South and Central American Farms
Alan Nafzger, Ph.D. sell-by date: A date on the label of a food product which is the last date on which the product should be sold and can be guaranteed as of good quality. Farmers benefit from understanding sell-by dates for food safety and quality control.
wireworm: Wireworm is the larvae of the click beetle that feeds on plant roots. Controlling wireworms is crucial for farmers to prevent damage to crops and maintain soil health.
Free: Not attached, confined, or controlled. Ensuring livestock and crops have free access to necessary resources supports their health and productivity.
myxomatosis: a viral disease of rabbits which causes tumours on the skin, and usually kills the animal. It is spread by mosquitoes and fleas. Managing and preventing myxomatosis is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of rabbit populations.
Lambing: Lambing is the action of giving birth to lambs. Efficient lambing practices improve the health and survival of lambs, contributing to the overall productivity of the farm.
The practices and strategies used to manage the financial aspects of mushroom farming operations, including budgeting, accounting, and investment. For example, conducting mushroom farm financial management to ensure profitability and sustainable growth.
genetics: The study of the way in which the characteristics of an organism are inherited. Understanding genetics allows farmers to implement effective breeding programs, enhancing the quality and productivity of their livestock and crops.
A row of trees or shrubs planted to protect agricultural fields from wind and reduce soil erosion. Shelterbelts help improve microclimates and provide habitat for wildlife. For instance, planting a shelterbelt along the edge of a field to reduce wind speed and protect crops from wind damage.
Feed Stance: An open stall in a building where animals can feed. Proper design of feed stances ensures efficient feeding and animal comfort.
work: Work means to cultivate land. Efficient land cultivation practices help farmers prepare soil for planting and improve crop yields.
byte: A unit of digital information. Understanding digital terms like bytes supports farm technology and data management.
persimmon: A native tree (Diospyros kaki) of Japan and China, which produces reddish-orange fruit, similar in appearance to tomatoes. The fruits are eaten either as dessert or may be cooked; they are very rich in vitamins. Growing persimmons provides a valuable fruit crop that meets market demand and offers nutritional benefits.
degradation: The decomposition of a chemical compound into its elements. Managing degradation processes is important for maintaining soil health and preventing pollution. Farmers should implement practices like crop rotation, organic amendments, and proper waste management to enhance degradation and nutrient cycling. Monitoring soil health and adjusting management practices will ensure sustainable and productive farming systems.
elt: A young sow. (NOTE: This is not a common word.) Understanding terminology like “elt” helps farmers communicate effectively about livestock.
International Cocoa Organization: An international organization set up to stabilize the international market in cocoa by holding buffer stocks to offset seasonal differences in production quantities. Abbr ICCO. Supports cocoa farmers’ livelihoods.
support energy: the total energy expenditure necessary for the production of plant and animal agricultural foodstuffs. Properly managing support energy ensures efficient resource use and sustainability in agricultural production.
soil fertility: the potential capacity of soil to support plant growth based on its content of nitrogen and other nutrients. Managing soil fertility ensures healthy crop growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.
malting: the process by which barley grain is soaked in water, then sprouted on a floor to produce an enzyme. It is then dried in a kiln and the roots and shoots are removed to leave the malt grains. Understanding the malting process can help farmers produce high-quality barley, leading to better marketability and income.
The layer of fat covering an animal’s muscles, affecting meat quality and yield. Fat cover is assessed to determine market readiness and processing efficiency. For example, monitoring fat cover in cattle to optimize meat quality and minimize waste.
sideland: A strip of land left at the side of a field during ploughing. It may be ploughed up with the headlands. Farmers benefit from managing sideland for efficient land use and crop rotation.
A method of permanently marking cattle with a hot iron or freeze brand to indicate ownership. Branding helps prevent theft and establish identity. For instance, branding cattle with a ranch’s unique mark for identification and legal purposes.