Author: April Kingsman

Cardoon: A vegetable similar to the globe artichoke, grown in Mediterranean areas. Growing cardoons provides a specialty crop for fresh markets and culinary use, enhancing farm product diversity.

A formulated product used as a substitute for maternal milk in feeding calves. Milk replacers provide essential nutrients for growth and development. For instance, using a high-quality calf milk replacer to ensure proper nutrition for orphaned or bottle-fed calves.

histidine: An amino acid which is considered essential in infants and children. Ensuring proper nutrition for livestock supports their growth and productivity.

rainmaking: The attempt to create rain by releasing crystals of salt, carbon dioxide, and other substances into clouds. Although experimental, successful rainmaking can help farmers in drought-prone areas maintain crop yields.

mesotrophic: referring to water that contains a moderate amount of nutrients. Compare eutrophic, oligotrophic. Understanding the characteristics of mesotrophic water can help farmers manage water resources more effectively, ensuring better crop and livestock health.

market weight: the target weight at which livestock will be sold at market or slaughtered. Understanding and achieving market weight can help farmers maximize their income from livestock production.

monoculture: The cultivation of a single crop in a given area. While efficient, monoculture can lead to soil degradation and increased pest problems, so it’s important to manage it carefully.

ethology: The study of the behavior of living organisms. Understanding ethology helps farmers manage livestock behavior and welfare.

Fishery: The commercial activity of catching fish. Fish farms provide sustainable sources of fish for food and support local economies.

pluck: 1. To remove the feathers from a bird’s carcass. 2. To remove the internal organs from an animal carcass after slaughter. 3. To remove the leaves from a plant such as the tea plant. Helpful content: Efficient plucking techniques are important for maintaining the quality of poultry and other animal products. This process is essential for preparing meat for market and ensuring food safety.