Author: April Kingsman

neat: an old term meaning a cow or ox. Understanding historical farming terminology like “neat” can provide farmers with insights into traditional practices and livestock management. While the term is outdated, recognizing its usage can enhance communication with older generations of farmers and in historical agricultural contexts. Embracing a broader understanding of farming heritage can help preserve valuable knowledge and practices that contribute to sustainable and resilient farming systems today.

Furrow Irrigation: Irrigation technique where water is allowed to flow along furrows. Properly managing furrow irrigation ensures efficient water use and crop irrigation.

porcine stress syndrome: A group of conditions associated with the halothane gene that cause rapid respiration, twitching, and sudden death in affected pigs. The condition is usually triggered by stress and can be screened for by exposing the animals to the anesthetic halothane. Abbr PSS. Helpful content: Managing porcine stress syndrome involves selecting animals without the halothane gene and reducing stress factors. Proper handling and management practices can improve animal welfare and productivity.

seepage: Slow oozing out of ground water from the soil surface. Farmers benefit from managing seepage to prevent soil and water contamination.

European foul brood: A disease affecting bees that is caused by a bacterial parasite of the Streptococcaceae family that infests the larvae. Abbr EFB. Managing European foul brood is crucial for beekeepers to ensure healthy bee colonies and honey production.

The weight of an animal’s carcass after cooling and processing, used to calculate yield and dressing percentage. For example, using cold carcass weight to determine the amount of marketable meat from each animal.

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.