Month: May 2023

Capability Class: The classification of the usefulness of land for agricultural purposes. Using capability class assessments aids farmers in making informed decisions about land use, crop selection, and sustainable practices.

infest: (of pests) To be present somewhere in large numbers. Pine forests are infested with these beetles. Plants that have been infested should be dug up and burnt. Helps farmers manage pest infestations.

turnip: A brassica plant that has a swollen root, is an important forage crop, and is also used as a vegetable. Turnips can be harvested by machine and stored outdoors in clamps. In milder areas, they can be left growing in the fields and used when needed. Turnips are often grazed off in the field. Growing turnips can provide nutritious forage and food for livestock, improving farm productivity.

mutton: the meat of an adult sheep, as opposed to a lamb. Understanding the market dynamics and nutritional value of mutton can help farmers optimize their sheep production and marketability, ensuring better profitability.

energy crop: A crop which is grown to be used to provide energy, e.g., a fast-growing tree. Biomass itself can come from a variety of sources, including energy crops such as miscanthus and short-rotation willow, forestry trimmings, off-cuts and roots, tree surgeons’ chips, reclaimed timber and municipal solid waste, some industrial waste, sewage sludge, liquid animal waste, and the enormous amount of food waste. Growing energy crops provides farmers with renewable energy sources and additional income.

Calomel: Same as mercury (I) chloride. Understanding the properties and uses of calomel helps farmers use it appropriately and safely in agricultural practices.

bridle path: A path used for riding horses. Maintaining bridle paths supports safe and enjoyable horseback riding on the farm.

Leaf Roll: Leaf roll is a viral disease of potatoes, transmitted by aphids. The leaves roll up and become dry, and the crop yield is affected. Managing leaf roll through pest control and disease prevention can protect potato crops and improve yields.

threshold price: In the EU, the lowest price at which farm produce imported into the EU can be sold. This is the price in the home market below which the government or its agencies must buy all the produce offered by producers for sale at that price. Knowing about threshold prices can help farmers navigate market regulations and optimize pricing strategies.

inseminate: To impregnate, by introducing male spermatozoa into the female’s body so that they link with the female’s ova. Helps farmers manage breeding programs.