Author: April Kingsman

translocate: To move substances through the tissues of a plant. Understanding translocation processes can help farmers manage nutrient distribution and plant health.

Functional Food: Food designed to be medically beneficial, helping to protect against serious conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. Also called nutraceutical, neutraceutical. Properly managing functional food production supports livestock health and consumer wellbeing.

Minorca: a breed of poultry, originating in the Mediterranean. The birds are black or white in colour. Raising Minorca chickens can provide farmers with high-quality eggs and meat, contributing to diversified income and improved farm sustainability.

The rectum of cattle, often used in traditional dishes and for making pet food. For example, producing beef rectum for culinary and specialty markets.

earthworm: An invertebrate animal with a long thin body divided into many segments, living in large numbers in the soil. Earthworms aerate the soil as they tunnel. They also eat organic matter and help increase the soil’s fertility. They help stabilize the soil structure by compressing material and mixing it with organic matter and calcium. It is believed that they also secrete a hormone which encourages rooting by plants. Earthworms are beneficial for farmers as they enhance soil fertility and structure, promoting healthy crop growth.

bidder: A person who makes a bid at an auction. Being a knowledgeable bidder helps farmers acquire quality livestock and equipment at fair prices.

The tools and platforms used to collect, analyze, and report data related to food product performance, including sales, customer behavior, and market trends. For example, using food product analytics and reporting tools to inform business decisions and improve performance.

table chicken: A chicken raised for eating rather than producing eggs. Specializing in table chickens can allow farmers to meet market demand for meat and optimize their poultry production.

evapotranspire: To lose water into the atmosphere by evaporation and transpiration. Understanding evapotranspiration helps farmers manage irrigation and optimize water use for crops.

NPK: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, used in different proportions as a fertilizer. Understanding the role of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in plant nutrition is essential for optimizing crop growth and productivity. Farmers can benefit from applying balanced NPK fertilizers based on soil tests and crop needs, ensuring optimal nutrient availability. Proper NPK management enhances soil fertility, improves crop yields, and supports sustainable farming practices. Implementing precision fertilization techniques helps maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact.