Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

Horse

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horse: A hoofed animal with a flowing mane and tail, used on farms as a working animal, now mainly replaced by tractors. Raising horses can provide farmers with versatile working animals and income from equestrian activities.

Rural Land Register

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Rural Land Register: A digitized map of all registered land parcels in the UK, kept by the Rural Payments Agency. Abbreviation: RLR. The RLR provides farmers with accurate land data, supporting efficient farm management and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Umbellifer

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umbellifer: A plant belonging to the Umbelliferae. Plants like umbellifers can attract beneficial insects and improve farm biodiversity, enhancing pest control and pollination services.

Fish Health Management

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The practices and strategies used to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases in fish, ensuring optimal health and productivity. For example, developing fish health management programs to monitor and address health issues in aquaculture.

Flushing Ewes

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Flushing Ewes: Ewes brought into good condition before breeding, usually by improving their diet. Properly managing flushing ensures reproductive success and flock productivity.

FCR

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FCR: Abbreviation for feed conversion rate. Monitoring FCR helps farmers enhance feed efficiency and animal growth, leading to better productivity and profitability.

Quality Meat Scotland

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Quality Meat Scotland: The red meat marketing board for Scotland, abbreviated as QMS. This organization supports farmers by promoting high standards in meat production and providing marketing assistance, which can lead to higher demand and better prices for their products.

Swine Erysipelas

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swine erysipelas: an infectious disease of pigs caused by bacteria. Symptoms include inflammation and skin pustules. The red marks on the skin are diamond-shaped, from which the disease gets its common name of ‘diamonds’. It occurs especially in hot muggy weather and in its acute form can be fatal. Managing swine erysipelas ensures pig health and productivity, supporting farm profitability.

Food Product Employee Well-Being

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The programs and practices that support the physical, mental, and emotional health of employees in food production and distribution businesses, including wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and support services. For example, prioritizing food product employee well-being to enhance productivity and job satisfaction.

Shelterwood

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shelterwood: A large area of trees left standing when others are cut, to act as shelter for seedling trees. Farmers benefit from managing shelterwood systems for sustainable forestry and natural regeneration.

Soil Science

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The study of soil properties, formation, and management, including its physical, chemical, and biological aspects. Soil science helps guide sustainable land use and agricultural practices. For example, researching soil properties and management practices to improve soil health and support sustainable crop production.

Agricultural Marketing

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The process of promoting and selling agricultural products, including market research, advertising, and distribution strategies. Effective marketing can help farmers reach more customers and increase sales. For example, a farmer might use social media to advertise fresh produce.

Loin

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A primal cut of beef obtained from the back, known for its tenderness and high-quality steaks. Loin cuts include T-bone, porterhouse, and sirloin. For example, producing T-bone steaks for premium markets and special occasions.

Breeding

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breeding: The process of mating and producing offspring. Effective breeding programs improve livestock genetics and farm profitability.

Farm Equipment Maintenance

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The practices and procedures used to keep agricultural machinery and equipment in good working condition. For example, performing regular farm equipment maintenance to ensure reliability and efficiency during planting and harvesting.

Plum

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plum: A stone fruit (Prunus domestica). Helpful content: Growing plums can be profitable for farmers, especially with varieties that are popular in local and export markets. Proper orchard management, including pest control and pruning, can lead to high yields and quality fruit.

Beck

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beck: A mountain stream. Understanding water sources like becks helps farmers manage irrigation and water conservation.

Seedbed Wheels

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seedbed wheels: A set of wheels bolted onto the front of a tractor which will give even compaction and a uniform sowing depth. Farmers benefit from using seedbed wheels for precise and efficient planting.

Agricultural Economics

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The study of the economic principles applied to the production and distribution of food and fiber. It covers topics such as market trends, resource use, and the impact of agricultural policies. An example would be analyzing the economic impact of a new trade policy on corn exports.