Author: April Kingsman

herbage: The green plants, especially grass, eaten by grazing animals. Maintaining healthy herbage ensures nutritious feed for livestock and supports their growth and productivity.

The financial products and services available to support agricultural businesses, including loans, grants, and credit lines. For example, exploring agricultural loans and financing options to invest in new equipment and expand farm operations.

Wensleydale: A longwool breed of sheep. The animals are large and polled, and the skin of the face, legs, and ears is blue. Wensleydales are now rare, but are still found in Yorkshire. Raising rare breeds like Wensleydale sheep can maintain genetic diversity and provide high-quality wool and meat.

A method of plowing that follows the natural contours of the land to prevent erosion. Contour plowing reduces runoff and helps maintain soil structure. For example, farmers use contour plowing to protect soil health on sloped fields.

malathion: an organophosphorus insecticide used to kill aphids, mainly on flowers grown in glasshouses. Proper use of malathion can help control pest populations and protect crops from damage, ensuring better crop health and yields.

insemination: The introduction of sperm into the vagina. Helps farmers understand and apply artificial insemination techniques.

skin spot: a potato disease causing pimple-like dark brown spots which can harm the buds in the eyes of seed tubers. Managing skin spot disease ensures healthy potato crops, preventing yield losses and maintaining quality.

The identification and evaluation of potential risks in food production and distribution, including safety, quality, and market risks. For example, conducting food product risk assessments to develop mitigation strategies and ensure business continuity.

vitamin B1: A vitamin found in yeast, liver, cereals, and pork. Adequate vitamin B1 intake can improve energy metabolism and overall health in livestock.

xenobiotics: Xenobiotics are chemical compounds foreign to an organism. Farmers need to manage xenobiotics to prevent contamination of crops and livestock, ensuring food safety.