sp.
sp.: abbreviation species (NOTE: The plural, for several species, is spp.). Understanding species classifications helps farmers manage biodiversity and select appropriate crops and livestock for their specific conditions.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
native: adjective always having lived, grown, or existed in a place. Tigers are native to Asia. Native plants and animals are adapted to the local environment, often requiring less maintenance and being more resilient to local pests and diseases. Farmers can benefit from incorporating native species into their farming systems, enhancing biodiversity, reducing input costs, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Native species can also support ecosystem services like pollination, pest control, and soil health, contributing to the overall productivity and resilience of the farm.
The practices and guidelines for safely using, storing, and disposing of agrochemicals, including pesticides and fertilizers. For example, following agrochemical safety and handling protocols to protect workers, consumers, and the environment.
Farm Support Scheme: Article 39 of the Treaty of Rome providing the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy. Each member state contributes to the European Agricultural Guarantee and Guidance Fund. Payments are made for structural changes under the guidance fund and much larger payments under the guarantee section. This scheme helps farmers manage financial risks and support agricultural development.
Facilities and environments designed to provide shelter and comfort for calves. Calf housing includes individual hutches, group pens, and climate control systems. For example, using calf hutches to provide individual housing and reduce disease transmission.
Professional advice and services provided to dairy farmers to improve production, management, and profitability. For example, hiring a dairy consultant to develop a nutrition plan and optimize milk yield.
kidding pen: Kidding pen – a pen in which a doe is kept when giving birth to kids. Helps farmers provide safe and clean birthing environments for goats.
The colon of cattle, often used in traditional dishes and for making sausage casings. For example, producing beef colon for culinary and industrial purposes.
South Devon: the heaviest breed of British cattle, with a light brownish-red colour. It was originally a dual-purpose breed, but now is mainly raised for beef. Raising South Devon cattle provides farmers with a robust breed for beef production, supporting farm profitability.
energy balance: A series of measurements showing the movement of energy between organisms and their environment. In farming, a common use of the energy balance is to assess the ratio between the amount of energy used to grow a crop and the amount of energy that crop produces. Understanding energy balance helps farmers optimize resource use and improve sustainability.
The goals and strategies set by food production and distribution businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon offset programs. For example, establishing food product emissions reduction targets to improve sustainability and comply with regulatory requirements.
The weight of an animal at one year of age. Yearling weight is used to assess growth and development. For example, measuring the yearling weight of beef cattle to evaluate genetic potential and management practices.
Environmental Change Network: An association which monitors trends in climate change and produces statistics. Abbr ECN. Participation in the ECN helps farmers stay informed about climate trends and adapt farming practices for sustainability.
A specially formulated feed given to calves to transition them from milk to solid food. Calf starter helps promote rumen development and growth. For example, providing calf starter feed to young calves to support their early growth and weaning process.
Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research: A research organization in the field of land use and conservation. Abbr IGER. Helps farmers adopt sustainable grassland management practices.
bioproducts: Products derived from biological resources, including food, feed, and bio-based materials. Developing and using bioproducts adds value to farm outputs and promotes sustainability.
overexploit: To cultivate soil too intensely. Avoiding overexploitation is crucial for maintaining soil health and long-term productivity. Farmers can benefit from implementing sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation and cover cropping, to prevent soil degradation.
Beulah speckle face: A breed of sheep with a black and white speckled face, native to the hills of Wales. Raising Beulah speckle face sheep provides hardy, adaptable livestock for diverse farming conditions.
morning glory: a climbing plant with attractive flowers. Genus: Ipomoea. Understanding the characteristics and uses of morning glory can help farmers manage their gardens and ornamental crops more effectively.
The guidelines and practices that promote the use of inclusive language in the workplace, ensuring respect and sensitivity for diverse identities and perspectives. For example, adopting food product inclusive language guidelines to foster a more inclusive and respectful work environment.
Food Balance: The balance between food supply and the demand for food from a population. Understanding food balance helps farmers plan production and manage resources effectively.
Milk that has been heated to a higher temperature than regular pasteurization to extend shelf life further. Ultra-pasteurized milk has a longer shelf life but a slightly different flavor. For instance, producing ultra-pasteurized milk for extended storage and distribution.
desiccation: The act or process of removing water. The act of drying out the soil. The greenhouse effect may lead to climatic changes such as the desiccation of large areas. Proper management of desiccation processes is important for preserving food and maintaining soil health. Farmers should implement techniques like proper irrigation management, mulching, and soil amendments to prevent excessive desiccation. Understanding the factors contributing to desiccation can help develop effective management strategies.
navel-ill: a disease of young livestock, especially newborn calves, kids, and lambs. It causes abscesses at the navel and swellings in some joints. Also known as joint-ill. Managing and preventing navel-ill is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of young livestock. Farmers can benefit from implementing good hygiene practices, proper navel care, and timely medical interventions to reduce the incidence of navel-ill. Ensuring healthy livestock from birth leads to better growth rates, improved animal welfare, and higher overall farm profitability.
Countryside Alliance: Countryside Alliance noun an organization which lobbies the Government on policy and legislation affecting rural life. Engaging with the Countryside Alliance supports advocacy and policy development for rural communities.
Lime: Lime is 1. calcium oxide made from burnt limestone, used to spread on soil to reduce acidity and add calcium, 2. a hardwood tree. Genus: Tilia, and 3. a citrus fruit tree, with green fruit similar to, but smaller than, lemons. Latin name: Citrus aurantifolia. To lime means to treat acid soil by spreading lime on it. Utilizing lime can improve soil health and fertility, supporting crop growth.
summer mastitis: an infection of the udder thought to be spread by biting flies. Cows become very ill, lameness may occur and milk is watery and later bloody. Properly managing summer mastitis ensures dairy cow health and milk quality, supporting farm productivity.
The tools and machines used to process raw agricultural materials into finished products, including mixers, grinders, and packaging machines. For example, using food processing equipment to produce high-quality value-added products efficiently.
dehisce: (Of a ripe seed pod, fruit, or capsule) to burst open to allow seeds or spores to scatter. Understanding dehiscence is important for seed production and crop management. Farmers should monitor the timing of dehiscence to ensure proper harvesting and minimize seed loss. Implementing practices like timely harvesting and using protective coverings can enhance seed collection and reduce losses.
Common Eyespot: Common eyespot noun eyespot. Managing common eyespot involves using disease-resistant crop varieties and appropriate fungicides.