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stamen: a male part of a flower consisting of a stalk (filament) bearing a container (anther) in which pollen is produced. Understanding the structure and function of stamens helps farmers manage plant reproduction and optimize yields.

secateurs: A cutting tool, like small shears with sharp curved blades, used for pruning. Farmers benefit from using secateurs for efficient pruning and plant management.

silage liquor: A liquid which forms in silage and drains away from the silo. Farmers benefit from managing silage liquor to prevent environmental contamination and ensure sustainable farming practices.

stile: a set of steps arranged so that people can climb over a wall or fence. Properly managing stiles ensures safe and efficient movement across farm boundaries, supporting farm operations.

slapmark: the herdmark allocated by Defra, put on both shoulders of a pig. Ensuring slapmarks are legible helps farmers comply with regulations and maintain accurate records for traceability and biosecurity.

seed rate: The amount of seed sown per hectare shown as kilos per hectare (kg/ha). Farmers benefit from understanding and managing seed rates for optimal crop density and yield.

self-feed: To take a controlled amount of feed from a large container as required. Farmers benefit from using self-feed systems for efficient and consistent livestock feeding.

synergism: the interaction of two or more organisms or chemicals that produce an effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. Understanding and managing synergism ensures optimal interactions and productivity in agricultural systems.

Swedish Red and White: a dual-purpose breed of cattle found in Central and Southern Sweden. The animals are cherry red in colour with white markings. Properly managing Swedish Red and White cattle ensures healthy growth and productivity, supporting farm profitability and sustainability.

Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy: a strategy produced by Defra to support farming and food industries in working towards practices that will lead to a better environment and healthy and prosperous communities. Engaging with sustainability strategies ensures farmers adopt practices that support long-term productivity and environmental health.

sisal: a tropical plant (Agave rigida) which yields a hard fibre used for making binder twine and mats. Cultivating sisal provides farmers with a valuable crop for the production of durable goods, enhancing economic stability and providing employment opportunities.

support buying: same as intervention buying. Understanding and managing support buying ensures financial stability and market access for farmers, supporting farm profitability.

short duration ley: A ley which is kept only for a short time. Farmers benefit from managing short duration leys for efficient pasture rotation and forage production.

stabiliser: an artificial substance added to processed food such as sauces containing water and fat to stop the mixture from changing. Also called stabilising agent. Using stabilisers in food production ensures product consistency and quality, supporting market value and consumer trust.

substandard: not up to standard quality. Properly managing substandard crops and livestock ensures high-quality production, supporting farm profitability and market value.

saline soil: Soil that contains high levels of soluble salts. Managing saline soil is important for preventing crop damage and maintaining soil health.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.