Month: January 2023

Foxglove: A common weed (Digitalis purpurea) that is poisonous and harmful to animals. Properly managing foxgloves helps protect livestock health and maintain safe pastures.

Crush Margin: Crush margin noun the difference in price between the unprocessed seed and the product extracted after crushing. Understanding crush margins aids in managing agricultural markets and production costs.

A bull that is raised and prepared for exhibition in livestock shows, judged on conformation and quality. Show bulls are groomed and trained for competition. For example, selecting and raising a show bull to compete in national livestock shows.

Calcicole: A plant that grows well on chalky or alkaline soils. Identifying and cultivating calcicoles helps farmers manage soil health and select appropriate crops for their land.

The application of ecological principles to agricultural practices, emphasizing sustainability, biodiversity, and resilience. For example, implementing agroecology principles to create sustainable and productive farming systems.

benazolin: A herbicide formerly used for controlling broad-leaved weeds. Understanding the history and regulation of herbicides helps farmers make informed decisions about weed management.

mineral: an inorganic solid substance with a characteristic chemical composition that occurs naturally. The names of many minerals end with the suffix -ite. The most important minerals required by the body are: calcium (found in cheese, milk and green vegetables) which helps the growth of bones and encourages blood clotting; iron (found in bread and liver) which helps produce red blood cells; phosphorus (found in bread and fish) which helps in the growth of bones and the metabolism of fats; and iodine (found in fish) which is essential to the functioning of the thyroid gland. Understanding the role of minerals in soil and livestock nutrition can help farmers prevent deficiencies and ensure better crop and animal health and productivity.

agricultural engineering: The application of the principles of science to farming. Understanding agricultural engineering helps farmers adopt technologies and practices that enhance productivity and sustainability.

endoparasite: A parasite that lives inside its host. Compare ectoparasite. Managing endoparasites is crucial for maintaining animal health and productivity on farms.

dried: Referring to foodstuffs that are preserved by dehydration. Dried foods, such as fruits and grains, have a longer shelf life and can be stored for extended periods without spoiling.