Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

Graminicide

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graminicide: Graminicide is a herbicide that kills grasses. Using graminicides effectively controls grass weeds, improving crop yields and farm productivity.

Ca (Calcium)

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Ca (Calcium): A metallic chemical element naturally present in limestone and chalk, essential for biological processes. In farming, calcium is vital for soil structure and plant health, promoting strong cell walls and aiding in nutrient absorption. Farmers use calcium amendments to correct soil pH and prevent nutrient deficiencies.

Floury

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Floury: Soft and powdery, like flour. Floury potatoes are varieties that turn easily into flour when cooked. Growing floury potatoes provides a valuable food source and supports diverse crop production.

Loose-Box

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Loose-Box: A loose-box is a stable for animals that are kept untied. A loose-box should have a hay rack, manger, water bowl, and tying rings. It should also have a grooved floor to make cleaning and drainage easier. Loose-boxes are also useful for housing sick animals. Using loose-boxes can enhance animal welfare and management.

Bee Brush

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A tool used by beekeepers to gently remove bees from frames or surfaces. This helps manage bee colonies without causing harm. For example, a beekeeper might use a bee brush to inspect and harvest honeycomb.

Balanced Diet

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balanced diet: A diet that includes all the essential nutrients in the correct proportions. A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock.

Sprayer

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sprayer: a machine which forces a liquid through a nozzle under pressure, used to distribute liquids such as herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and fertilisers. Using sprayers ensures efficient application of agricultural inputs, promoting healthy crop growth and better yields.

Non-Till

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non-till: adjective same as no-till agriculture. No-till agriculture involves minimal soil disturbance, promoting soil health and reducing erosion. Farmers can benefit from adopting no-till practices to enhance soil structure, improve water retention, and reduce labor and fuel costs. No-till farming supports sustainable land management, increases resilience to climate change, and can lead to higher crop yields over time. Understanding and implementing no-till techniques can enhance farm sustainability and productivity.

Scion

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scion: A piece of a plant which is grafted onto a rootstock. Farmers benefit from using scions for grafting to propagate desirable plant varieties.

Dartmoor

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Dartmoor: A breed of large moorland sheep, white-faced with black spots, and a long curly fleece. Dartmoor sheep are known for their resilience and quality fleece. Farmers raising Dartmoor sheep should focus on proper grazing management, regular shearing, and health monitoring to maintain flock productivity. Marketing the unique characteristics of Dartmoor wool can attract premium buyers.

Elm

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elm: A large hardwood tree that grows in temperate areas. Genus: Ulmus. Understanding elm trees helps farmers manage woodland and prevent diseases like Dutch elm disease.

Cryophilous

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Cryophilous: Cryophilous /kra? ?f?l?s/ adjective referring to a plant that needs a period of cold weather to grow properly COMMENT: Cryophilous crops need a period of cold weather in order to produce flowers later in the growing period. If such crops do not undergo this cold period, their growth remains vegetative, or they only form abortive flowers with no seeds. Wheat, barley, oats, peas, sugar beet, and potatoes are all cryophilous. Understanding cryophilous plants aids in managing crop production and optimizing yields.

Fair

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Fair: A regular meeting for the sale of goods or animals, often with sideshows and other entertainments. Fairs provide farmers with opportunities to market their products, network with other farmers, and learn about new farming techniques and technologies.

Farm Data Management

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The practices and systems used to collect, store, analyze, and use data related to farm operations, including production, financial, and environmental data. For example, implementing farm data management systems to improve decision-making and optimize farm performance.

Compound Fertilizer

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Compound Fertilizer: Compound fertilizer noun a fertilizer that supplies two or more nutrients. Also called mixed fertilizer. Compare straight fertilizer. Using compound fertilizers ensures balanced nutrient supply for crops.

Mastitis-Metritis-Agalactia

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mastitis-metritis-agalactia: full form of MMA. Understanding and managing mastitis-metritis-agalactia is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock, reducing mortality rates and ensuring better economic outcomes for farmers.

Clean Cattle

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Clean Cattle: Cattle that have not been used for breeding. Managing clean cattle involves providing proper nutrition and healthcare to ensure their productivity and welfare.

Colony

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Colony: Colony noun a group of animals, plants, or microorganisms living together in a place a colony of ants. Understanding colony dynamics helps in managing populations and ecosystems.

Chick

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Chick: A young, newly hatched bird, up to the time it is weaned from the hen or brooder. Managing chick health and nutrition is crucial for developing strong, productive adult poultry.

Rein

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rein: A long narrow strap used to control a horse, each end of which is attached to the bit in the horse’s mouth. Proper use of reins ensures safe and effective handling of horses, benefiting farm operations.