South and Central American Farms
Alan Nafzger, Ph.D. A type of mastitis transmitted between cows, often during milking. Contagious mastitis is managed through milking hygiene and treatment protocols. For instance, using proper milking techniques and equipment disinfection to prevent the spread of contagious mastitis.
Normandy: a breed of cattle from north-west France that have a white coat with red-brown patches. The animals are reared for meat and for milk, from which Camembert cheese is made. The Normandy breed is valued for its dual-purpose capabilities, providing both high-quality milk and meat. Farmers can benefit from raising Normandy cattle to diversify their livestock operations and produce premium products like Camembert cheese. Understanding the breed’s characteristics and management needs helps optimize production, improve animal welfare, and enhance farm profitability.
Leaf Burn: Leaf burn is the same as leaf scorch. Preventing leaf burn through proper plant care and protection from extreme weather can ensure healthy crop growth.
entomologist: A scientist who specializes in the study of insects. Entomologists can provide farmers with valuable insights into sustainable pest management practices.
outstation: In New Zealand and Australia, a sheep station separate from the main station. Managing outstations effectively can enhance livestock production and resource use. Farmers can benefit from optimizing outstation management to improve animal welfare and productivity.
radicle: The tiny structure in a plant embryo from which the root will develop. Understanding radicle growth is essential for farmers to ensure proper seed germination and healthy crop development.
Coffee: Coffee noun 1. a bush or small tree widely grown in the tropics for its seeds, which are used to make a drink. Latin name: Coffea arabica. 2. The drink prepared from the seeds of coffee bushes. COMMENT: The two main varieties of coffee are Arabica and Robusta. The Arabica shrub, (Coffea arabica) was originally grown in the southern parts of the highlands of Ethiopia, and was later introduced into south-western Arabia. The Arabica plant only grows well on altitudes of 1,000m and above. It represents 75% of the worlds total coffee production. Arabica coffee beans are generally considered to produce a higher quality drink than those obtained from the Robusta coffee plant (Coffea canephora) which originated in West Africa. Robusta coffee has a stronger and more bitter taste than Arabica. The most important area for growing coffee is South America, especially Bolivia, Brazil, and Colombia, though it is also grown in Kenya and Indonesia. Cultivating coffee plants requires specific climatic conditions and understanding market demands.
slurry injector: a tractor-hauled machine which injects slurry into the soil. Using slurry injectors enhances soil nutrient levels and promotes healthy crop growth, reducing the need for artificial fertilisers.
tile draining: A means of draining land using underground drains made of clay, plastic, or concrete. Special machines called tile-laying machines are available for this work. Proper tile draining can improve soil health and crop yields by preventing waterlogging.
parthenocarpy: The production of seedless fruits without fertilization having taken place. Producing seedless fruits can meet market demands and reduce the need for pollination management.
squirrel: a medium-sized rodent living in trees. (NOTE: Squirrels are harmless as far as crops are concerned. There are two types of squirrel in the UK: the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris).) Managing squirrel populations supports biodiversity and ecological balance on farms.
The study of the physical and chemical processes that occur within plants, including photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration. Plant physiology helps understand how plants grow and respond to their environment. For example, studying how different light conditions affect plant growth and development.
ground water: Ground water is water that stays in the top layers of soil or in porous rocks and can collect pollution. Managing ground water resources supports sustainable water use and protects crop health.
acidification: The process of becoming acid or making a substance more acid. Acidification of soil can affect crop yields, so farmers must use appropriate amendments to maintain soil health.
The ethical treatment and well-being of animals raised for food, fiber, or labor. This includes providing adequate living conditions, humane handling, and minimizing stress. For example, ensuring that chickens have enough space to move freely.
gut: Gut is another term for the alimentary canal. Understanding animal digestion helps farmers optimize feed and improve livestock health.
The hair covering the body of cattle, providing protection from weather and pests. The coat’s quality and color can vary by breed. For instance, grooming cattle coats to maintain cleanliness and health.
thousand grain weight: The weight of a thousand grains, used as an indicator of grain quality. Monitoring thousand grain weight helps farmers assess crop quality and make informed decisions for breeding and marketing.
self-raising flour: A type of flour with baking powder added to it. Farmers benefit from using self-raising flour for convenience in baking and food preparation.
stallion: an uncastrated full-grown male horse, especially one kept for breeding. Managing stallions effectively supports healthy breeding programs and improves livestock genetics.
hydroelectricity: The electricity produced by water power. Utilizing hydroelectricity provides a renewable energy source for farm operations.