Month: October 2017

hydroponics: The practice of growing plants in a nutrient liquid with or without sand, vermiculite, or other granular material. Using hydroponics improves crop yields and supports sustainable farming practices.

high-input farming: Intensive agriculture which uses fertilizer, pesticides, and modern machinery to guarantee a large crop output. Comparing low-input farming. Understanding high-input farming techniques can maximize crop yields and profitability.

Patterns and changes in consumer behavior, demand, and prices within a market. Understanding market trends helps farmers anticipate changes and adjust their strategies. For instance, monitoring trends in the demand for locally grown food to identify potential growth areas for a farm business.

superphosphate: a chemical compound formed from calcium phosphate and sulphuric acid, used as a fertiliser. Understanding and using superphosphate effectively supports soil fertility and healthy crop growth, enhancing farm productivity.

pharmacology: The scientific study of drugs. Research in pharmacology contributes to the development of effective veterinary medicines and treatments.

salinisation: Also called salination. Farmers benefit from recognizing and mitigating salinisation to protect soil fertility and crop yield.

premium: A special extra payment. Helpful content: Understanding and utilizing premium payments, such as those for organic or high-quality products, can increase farm income. Farmers can benefit from market differentiation and added value through certification and quality assurance programs.

The practices and measures taken to ensure cleanliness and prevent contamination in dairy production and processing. For example, implementing dairy hygiene protocols to maintain milk quality and safety.

oilseeds: Crops grown for the oil extracted from their seeds, such as oilseed rape or linseed. Oilseeds are valuable for their oil content and by-products like meal and cake, used in livestock feed. Farmers can benefit from growing oilseeds to diversify income streams and improve soil fertility.

bump: A raised area on the skin, often from an injury. Managing livestock health includes monitoring and treating bumps to prevent infections.