, ensuring a balanced approach to sustainability. For example, adopting a food product triple bottom line approach to achieve long-term success and positive impact.
enhancer: An artificial substance that increases the flavor of food or of an artificial flavoring that has been added to food. (NOTE: In the European Union, flavor enhancers added to food have the E numbers E620 to E637.) Understanding enhancers helps farmers in food processing and product formulation.
Forest Floor: The ground at the base of the trees in a forest. Properly managing the forest floor supports biodiversity and ecological health.
blackberry: A fruiting bramble plant. Growing blackberries provides nutritious fruit for fresh markets and processing.
verticillium wilt: A plant disease caused by a fungus, which makes leaves become yellow and wilt. Managing verticillium wilt can prevent crop losses and improve yields.
mountain timber: timber grown in mountain forests. Understanding the characteristics and uses of mountain timber can help farmers optimize their timber production and marketability.
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