Month: January 2020

water: A liquid which forms rain, rivers, lakes, and the sea and makes up a large part of the bodies of organisms. Water is essential to plant and animal life. Proper water management can improve farm productivity and sustainability.

HSA: Abbreviation for Humane Slaughter Association. Supporting HSA initiatives ensures the humane treatment of livestock and compliance with animal welfare standards.

National Farmers’ Union: an organization representing the interests of British farmers in negotiations with the government and other agencies. Abbr NFU. The National Farmers’ Union advocates for farmers’ rights and interests, providing a unified voice in policy discussions and negotiations. Membership in the NFU offers farmers access to valuable resources, including legal advice, market information, and training programs. By participating in the NFU, farmers can influence agricultural policies, stay informed about industry trends, and benefit from collective bargaining power, ultimately strengthening their farm businesses.

minimum tillage: a method of ploughing in which disturbance of the soil does not affect the deeper layers. The benefits are conservation of organic matter, leading to a better soil structure and less soil erosion, better soil biodiversity and the use of less energy. The disadvantages include the easier germination of grass seeds. Also called min-till. Understanding minimum tillage can help farmers optimize their soil and crop management practices, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

brucellosis: A bacterial infection affecting livestock and humans. Vaccinating and managing biosecurity against brucellosis protects herd health and public safety.

hoof: A horny casing of the foot of a horse, a cow, or other animals. Ensuring the health of hooves in livestock supports their overall mobility and productivity.

The techniques and tools used to gather and analyze information about the food product market, including surveys, focus groups, and competitor analysis. For example, using food product market research methods to identify opportunities and inform product development.

human-caused: Referring to a disaster or event which has been brought about by human beings. Understanding and preventing human-caused disasters supports farm safety and sustainability.

The movement of water and dissolved substances over the soil surface, which can result in soil erosion and nutrient loss. Soil runoff can be influenced by factors such as rainfall, soil texture, and land management practices. For example, implementing erosion control practices to reduce soil runoff and protect soil health and water quality in agricultural landscapes.

second: Coming after the first. Farmers benefit from understanding secondary growth and development stages for better crop and livestock management.