Month: November 2020

brooding: The process of incubating eggs and caring for young birds. Managing brooding conditions ensures healthy chick development and high survival rates.

runch: A common weed (Raphanus raphanistrum). Also called wild radish. Managing runch helps farmers protect crop yields and ensure high-quality produce.

burr: A rough edge or raised area on a material. Managing burs in livestock and crops ensures product quality and animal health.

hydroelectric power: The electricity produced by using a flow of water to drive turbines. Also called hydropower. Utilizing hydroelectric power provides a renewable energy source for farm operations.

biotoxin: A toxic substance produced by a living organism. Managing biotoxins is crucial for ensuring food safety and protecting livestock health.

Carpel: A female part of a flower, formed of an ovary, style, and stigma. Understanding flower anatomy, including carpels, aids in plant breeding and crop production.

egg classes: The grading of eggs under EU regulations, into Class A (fresh eggs), Class B (preserved eggs), and Class C (eggs for use in food processing). Understanding egg classes helps farmers market their eggs more effectively.

Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food: a scheme administered by Defra which promotes sustainable, ecologically sound farming methods, and provides funding for relevant training and modernisation. Understanding and engaging with sustainability strategies ensures farmers adopt practices that support long-term productivity and environmental health.

sterilise: to make something sterile by killing the microorganisms in it or on it; to make an organism unable to have offspring (NOTE: This may be done by various means including drugs, surgery, or irradiation.). Properly managing sterilisation ensures biosecurity and prevents disease outbreaks, supporting livestock health and productivity.

European Food Safety Authority: A consultative body, funded by the European Community, which advises policymakers on health and food safety issues. Abbr EFSA. Understanding EFSA guidelines helps farmers ensure food safety and meet regulatory standards.