Month: November 2019

MLC: abbreviation Meat and Livestock Commission. Understanding the role of the Meat and Livestock Commission can help farmers access valuable resources and support for improving their livestock production and marketability.

decortication: The process of removing husks from seeds. Decortication is important for processing seeds like cotton and sunflower. Farmers and processors should use appropriate machinery and techniques to ensure efficient decortication, improving the quality and marketability of the seeds. Proper maintenance of decortication equipment will also enhance its longevity and performance.

Cultivate: Cultivate verb 1. to grow crops Potatoes are cultivated as the main crop. 2. to dig and manure the soil ready for growing crops The fields are cultivated in the autumn, ready for sowing wheat. Engaging in cultivation practices supports sustainable agriculture and crop production.

EID: Abbreviation for electronic identification. Electronic identification helps farmers efficiently manage and track their livestock.

Cover Crop: Cover crop noun 1. a crop sown to cover the soil and prevent it from drying out and being eroded (NOTE: When the cover crop has served its purpose, it is usually ploughed in, so leguminous plants which are able to enrich the soil are often used as cover crops.) 2. a crop grown to give protection to another crop that is sown with it In the tropics, bananas can be used as a cover crop for cocoa. 3. a crop grown to give cover to game birds. ‘As leaving maize stubble fields bare could risk failure to meet cross-compliance, more growers are recognizing cover crops could prove a worthwhile option.’ [Farmers Weekly]. Utilizing cover crops enhances soil health and prevents erosion.

spruce: a temperate softwood coniferous tree. Genus: Picea. Cultivating spruce provides farmers with a renewable source of timber for construction and paper production, supporting sustainable forestry practices.

retained placenta: A disease of cattle caused by interference at calving, premature calving, or milk fever. Managing retained placenta ensures the health and reproductive efficiency of dairy herds.

Cuber: Cuber /kju:b?/ noun a machine used for making cubes or pellets from meal. Meal mixed with molasses is forced through small holes and cut into various lengths. Utilizing cubers enhances feed quality and management for livestock.

agri-biotechnology: Biotechnology as applied to agriculture. Understanding agri-biotechnology helps farmers adopt innovations that improve crop yields and livestock productivity.

Farms that allow visitors to pick their own fruits, vegetables, and other produce, providing a hands-on agricultural experience. For example, operating a U-pick farm to offer fresh produce and attract visitors.