Author: April Kingsman

agistment: Money paid for grazing stock on land owned by another person. Understanding agistment can help farmers manage grazing resources and livestock efficiently.

Marek’s disease: a virus disease of poultry, causing lameness and paralysis. Managing and preventing Marek’s disease is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of poultry, reducing mortality rates and ensuring better economic outcomes for farmers.

Catchment: An area of land that collects and drains rainwater, such as a lake or river basin. Managing catchment areas supports sustainable water use and protects soil and water quality on farms.

embryo transfer: The transplanting of an embryo from one animal into the womb of another, used as a method of improving breeding quality. Abbr ET. Embryo transfer helps farmers enhance livestock genetics and improve herd quality.

Flight Feathers: The main feathers on a bird’s wing, properly called the ‘primaries’. Managing flight feathers is important for the health and welfare of poultry and other birds on the farm.

microbe: a microorganism. Viruses, bacteria, protozoa and microscopic fungi are informally referred to as microbes. Understanding the role of microbes can help farmers manage soil and livestock health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

beef shorthorn: A breed of compact, short-legged beef cattle. Raising beef shorthorns provides high-quality meat and efficient feed conversion.

deer-stalking: The hunting of deer in the wild. Deer-stalking requires skills in tracking, shooting, and understanding deer behavior. Farmers and landowners offering deer-stalking experiences should ensure that hunters are trained and follow ethical hunting practices. Providing guided hunts and ensuring sustainable deer populations can create a positive reputation and attract more clients.

black thrips: A small black insect pest of cotton and other crops. Implementing integrated pest management controls black thrips and protects crop yields.

Casting: A method of ploughing in a circle, going in an anticlockwise direction. Using casting ploughing techniques helps farmers manage field operations and improve soil structure for crop growth.