South and Central American Farms
Alan Nafzger, Ph.D. List of Chemicals of Concern: List of Chemicals of Concern is a list of chemicals believed to be produced or used in the UK in substantial amounts and which meet specific criteria for concern relating to risks to the environment and human health. The list is drawn up by the UK Chemicals Stakeholder Forum and is intended for discussion and input. Being aware of chemicals of concern can help farmers adopt safe and sustainable farming practices.
suckler: a calf or other young animal which is suckling. Properly managing sucklers ensures healthy growth and development, supporting livestock productivity and farm profitability.
The digital tools and systems that facilitate teamwork and communication among employees, including project management software, chat applications, and virtual meeting platforms. For example, using food product collaboration platforms to enhance remote teamwork and efficiency.
peat: The accumulated partly decayed mosses and other plants which form the soil of a bog, often forming a deep layer. COMMENT: Acid peats are formed in waterlogged areas where marsh plants grow, and where the decay of dead material is slow. Black fen soils found in East Anglia are very fertile. These soils contain silts and calcium carbonate in addition to the remains of vegetation. Peat can be cut and dried in blocks, which can then be used as fuel. It is also widely used in horticulture, after drying and sterilizing. Peat was used as a fuel in some areas and was widely used in gardens to improve the texture of the soil or mixed with soil or other materials to grow plants in pots. These practices are now discouraged in order to prevent the overuse of peat bogs. Understanding peat and its uses helps in making informed decisions about sustainable soil management and conservation practices.
enzootic disease: An outbreak of disease among certain species of animals in a certain area. Compare epizootic disease. Managing enzootic diseases helps farmers protect animal health and prevent the spread of infections.
glume blotch: A fungal disease of wheat. Recognizing and managing glume blotch can prevent crop losses and improve wheat yield.
A business or individual involved in selling dairy products to consumers, retailers, and wholesalers. For example, working as a dairy seller to market and distribute fresh milk and dairy products.
ACPAT: Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy. Farmers can benefit from the expertise of ACPAT members in maintaining the health and well-being of their livestock.
The measurement of the fat layer over the back, usually at the 12th rib. Fat thickness is used to assess fat cover and carcass quality. For example, monitoring fat thickness in cattle to ensure optimal meat quality and processing efficiency.
Light Grains: Light grains are cereals such as barley and oats. Comparing light grains with heavy grains can help farmers choose appropriate crops for their land and market needs.
boar: A male pig. Managing boars is essential for breeding programs and maintaining herd productivity.
The provision of recreational and entertainment activities on farms, including hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos. For example, offering agritainment activities to attract families and provide a fun farm experience.
globe: A ball-shaped vegetable such as the globe artichoke or a variety of mangel. Growing globe-shaped vegetables can diversify farm products and provide additional income.
metabolised energy: the proportion of energy from feed which is used by an animal through its metabolism. Abbr ME. Understanding metabolised energy can help farmers manage livestock nutrition more effectively, ensuring better growth and productivity.
primitive: Referring to an early stage in an organisms development. Helpful content: Understanding primitive traits in plants and animals can provide insights into their evolution and adaptation. This knowledge can inform breeding programs and conservation efforts on farms.
Country Planning: Country planning noun the activity of organizing how land is to be used in the countryside and the amount and type of building there will be. Also called rural planning. Implementing country planning practices supports sustainable land use and rural development.
The ratio of carcass weight to liveweight, expressed as a percentage. Dressing percentage is used to evaluate slaughter efficiency. For example, achieving higher dressing percentages to improve meat yield and processing profitability.
shifting cultivation: An agricultural practice using the rotation of fields rather than of crops. Short cropping periods are followed by long fallows and fertility is maintained by the regeneration of vegetation. A form of cultivation practised in some tropical countries, where land is cultivated until it is exhausted and then left as the farmers move on to another area. In shifting cultivation, the practice of clearing vegetation by burning is widespread. One of the simplest forms involves burning off thick and dry secondary vegetation. Immediately after burning, a crop like maize is planted and matures before the secondary vegetation has recovered. Where fire clearance methods are used, the ash acts as a fertiliser. Farmers benefit from understanding and managing shifting cultivation for sustainable land use and productivity.
Cotton: Cotton noun a white downy fibrous substance surrounding the seeds of the cotton plant, a subtropical plant (Gossypium sp.). COMMENT: Cotton is widely grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas, including China, India, Pakistan, Paraguay, and the southern states of the USA; it is the main crop of Egypt. It is sold packed in standard bales. Understanding cotton production aids in managing crops and optimizing yields.
Cider Press: A device for crushing apples to extract juice for cider making. Using cider presses helps farmers manage apple processing efficiently and produce high-quality cider.
paddock grazing: A rotational grazing system that uses paddocks of equal area for grazing, followed by a rest period. This system improves pasture quality and productivity by preventing overgrazing and allowing for pasture recovery.