Author: April Kingsman

GMGM: 1. Genetically modified 2. Genetic modification. Understanding GM technology helps farmers adopt crops with beneficial traits, such as pest resistance or drought tolerance, enhancing productivity and sustainability.

Course: Course noun 1. the development of events over a period of time the usual course of the disease in the normal course of events usually 2. a sequence of medical treatment given over a period of time a course of antibiotics 3. the length of time in a rotation, when the land is growing a particular crop The Norfolk four-course rotation has turnips, followed by spring barley, red clover, and winter wheat, so that each crop will only be grown on the same land in one year out of four. Implementing crop rotation practices supports soil health and sustainable agriculture.

stubble burning: formerly, a method of removing dry stubble by burning it before ploughing. Stubble burning was banned under the Crop Residues (Burning) Regulations of 1993. COMMENT: Stubble burning has the advantage of removing weed seeds and creating a certain amount of natural fertiliser which can be ploughed into the soil. The disadvantage is that it pollutes the atmosphere with smoke, reducing visibility on roads and releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide. This, together with the possible danger that the fire may get out of control, killing small animals and burning trees and crops, means that it is not recommended as a means of dealing with the stalks of harvested plants. Properly managing stubble burning ensures compliance with environmental regulations and supports sustainable farming practices.

Febrile Disease: A disease such as Newcastle disease, accompanied by a fever. Early detection and treatment of febrile diseases help prevent livestock losses and maintain herd health.

abstraction: The removal of water from a river or other source for use by industry, farmers or gardeners. Effective water abstraction practices ensure sustainable water use for agricultural needs.

open fields: Fields which are not separated by hedges or walls, but by banks of earth. Formerly fields were divided into strips, each worked by a farmer; the system was used originally by the Saxons. Managing open fields can improve land efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. Farmers can benefit from understanding historical land use practices and modern techniques to enhance farm productivity and sustainability.

russeting: The formation of brown patches on the skin of an apple. Managing russeting helps farmers produce high-quality fruit.

grass: Grass is a flowering monocotyledon, including wheat, barley, and rice. Managing grass crops effectively provides essential food for herbivores and humans, supporting farm sustainability.

picotee: Referring to a flower petal with an edge of a different color. Growing picotee flowers can provide ornamental value and meet market demands for unique floral varieties.

date: The fruit of a date palm. COMMENT: The biggest producers of dates are Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Algeria, though most Middle Eastern countries produce small quantities. Date farming can be profitable in suitable climates. Farmers should ensure proper irrigation, pest control, and harvesting techniques to maximize date production. Exploring market opportunities for dates can also lead to increased income.