Month: June 2011

Filbert: The Kentish cob, a commercially grown hazel-like nut (Corylus maxima). Growing filberts provides farmers with high-value nut crops and diversifies farm income.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease /kr??tsf?lt jæ:k?b d?zi:z/ noun a disease of the human nervous system caused by a slow-acting prion which eventually affects the brain. It may be linked to BSE in cows. Abbr CJD. Managing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease involves implementing biosecurity measures to protect livestock and human health.

Ile de France: A large French breed of sheep, the rams of which are kept to provide crossbred lambs for meat production. Knowledge of sheep breeds helps farmers improve meat production.

swine fever: a notifiable disease of pigs. Its symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, and general weakness, and it can be fatal. The disease was eradicated in Britain, but some further cases have been reported since 2000. The scientific name is classical swine fever, formerly called hog cholera. Managing swine fever ensures pig health and productivity, supporting farm profitability.

slatted mouldboard: a type of mouldboard which breaks up the soil as it is being ploughed. Using slatted mouldboards improves soil aeration and structure, promoting healthy root growth and better crop yields.

rumen: The first stomach of ruminating animals such as cows, sheep, or goats, all of which have four stomachs. It is used for storage of food after it has been partly digested and before it passes to the second stomach. Understanding rumen function helps farmers optimize livestock diets and improve productivity.

powdery mildew: A fungal disease (Erysiphe graminis) affecting cereals and grasses. Another form also affects sugar beet and brassicas. Helpful content: Managing powdery mildew involves using resistant varieties, proper spacing, and fungicide applications. Early detection and treatment can prevent significant crop losses and maintain healthy plants.

peach-leaf curl: A fungal disease which affects peaches, where the leaves swell and become red. Managing peach-leaf curl is essential for maintaining healthy peach orchards and ensuring high-quality fruit production.

wild radish: Wild radish, also known as runch, is a weed that can infest crop fields. Farmers can benefit from identifying and managing wild radish to prevent it from affecting crop productivity.

Actions taken to respond to and manage emergencies such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and accidents on farms. Effective emergency response plans help minimize damage and ensure safety. For example, having a plan in place to handle a wildfire threatening farm buildings and livestock.