Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
refrigerated processed foods of extended durability: Prepared and chilled food such as ready meals, which can be kept for longer than fresh food. Abbreviation: REPFEDs. Producing REPFEDs allows farmers to add value to their products and reach broader markets.
A liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water. Compost tea provides plants with nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. For instance, applying compost tea to garden plants can boost their health and resistance to diseases.
The various insurance products available to protect fish farm operations from financial losses due to events such as crop failure, livestock loss, and natural disasters. For example, purchasing fish farm insurance to safeguard against potential risks and ensure financial stability.
dairy farm: A farm which is principally engaged in milk production. COMMENT: The UK is Europes 3rd largest milk producer, and is limited to an annual production quota of 14.2 billion litres. Although it is largely self-sufficient in milk, related products such as cheese, milk powder, cream and butter are heavily imported and exported between the UK and other EU countries. Running a successful dairy farm requires knowledge of animal husbandry, nutrition, milking technology, and farm management. Farmers should stay updated with the latest research and technology in dairy farming to improve milk production and ensure sustainable practices. Networking with other dairy farmers and attending workshops can provide valuable insights and support.
The process of decomposing organic dairy waste into nutrient-rich compost for use in agriculture. For example, composting dairy manure to create a valuable soil amendment and reduce waste.
Fallow Crop: A crop grown in widely spaced rows, allowing for hoeing and cultivation between the rows. This practice helps manage soil health and weed control.
dry-stone wall: A wall made of stones carefully placed one on top of the other without using any mortar. Dry-stone walls are traditional structures that provide boundaries and shelter on farms and require regular maintenance to remain effective.
transgenic: Referring to an organism into which genetic material from a different species has been transferred using the techniques of genetic modification. Referring to the techniques of transferring genetic material from one organism to another. An organism produced by genetic modification. Understanding transgenic techniques can help farmers adopt new technologies for improved production.
Common Agricultural Policy: Common Agricultural Policy noun a set of regulations and mechanisms agreed between members of the European Union to control the supply, marketing, and pricing of farm produce. Abbr CAP. COMMENT: The European Union has set up a common system of agricultural price supports and grants. The system attempts to encourage stable market conditions for agricultural produce, to ensure a fair return for farmers and reasonable market prices for the consumer, and finally to increase yields and productivity on farms in the Union. A system of common prices for the main farm products has been established with intervention buying as the main means of market support. The first major reforms in 30 years were carried out in 1992 and included arable set-aside, suckler cow quotas, ewe quotas, price reductions on oilseeds, peas, beans, cereals, and beet. The second major CAP reform was in 2003 with the introduction of the Single Farm Payment Scheme (SFPS), which brought together individual subsidy schemes into a single payment calculated on the land area used. Understanding the Common Agricultural Policy helps farmers navigate subsidies and market regulations.
Home Grown Cereals Authority: Full form of HGCA. Engaging with HGCA can provide farmers with valuable support and resources for cereal production.
Farm Manager: A person who runs a farm on behalf of the owner. Farm managers ensure that farm operations are efficient, productive, and sustainable.
Flockmaster: A farm worker in charge of a flock of sheep or goats. Effective flock management by a flockmaster ensures the health and productivity of the flock.
Green Chemistry Network: The Green Chemistry Network is an initiative to develop environmentally benign chemical products that prevent pollution and reduce environmental and human health risks. Adopting green chemistry practices helps farmers reduce chemical use and enhance sustainability.
nutrient budget: a summary of the inputs and outputs of nutrients on a farm, e.g., the amount of nitrogen added to the soil from organic manure and from fertilizers, and the amount taken away in the crops harvested. A nutrient budget helps farmers manage soil fertility and optimize crop production by balancing nutrient inputs and outputs. By creating and monitoring a nutrient budget, farmers can ensure efficient nutrient use, reduce waste, and prevent environmental pollution. Understanding nutrient budgets supports informed decision-making in fertilization and soil management, leading to better yields and sustainable farming practices.
roller table: A machine, consisting of a horizontal line of rotating rollers, used for removing stones and clods from a crop such as potatoes. Using roller tables ensures clean and high-quality produce.
runoff: The flow of rainwater or melted snow from the surface of land into streams and rivers; the flow of excess fertilizer or pesticide from farmland into rivers. Nitrate runoff causes pollution of lakes and rivers. Fish are extremely susceptible to runoff of organophosphates; the portion of rainfall which finally reaches a stream. Managing runoff helps farmers protect water quality and ensure sustainable land use.
The process of heating milk to a specific temperature for a set period to kill harmful bacteria and extend shelf life. Pasteurization is a critical step in dairy processing. For instance, pasteurizing milk to ensure it is safe for consumption and meets regulatory standards.
ecofarming: A sustainable farming practice that integrates ecological principles. Ecofarming helps maintain biodiversity, improve soil health, and reduce environmental impact.
barren brome: A widespread weed that affects winter cereals. Farmers should implement weed management strategies to control barren brome and protect crop yields.
Love-In-Idleness: Love-in-idleness is the same as field pansy. Understanding plant species like love-in-idleness can aid in effective crop and pasture management.
Johnes disease: Johnes disease – a serious infectious inflammation of the intestines, particularly in cattle. Affected animals rapidly become extremely thin. Helps farmers identify and manage this disease to maintain livestock health.
diffuse water pollution: Water pollution which is caused by several small sources such as runoff from farms. Managing diffuse water pollution involves implementing practices like buffer strips, cover cropping, and proper nutrient management. Farmers should adopt measures to reduce runoff and prevent contaminants from entering water bodies. Understanding the sources and impacts of diffuse water pollution will aid in developing effective water management strategies.
nest box: an open-fronted box in which a hen lays eggs. The box may be a single unit or part of a series of boxes. Providing nest boxes for laying hens can improve egg production and quality by offering a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for hens to lay their eggs. Farmers can benefit from well-designed nest boxes that reduce egg breakage and contamination, leading to higher yields and better marketability. Proper nest box management also enhances animal welfare and overall farm productivity.
The series of steps involved in converting raw milk into dairy products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt. Dairy processing includes pasteurization, homogenization, and packaging. For instance, operating a dairy processing plant to produce and distribute various dairy products.
Unintentional injuries or incidents that occur on farms, involving machinery, animals, or other hazards. Preventing farm accidents involves implementing safety measures and training. For example, ensuring proper use of machinery and protective equipment to reduce the risk of accidents.
bird scarer: A device used to deter birds from crops. Effective bird scarers prevent crop damage and reduce yield losses.
The process of transporting and delivering food products from farms to consumers. Food distribution includes logistics, storage, and transportation. For instance, delivering fresh produce from a farm to grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
The process of collecting and analyzing soil samples to assess nutrient levels, pH, and other characteristics, used to inform agricultural practices. For example, conducting soil testing and analysis to optimize fertilization and improve soil health.
NIAB: abbreviation for National Institute of Agricultural Botany. The National Institute of Agricultural Botany plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and performance of crop varieties. Farmers benefit from NIAB’s rigorous testing by gaining access to high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-adapted crop varieties. Utilizing NIAB-approved seeds can lead to improved crop performance, higher productivity, and greater resilience to environmental stresses, contributing to sustainable farming practices.
The practices and methods used in dairy farming to optimize milk production, cow health, and farm efficiency. For example, implementing dairy farming techniques to improve milk yield and ensure animal welfare.
Leaf Blotch: Leaf blotch is a disease of cereals (Rhynchosporium secalis) where dark grey lesions with dark brown margins occur on the leaves. Managing leaf blotch through disease prevention and control measures can protect cereal crops and improve yields.
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