October 10, 2024
S

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.

N

Native

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.

F

Farm Support Scheme

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.

S

South Devon

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.

E

Energy Balance

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.

O

Overexploit

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.

D

Desiccation

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.

F

F

F: Fahrenheit (°F) is a scale of temperature measurement where the freezing point of water is 32°F and the boiling point is 212°F. Farmers use Fahrenheit to monitor and manage the climate conditions essential for crop growth and livestock health.

N

Navel-Ill

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.

L

Lime

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.

S

Summer Mastitis

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.

D

Dehisce

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.