Author: April Kingsman

white rot: A fungal disease of onions and leeks. The leaves turn yellow and a white mass appears on the bulb. Managing white rot can prevent crop losses and improve yields.

soil loosener: a trailed implement which loosens the surface of the soil. Using soil looseners improves soil aeration and structure, promoting healthy root growth and better crop yields.

sharefarming: A joint enterprise between a party with an interest in the land and another party involved in farming operations. Usually one party provides the capital and the other the farm management inputs such as labour and equipment. Farmers benefit from engaging in sharefarming for collaborative farming opportunities and resource sharing.

DVO: Abbreviation for Divisional Veterinary Officer, a trained technician working for an Animal Health Divisional Office. DVOs provide essential veterinary services and support to farmers, helping to ensure the health and welfare of livestock.

heart: A muscular organ that pumps blood round an animal’s body. Ensuring the health of livestock hearts through proper nutrition and care improves their overall productivity.

A feed ingredient added to cattle diets to provide essential minerals. Mineral supplements help prevent deficiencies and support overall health. For instance, providing mineral supplements to cattle to ensure they receive adequate nutrients.

nutrient: a substance that an organism needs to allow it to grow, thrive, and reproduce, e.g., carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, or sulfur. Plants obtain their nutrients from the soil, while humans and other animals obtain them from their food, including plants. Proper nutrient management is essential for optimizing crop growth, health, and productivity. Farmers can benefit from understanding the specific nutrient requirements of their crops and implementing balanced fertilization practices. Regular soil testing, using organic amendments, and precision nutrient application help ensure optimal nutrient availability, enhance yields, and reduce environmental impact. Effective nutrient management supports sustainable farming practices and improves overall farm profitability.

Crop Growth Rate: Crop growth rate noun the rate of increase in dry weight per unit area of all or part of a sward. Understanding crop growth rates aids in managing crop yields and optimizing production.

BB: Abbreviation for big bale. Understanding big bale systems improves feed storage and handling efficiency on the farm.

False Staggers: A disease of sheep caused by maggots, leading to inflammation of the nostrils and head, making the sheep appear dazed. Awareness of this disease helps farmers take preventive measures and maintain flock health.