Month: May 2007

esparto: A species of grass which yields fibers used mainly in making paper. It originally came from North Africa and Southern Spain. Growing esparto can provide farmers with an alternative income source from fiber production.

rent: Money paid to use a farm or land for a period of time; to pay money to hire a farm or land for a period of time. Renting land allows farmers to expand their operations without large capital investments.

dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane: Full form of DDT, an insecticide that was formerly used especially against malaria-carrying mosquitoes. It is now banned in many countries because of its toxicity and ability to accumulate in the environment. Formula: C14H9Cl5. Farmers should be aware of the historical use and current ban on DDT to avoid environmental contamination and legal issues. Understanding alternative pest control methods will help manage pests effectively while complying with regulations and protecting the environment.

Caesar: To perform a surgical intervention to enable an animal to give birth, often necessary with Belgian Blue cattle. Mastering caesarean techniques ensures safe deliveries in livestock, reducing mortality rates and improving herd productivity.

grazing systems: Grazing systems are different methods of pasture management. Implementing effective grazing systems improves pasture utilization, supports livestock health, and enhances farm productivity.

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.

greenfly: Greenfly is a type of aphid that sucks sap from plants and can multiply rapidly. Managing greenfly infestations protects crops from damage, ensuring higher yields and quality produce.

rig: A male animal in which one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum at the usual time. Managing rigs is important for livestock breeding programs and animal health.

Common: Common adjective belonging to several different people or to everyone common land noun an area of land to which the public has access for walking COMMENT: About 80% of common land is privately owned and, subject to the interests of any commoners, owners enjoy essentially the same rights as the owners of other land. Commoners have different types of ‘rights of common’, e.g. to graze animals, or to extract sand, gravel, or peat. Managing common land involves balancing public access with sustainable land use practices.

Farmscape: A landscape dominated by agriculture. Farmland is the main element in farmscape, though non-agricultural uses may be included. Creating a balanced farmscape supports both productivity and environmental health.