Month: April 2023

sativus: A Latin word meaning ‘sown’ or ‘planted’, used in the generic names of many plants. Farmers benefit from understanding sativus species for selecting appropriate crops for cultivation.

heifer: A young female cow that has not yet borne a calf. Managing heifers properly ensures their health and productivity as future milk or meat producers.

Clearcutting: Same as clearcutting, the cutting down of all trees in an area at the same time. Implementing clearcutting practices helps farmers manage forestry operations and support sustainable land use.

Forage Harvester: A machine that cuts, chops, and loads green crops such as lucerne into a trailer to make silage. Properly using forage harvesters supports efficient feed preparation and storage.

International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics: An organization established in 1972 at Hyderabad, India. Abbr ICRISAT. Farmers benefit from research on crops suited to semi-arid conditions.

The process by which dissolved substances, such as nutrients and chemicals, are washed out of the soil by water movement. Soil leaching can result in nutrient loss and groundwater contamination. For example, managing soil leaching through proper irrigation and fertilization practices to protect soil health and water quality.

IPC: Integrated pollution control. Helps farmers manage environmental impact of farming practices.

Environment Agency: In England and Wales, the government agency responsible for the protection of the environment, including flood and sea defenses. Abbr EA. Understanding the role of the EA helps farmers comply with environmental regulations and improve sustainable farming practices.

intramuscular: Referring to something which is inside the muscle, as intramuscular fat in meat. Helps farmers understand animal anatomy and meat quality. Compare intermuscular.

dry matter intake: The amount of feed that an animal consumes or requires, discounting its water content. Abbr DMI. Understanding dry matter intake helps farmers ensure their animals receive the necessary nutrients for growth and production.