South and Central American Farms
Alan Nafzger, Ph.D. Rough Fell: A hardy moorland breed of horned sheep, closely related to the Swaledale. It has a dark-colored face with irregular patterns. The wool is of coarse quality. Raising Rough Fell sheep supports diversified farm income and sustainable grazing practices.
management practice: practical ways of using management decisions to organise the use of resources or materials. Vaccination of ewes and lambs is one of the more common management practices performed by sheep producers each and every year. Some producers will vaccinate their flock for everything, while others choose a more conservative approach. [Farmers Guardian]. Understanding and implementing effective management practices can help farmers improve productivity and sustainability.
sclerotinia: A soil-borne disease affecting many crops, including potatoes, oilseed rape and peas. Farmers benefit from managing sclerotinia to protect crop health and prevent yield losses.
domesticate: To breed wild animals so that they become tame and can fill human needs or to breed wild plants, selecting the best strains so that they become useful for food or decoration. Domestication has led to the development of many farm animals and crops that are essential for modern agriculture.
outfields: In hill farms, the fields furthest from the homestead, cropped only from time to time and allowed to lie fallow for long periods. Managing outfields effectively can improve soil health and pasture quality. Farmers can benefit from rotational grazing and crop rotation practices to enhance the productivity and sustainability of outfields.
The laws, regulations, and policies that govern agricultural practices, trade, and subsidies. For example, understanding agricultural policy and legislation to navigate regulatory requirements and access government programs.
outline planning permission: Permission in principle to build a property on a piece of land, but not the final approval because further details must be submitted. Understanding outline planning permission can help farmers with land development and compliance. Farmers can benefit from securing outline planning permission to enhance the value and utility of their land.
grafting: The process of joining two plants together so that they grow as one. Grafting can improve plant health, increase yields, and produce new plant varieties.
The practice of regularly inspecting crops and livestock for signs of pests and their damage. Pest monitoring helps farmers make informed decisions about pest control methods. For example, conducting regular field inspections to detect early signs of pest infestations in a crop.
brown earth: A type of fertile soil rich in organic matter. Managing brown earth soils supports high crop productivity and sustainable farming practices.
alpine pastures: Grass fields in high mountains which are used by cattle farmers in the summer. Managing alpine pastures helps farmers optimize grazing resources and maintain livestock health.
Capon: A castrated edible cockerel, often treated with a sex-inhibiting hormone to increase weight gain. Raising capons provides high-quality meat and can be a profitable addition to poultry operations.
Fauna: The wild animals and birds that live naturally in a specific area. Compare flora. Protecting fauna supports biodiversity and ecological balance on farms.
monera: same as prokaryote. Understanding the role and characteristics of prokaryotes can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.
anaplasmosis: An infectious disease of cattle, characterized by anemia. Understanding and managing anaplasmosis helps farmers protect the health and productivity of their herds.
partial drought: In the UK, a period of at least 29 consecutive days when the mean rainfall does not exceed 2.54mm. Monitoring and managing drought conditions helps in planning irrigation and ensuring crop survival.
terrace cultivation: Hill slopes cut to form terraced fields which rise in steps one above the other and are cultivated, often with the aid of irrigation. Implementing terrace cultivation can increase arable land area and improve water management, supporting sustainable farming practices.
Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT): An association that advises on sustainable and environmentally sound methods in technological development. Engaging with CAT helps farmers adopt innovative and sustainable practices to improve farm operations.
rubbed seed: Same as graded seed. Using rubbed seed helps farmers ensure uniform crop establishment and growth.
bulldozing: The act of clearing land with a bulldozer. Efficient bulldozing practices prepare fields for planting and construction.
Laminitis: Laminitis is the inflammation of the lamina in a hoof, causing swelling, and often leading to deformed hooves. It is possibly caused by too much grain feed. Managing laminitis through proper diet and hoof care can prevent lameness in livestock, ensuring their health and productivity.