Month: June 2017

dried blood: An organic fertilizer with a nitrogen content of 10% – 13%. It is a soluble quick-acting fertilizer, used mainly by horticulturists. Dried blood helps improve soil fertility and supports healthy plant growth.

set on: To foster an orphaned animal to another female, as a lamb onto a ewe. Farmers benefit from fostering orphaned animals to ensure their survival and growth.

heath: An area of acid soil where low shrubs such as heather and gorse grow and which are treeless as a result of grazing by animals. Managing heath areas can provide valuable grazing land for livestock.

nitrogen deficiency: a lack of nitrogen in the soil, found where organic matter is low and resulting in thin, weak growth of plants. Addressing nitrogen deficiency is crucial for maintaining healthy and productive crops. Farmers can benefit from regular soil testing to identify nitrogen deficiencies and implementing appropriate fertilization strategies. Using organic amendments like compost and manure, along with nitrogen fertilizers, can help restore soil nitrogen levels. Ensuring adequate nitrogen supply promotes vigorous plant growth, higher yields, and improved crop quality.

The examination of dairy farms and processing facilities to ensure compliance with regulations and standards. For example, conducting dairy inspections to verify that milk production and processing meet health and safety requirements.

CFCU: Abbreviation for Counter Fraud and Compliance Unit. Engaging with CFCU helps farmers ensure compliance with regulations and protect against fraud.

toxicity: The degree to which a substance is poisonous or harmful. Monitoring toxicity levels in soil, water, and products can ensure farm safety and compliance with regulations.

wilt: Wilt refers to the drooping of plants due to lack of water, excessive heat, or disease. Understanding wilt can help farmers implement proper irrigation and disease management strategies to maintain healthy crops.

The provision of honeybee colonies for pollination of crops, including the negotiation and management of pollination contracts. For example, offering pollination services to support crop production and ensure adequate pollination.

microorganism: an organism that can only be seen with a microscope. Viruses, bacteria, protozoa and fungi are all forms of microorganism. Understanding the role of microorganisms can help farmers manage soil and livestock health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.