Author: April Kingsman

NNR: abbreviation for National Nature Reserve. National Nature Reserves protect vital ecosystems and biodiversity, which can benefit farmers by supporting pollinators, natural pest control, and soil health. Farmers near NNRs can adopt conservation practices that complement the reserve’s goals, enhancing their land’s ecological value and sustainability. Collaborating with NNRs can also provide farmers with opportunities for eco-tourism and educational activities, diversifying their income streams.

Leguminosae: Leguminosae is a family of plants including peas and beans that produce seeds in pods. Growing leguminous plants can improve soil fertility and provide nutritious crops for market sales.

Cade Lamb: A lamb reared from a bottle due to the death of its mother. Raising cade lambs ensures the survival of orphaned lambs, contributing to overall flock productivity.

pyrethrum: 1. An organic pesticide, developed from a form of chrysanthemum, which is not very toxic and is not persistent. 2. An annual herb, grown for its flowers which are used in the preparation of pyrethrum. Helpful content: Pyrethrum is a valuable tool for organic pest control, offering effective protection with minimal environmental impact. Farmers can use pyrethrum to manage pests while maintaining organic certification and sustainability.

bhp: Abbreviation for brake horsepower. Knowing the bhp of farm machinery helps farmers select the right equipment for various tasks.

overfeed: Giving animals too much feed. Avoiding overfeeding is important for maintaining animal health and preventing waste. Farmers can benefit from understanding proper feeding techniques and nutritional requirements to optimize livestock growth and productivity.

etiolation: The process by which a green plant grown in insufficient light becomes yellow and grows long shoots. Understanding etiolation helps farmers manage plant health and optimize growth conditions.

Shropshire: A medium-sized breed of sheep with a black face and heavy fleece, now rare. Farmers benefit from raising Shropshire sheep for their valuable wool and meat production.

male: referring to an animal that produces sperm or a flower that produces pollen. Understanding the role of male plants and animals in reproduction can help farmers manage breeding programs more effectively, leading to better crop and livestock productivity.

health and welfare plan: A written report made by a farmer in consultation with a vet, describing how livestock will be cared for. Creating a health and welfare plan ensures the well-being of livestock and compliance with animal welfare standards.