October 10, 2024
H

Hebridean Sheep

Hebridean sheep: A rare breed of small black sheep of Scandinavian origin. The fleece is jet-black in color, and the animals have one pair of horns curling downwards and another pair almost upright. Raising Hebridean sheep can provide farmers with a unique and valuable breed known for its hardiness and quality wool.

T

Trichinosis

trichinosis: A disease caused by infestation of the intestine by larvae of roundworms or nematodes, which pass round the body in the bloodstream and settle in muscles. Pigs are usually infected after eating raw swill. Proper management of trichinosis can prevent outbreaks and ensure livestock health.

S

Stoma

stoma: a pore in a plant, especially in the leaves, through which carbon dioxide is taken in and oxygen is sent out. Each stoma in a leaf is surrounded by a pair of guard cells, which close the stomata if the plant needs to conserve water. (NOTE: The plural is stomata.) Properly managing stomata ensures efficient gas exchange and healthy plant growth, supporting better yields.

L

Low-Input Farming

Low-Input Farming: Low-input farming or lower input farming is a system of farming based on restricted use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Implementing low-input farming practices can support sustainable agriculture and reduce environmental impact.

L

Lifting Unit

Lifting Unit: A lifting unit is a pair of wheels or a triangular-shaped share, used on a harvester to lift the roots and pass them to the main elevator. Also called lifter. The roots are lifted by being squeezed out of the ground in between the two wheels. The distance between the two wheels or shares can be adjusted to suit the size of the crop. The wheels should be set quite close together at the bottom when harvesting small roots. The wheels run at an angle to each other so that their rims lie close together when in the soil and farther apart at the top. Using lifting units can enhance the efficiency of harvesting root crops.

D

Deadly Nightshade

deadly nightshade: A poisonous plant (Atropa belladonna) sometimes eaten by animals. Farmers should be vigilant about the presence of deadly nightshade on their land to prevent livestock poisoning. Proper identification and removal of this plant are essential for maintaining animal health. Educating farm workers and implementing safety measures can reduce the risk of accidental ingestion.

Showmanship

The skill of presenting and handling livestock in a show ring, including grooming, leading, and displaying animals. Showmanship is judged in livestock competitions. For instance, training in showmanship to improve performance and success in livestock shows.

E

Egg Eating

egg eating: A form of behavior by intensively housed poultry in which birds eat their own eggs. It may be due to eggs being broken because of thin shells. Managing egg eating behavior helps farmers reduce losses and improve egg quality.

C

Country Code

Country Code: Country code /k?ntri k??d/ noun a voluntary code of conduct for people spending leisure time in the countryside, which indicates how to respect the natural environment and avoid causing damage to it. Understanding the country code supports sustainable tourism and environmental protection.

C

Cowpox

Cowpox: Cowpox /ka?p?ks/ noun an infectious viral disease of cattle, which can be transmitted to humans. It is used as part of the vaccine against smallpox. Also called vaccinia. Managing cowpox involves vaccination and biosecurity measures to protect livestock and human health.

N

Nitrogen Compound

nitrogen compound: a substance such as a fertilizer containing mostly nitrogen with other elements. Nitrogen compounds are essential for providing plants with the nitrogen they need for growth and development. Farmers can benefit from using nitrogen compounds in their fertilization programs to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity. Understanding the different types of nitrogen compounds and their release patterns helps farmers make informed decisions about fertilizer application, ensuring optimal nutrient availability for crops and minimizing environmental impact.

S

Site

site: a geographically defined area whose extent is clearly marked. Properly managing farm sites ensures efficient use of land resources, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and optimal crop and livestock production.

P

PCV2

PCV2: A virus which is thought to be a key cause of PMWS in pigs. Full form porcine coronavirus type 2. Preventing and managing PCV2 infections is essential for maintaining pig health and productivity.

H

Hydrated Lime

hydrated lime: A substance produced when burnt lime is wetted. It is a mixture of calcium oxide and water, used to improve soil quality. The lime is in powder form, having been burnt to break it down from large lumps. Also called slaked lime. Using hydrated lime improves soil fertility and supports healthy crop growth.

O

Ordnance Survey

Ordnance Survey: An agency which generates accurate mapping data for Great Britain. Abbr OS. Access to accurate mapping data can help farmers with land planning, management, and compliance. Farmers can benefit from using Ordnance Survey maps for precision agriculture, resource management, and infrastructure development.