October 10, 2024
E

Establishment

establishment: 1. The germination and emergence of seedlings. There was a good crop establishment. 2. A period when a newly seeded sward is becoming established. Successful establishment is crucial for farmers to ensure healthy crop growth and yield.

F

FSA

FSA: Abbreviation for Farm Service Agency, a US government agency providing information and support for farmers, and Food Standards Agency, a British government agency offering advice on food safety and quality. Properly using FSA resources supports farm management and food safety.

F

Follicle

Follicle: 1. The small structure in the skin from which each hair develops. 2. One of many small structures in the ovaries where egg cells develop. Properly managing follicles ensures animal health and reproductive success.

N

Nip Bar

nip bar: a bar fitted to moving mechanisms to prevent parts of the body from being drawn into the machine. Safety devices like nip bars are essential for protecting farm workers from injuries while operating machinery. Farmers can benefit from installing and maintaining nip bars on equipment, ensuring a safer working environment. Understanding and following safety protocols reduce the risk of accidents, enhance worker well-being, and contribute to a more productive and efficient farming operation.

P

Porcine Somatotropin

porcine somatotropin: A hormone administered to feeder pigs, which has been shown to increase feed efficiency, the ratio of lean meat to carcass weight, and market weight. Abbr PST. Helpful content: Using porcine somatotropin can enhance growth rates and feed conversion efficiency in pigs, leading to higher production yields and improved profitability for pig farmers.

S

Soil Horizon

soil horizon: a layer of soil that is of a different colour or texture from other layers. (NOTE: There are four soil horizons: the A horizon or topsoil containing humus; the B horizon or subsoil containing minerals leached from the topsoil and little organic matter; the C horizon or weathered rock; and the D horizon or bedrock.) Understanding soil horizons helps farmers manage land resources effectively, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

D

Distribution

distribution: The spreading of something over an area. Proper distribution of seeds, fertilizer, or pesticides is important for achieving uniform application and optimal results. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and techniques for effective distribution. Understanding the benefits and applications of distribution will aid in effective crop and soil management.

P

Plum Pox

plum pox: A viral disease affecting plums, damsons, and peaches. The fruit has dark blotches, ripens prematurely, and is often sour. Helpful content: Early detection and management of plum pox are crucial to prevent crop losses. Farmers should implement integrated pest management strategies to control the spread of this disease and maintain orchard productivity.

C

City Farm

City Farm: A community project using urban or inner-city wasteland for farming and gardening with an ecological approach. Supporting city farms helps promote sustainable urban agriculture and community engagement in farming practices.

D

Defoliate

defoliate: To make the leaves fall off a plant, especially by using a herbicide or as the result of disease or other stress. Defoliation can be a management tool or a sign of plant stress. Farmers should monitor crops for signs of disease or environmental stress and take appropriate actions to mitigate defoliation. Using defoliants judiciously can help manage crop canopies and improve harvest efficiency. Regular scouting and timely interventions will ensure healthy crop growth and productivity.

R

Rotary Cultivator

rotary cultivator: A mounted or trailed machine with a shaft bearing a number of L-shaped blades. Rotary cultivators are used for stubble-clearing, seedbed work, and general land reclamation and cleaning. Using rotary cultivators improves soil preparation and crop establishment.

I

Inactive

inactive: 1. Not doing anything. 2. (of a chemical) Not reacting with other substances. 3. (of a disease) Not producing symptoms. 4. Biologically inert. Helps farmers understand different states of chemicals and diseases.

M

Mangel

mangel: a plant similar to sugar beet, but with larger roots. Mangel is mainly grown in southern England as a fodder crop. Also called mangold. Varieties of mangels include Globes, Tankards (oblong-shaped), Longs and Intermediates. Mangels contain less than 15% dry matter and are normally harvested before maturity and dried off in a clamp. Growing mangels can provide a valuable fodder crop for livestock, especially in regions with suitable climates.

O

Organic Farming

organic farming: A method of farming which does not involve the use of artificial fertilizers or pesticides. Organic farming emphasizes sustainable practices that improve soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance. Farmers can benefit from organic certification to access premium markets and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs.

G

Green Revolution

Green Revolution: The Green Revolution was the development of new cereal plants in the 1960s that gave high yields and increased food production, especially in tropical countries. Adopting Green Revolution techniques helps farmers increase productivity and food security.

O

Organization For Economic Cooperation And Development

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development: An international intergovernmental association set up in 1961 to coordinate the economic policies of member nations. Abbr OECD. The OECD provides valuable economic data and policy recommendations that can help farmers stay informed about global market trends and make strategic decisions. Engaging with OECD resources can support farm business planning and improve competitiveness.

L

Lamina

Lamina: Lamina refers to 1. (in mammals with hooves) one of several layers of sensitive tissue just inside the hard exterior of the hoof, and 2. the blade of a leaf. Knowledge of lamina helps farmers in both livestock hoof care and plant management.

M

Monopoly

monopoly: an organisation which controls the supply of or trade in a commodity or service, and therefore controls its price. Understanding monopolies can help farmers navigate market dynamics and improve their business strategies.