Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

Blueberries

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blueberries: Small, round blue fruits of a shrub. Growing blueberries provides nutritious fruit for fresh markets and processing.

Self-Pollination

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self-pollination: The pollination of a plant by pollen from its own flowers. Compare cross-pollination. Farmers benefit from growing self-pollinating plants for reliable and consistent fruit set.

NABIM

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NABIM: abbreviation for National Association of British and Irish Millers. NABIM represents the interests of millers and provides valuable information on grain quality standards and market trends. Farmers can benefit from NABIM’s resources by understanding the specific quality requirements for milling grains, enabling them to grow crops that meet industry standards. This can lead to better market opportunities, higher prices for quality produce, and stronger relationships with buyers. Staying informed about industry developments through NABIM can also help farmers adapt to changing market demands and improve their competitiveness.

Sour Soil

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sour soil: soil which is excessively acid and hence needs liming to restore the correct balance between acidity and alkalinity. Managing soil pH ensures healthy crop growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.

Variant Cjd

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variant CJD: A form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease which was observed first in the 1980s, especially affecting younger people. Understanding and preventing variant CJD can protect livestock health and public safety.

Cattle Mastitis

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An infection of the udder in dairy cows, causing inflammation and affecting milk production. Mastitis is a major concern for dairy farmers. For instance, implementing mastitis prevention and treatment protocols to maintain udder health and milk quality.

Valine

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valine: An essential amino acid. Ensuring adequate valine in livestock diets can improve growth and overall health, enhancing meat and milk production.

Brook

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brook: A small stream. Managing water sources like brooks supports irrigation and water conservation on the farm.

Balance

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The overall proportion and symmetry of livestock, affecting their appearance and functionality. Balance is an important trait in judging livestock quality. For instance, selecting cattle with balanced conformation to ensure optimal performance and market appeal.

Pasturage

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pasturage: A place where animals are pastured. Managing pasturage efficiently can improve livestock health and productivity by providing quality forage.

Fee

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Fee: Money paid to a professional for a service. Farmers often pay fees for veterinary services, consultations, and other professional support to maintain farm operations.

Sprig

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sprig: a small shoot or twig. Proper management of sprigs ensures healthy growth and optimal yields of plants and crops.

Dairy Breeding

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The process of selecting and mating dairy cattle to produce offspring with desirable traits. Dairy breeding aims to improve milk yield, health, and longevity. For example, using genetic selection to enhance the productivity and health of dairy cows.

Expected Progeny Differences (Epds)

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A genetic evaluation tool used to predict the performance of an animal’s offspring based on its genetic traits. EPDs are essential for making informed breeding decisions. For instance, using EPDs to select bulls with desirable traits for breeding programs.

Ice Cream Production

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The methods and processes used to produce ice cream from milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings, including mixing, freezing, and packaging. For example, operating an ice cream production facility to produce high-quality ice cream in various flavors.

Partly Mixed Ration

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partly mixed ration: A winter feed for livestock which combines total mixed ration and separate concentrate feeding, by mixing some concentrates with the roughage and keeping the rest aside as additional feed for higher-yielding animals. Abbr PMR. Using partly mixed rations ensures balanced nutrition for livestock, improving health and productivity.

Occupational Health

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The practice of ensuring the health and safety of workers in agricultural settings. Occupational health includes measures to prevent injuries, illnesses, and exposure to hazards. For example, providing safety training and protective equipment to farm workers to reduce the risk of accidents and health issues.

Propagation

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propagation: The production of new plants. Helpful content: Successful propagation involves understanding plant biology and environmental conditions. Farmers can enhance plant growth and survival rates by optimizing propagation methods and providing proper care.

I Symbol

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I symbol: Iodine – a chemical element essential to the body, especially to the functioning of the thyroid gland, and is found in seaweed. Knowledge of iodine is important for farmers to ensure the health of livestock and prevent deficiencies.

Binder

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binder: A machine used to cut and bind corn, now largely replaced by the combine harvester. Understanding the evolution of harvesting equipment helps farmers choose the best tools for their needs.