Agitator
agitator: The part of a machine for harvesting root crops, such as potatoes, which shakes the earth off the crop after it has been lifted. Using agitators in harvesting machinery improves efficiency and reduces labor costs for farmers.
Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.
Ware Potatoes
ware potatoes: Potatoes grown for human consumption, as opposed to those grown for seed. Growing ware potatoes can provide a steady income stream from the food market.
Spray Lines
spray lines: a method of distributing irrigation water using flexible hose, mainly used for horticultural crops. Using spray lines ensures efficient water distribution, promoting healthy crop growth and sustainable water use.
Dog
dog: A domesticated carnivorous mammal (Canis lupus familiaris) that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, non-retractable claws, and a barking, howling, or whining voice. Dogs can serve various roles on a farm, including herding livestock, guarding property, and providing companionship. Proper training and care are essential for farm dogs to ensure they are healthy and effective in their roles.
Pigment
pigment: A natural substance that gives color to an animal or plant. Understanding pigments helps in breeding plants and animals with desirable traits and improving product quality.
Ribwort
ribwort: Same as plantain. Plantain is a nutritious forage crop that improves pasture quality and supports livestock health.
Sorghum
sorghum: a drought-resistant cereal plant grown in semi-arid tropical regions such as Mexico, Nigeria, and Sudan. Latin name: Sorghum vulgare. Growing sorghum provides farmers with a resilient crop suitable for dry conditions, supporting food security and economic stability.
ACOS
ACOS: Advisory Committee on Organic Standards. The guidelines provided by ACOS help farmers adhere to organic farming standards, ensuring the integrity and marketability of their organic products.
Beef Testicular Tunica
The tunica of cattle testicles, often used for medicinal purposes. For example, producing beef testicular tunica for pharmaceutical and health applications.
Mycelium
mycelium: the main part of a fungus, a mass of hyphae that grows underground or in wood. Understanding the role of mycelium can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.
Deintensified Farming
deintensified farming: Farming which was formerly intensive, using chemical fertilizers to increase production, but has now become extensive. Extensification. Deintensified farming focuses on sustainable practices and reduced chemical inputs. Farmers should adopt practices like crop rotation, organic amendments, and integrated pest management to enhance soil health and productivity. Understanding the principles of deintensified farming can help farmers transition to more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.
Creosote
Creosote: Creosote /kri?s??t/ noun a yellowish brown oily substance with a characteristic smell, derived from wood tar and formerly used as a wood preservative (NOTE: It is now banned in the European Union). Utilizing creosote provides effective wood preservation, though safer alternatives are now preferred.
Farmed
Farmed: Grown or produced commercially and not in the wild. For example, farmed salmon. Farmed products help meet market demand and can be managed sustainably.
Beef Tail
The tail of cattle, often used in traditional dishes and for making pet food. For example, producing beef tail for culinary and industrial purposes.
Sickle
sickle: A curved knife-edged metal tool with a wooden handle, used for harvesting cereals. Farmers benefit from using sickles for manual harvesting and grass cutting.
Dipterous
dipterous: Referring to an insect such as a fly with two wings. Managing dipterous insects involves implementing proper pest control measures and monitoring techniques. Farmers should use integrated pest management practices to reduce the impact of dipterous insects on crops and livestock. Understanding the characteristics and behavior of dipterous insects will aid in developing effective pest management strategies.
Dairy Extension
Outreach programs and services provided by universities and research institutions to support dairy farmers with education, resources, and technical assistance. For example, participating in dairy extension programs to learn about new technologies and best practices.
Blade
blade: The leaf of a grass plant. Monitoring blade health helps farmers maintain pasture quality and optimize grazing practices.
Straw Burning
straw burning: a cheap method of disposal of straw, which helps to control diseases. Properly managing straw burning ensures effective disease control while adhering to environmental regulations, supporting sustainable farming practices.
Apple Orchards
Plantations of apple trees cultivated for commercial fruit production. Managing an apple orchard involves tasks such as pruning, pest control, and harvesting. For example, an apple orchard might produce different varieties of apples for fresh consumption and cider production.
Hurdle
hurdle: A portable rectangular wooden frame used for temporary fencing for sheep. Using hurdles supports effective livestock management and flexible grazing practices.