Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
A specially formulated liquid feed for young animals, often used as a substitute for maternal milk. Milk formulas provide essential nutrients for growth and development. For instance, feeding milk formula to calves to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.
Schleswig-Holstein system: A system of cereal cultivation practised in North Germany, giving high average yields. The system involves careful management of the crop and includes high seed rates and high amounts of fertiliser. Crops are carefully monitored and visited each day. Disease is controlled by spraying. Farmers benefit from adopting the Schleswig-Holstein system to achieve high yields and efficient crop management.
hydraulic conductivity: The rate at which water can move through soil, used as a factor in soil management. Understanding hydraulic conductivity supports proper soil and water management.
Conference: Conference noun a popular variety of dessert pear. It has a long shape and keeps very well. Cultivating Conference pears provides high-quality fruit for markets and enhances orchard production.
Baars irrigator: A flexible hose with sixteen folding sprinklers used for irrigation. Using a Baars irrigator ensures efficient water distribution, which can improve crop growth and conserve water resources on the farm.
The process of collecting and storing methane gas produced by dairy manure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce energy. For example, using methane capture systems to generate renewable energy and improve environmental sustainability.
Line Breeding: Line breeding is the deliberate crossing or mating of closely related individuals in order to retain characteristics of a common ancestor. The purpose of line breeding is to try to preserve in succeeding generations the mix of genes responsible for a particularly excellent individual specimen. Utilizing line breeding can enhance desirable traits in livestock and improve breeding outcomes.
dendrochronology: A scientific method of finding the age of wood by the study of tree rings. Dendrochronology can provide valuable information about tree growth patterns, climate history, and forest management. Farmers and foresters can use dendrochronology to understand the age and health of trees, aiding in sustainable forest management practices. Knowledge of dendrochronology can also support research and conservation efforts.
red fescue: A species of grass (Festuca rubra), used on hill and marginal land and in fine-leaved lawns. Red fescue is valuable for pasture management and soil erosion control.
planning permission: An official agreement allowing a person or company to plan new buildings on empty land or to alter existing buildings. Helpful content: Obtaining planning permission is a critical step for farmers undertaking new construction or major renovations. This approval ensures that projects are legally sanctioned and compliant with zoning laws.
rotating flails: Parts used on manure spreaders to distribute materials and on machines for cutting crops or grass verges. Using rotating flails supports efficient material distribution and vegetation management.
Colonisation: Colonisation /k?l?nai zei?(?)n/, colonization noun the act of colonising a place Islands are particularly subject to colonisation by species of plants or animals introduced by people. Managing colonisation helps control invasive species and protect native ecosystems.
Structures and facilities used to house and shelter livestock. Livestock housing includes barns, pens, and shelters designed to provide comfort and protection. For instance, building a barn to provide shelter for dairy cows during the winter.
power take-off: A mechanism providing power to drive field machines from a tractor. Abbr p.t.o. Helpful content: The power take-off is a critical component for operating various farm machinery. Understanding its use and maintenance ensures efficient operation of equipment like mowers, balers, and harvesters, improving farm productivity.
plantain: A name given to various types of banana, used for cooking and brewing. It has a lower sugar content than dessert bananas. Helpful content: Plantains are a versatile crop that can provide additional income for farmers. They are used in a variety of culinary dishes and can be processed into products like chips and flour, expanding market opportunities.
Edible internal organs of animals, including liver, heart, kidneys, and tongue. Organ meats are valued for their rich flavor and nutritional content. For example, producing organ meats for culinary dishes and health-conscious consumers.
transplanter: A machine for transplanting seedlings, especially used for planting brassicas. Using transplanters can enhance planting efficiency and ensure uniform crop growth.
basal metabolism: Energy used by a body at rest. Understanding basal metabolism aids farmers in planning diets that meet the energy needs of their livestock.
Cubicle: Cubicle noun a compartment, similar to a stall, for housing a single cow or bull, the floor of each cubicle being covered with straw or sawdust for bedding. Cubicles are usually arranged in rows backed by a dunging passage. Utilizing cubicles provides proper housing and management for livestock.
A box placed on a beehive to collect honey. Supers are added to hives as bees fill them with honey, allowing for easier harvesting. For example, adding a super to a hive during peak honey production season.
The semen of cattle, often used for artificial insemination in breeding programs. For example, collecting and storing beef semen for use in genetic improvement and reproduction.
straw spreader: a device attached to the back of a combine when the straw is not wanted. The straw is spread over the ground and then ploughed in. Using straw spreaders ensures efficient straw management and soil preparation, supporting productive agriculture.
Flightless Bird: A bird with small wings that cannot fly, e.g., an ostrich or a penguin. Understanding the care and management of flightless birds supports diverse farming operations.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Corporate social responsibility noun the extent to which an organization behaves in a socially, environmentally, and financially responsible way. Abbr CSR. The Government agreed with the committees criticism of the role of supermarket and that supermarkets corporate social responsibility policies need to address the use of labor by their suppliers. [Farmers Guardian]. Engaging in corporate social responsibility supports sustainable and ethical business practices.
stable fly: a fly which is like the house fly, but with a distinct proboscis which can pierce the skin. It breeds in stable manure and is a serious pest to animals as the bites cause irritation. Managing stable fly populations protects livestock from irritation and disease, supporting overall health and productivity.
Trichomonas: A species of long thin parasite which infests the intestines. Trichomonas foetus is a cause of infertility in cattle. Managing Trichomonas infections can improve livestock reproductive performance and farm productivity.
herbage consumed: The mass of herbage once it has been consumed by grazing animals. Monitoring herbage consumption ensures proper feed management and prevents overgrazing.
white mustard: A crop grown to increase the organic content of the soil by using it as a green manure. Using white mustard as green manure can improve soil fertility and crop yields.
A spicy dish made from ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and chili peppers, known for its rich flavor. For example, producing ground beef for use in chili recipes and ready-to-eat products.
A professional responsible for purchasing dairy products for retailers, food service providers, and other buyers. For example, working as a dairy buyer to select and negotiate the best prices for milk and cheese.
by