Author: April Kingsman

SFA: Small Farms Association. Farmers benefit from engaging with SFA for support and resources tailored to small-scale farming operations.

heft: A group of mountain sheep which graze the same area in which they were born, although not kept in by fences. Managing hefted sheep helps maintain traditional grazing practices and supports sustainable land use.

bilharziasis: Another term for schistosomiasis. Recognizing and managing bilharziasis helps protect livestock and farm workers from parasitic infections.

descending aorta: The second section of the aorta as it turns downwards. Understanding animal anatomy, including the descending aorta, is important for livestock health and veterinary care. Farmers should work with veterinarians to monitor the health of their animals and address any cardiovascular issues promptly. Knowledge of animal anatomy can improve health management and disease prevention.

yelt: Yelt is a young female pig. Proper care and management of yelts are essential for farmers to ensure healthy development and future production.

tox- / toxi-: Prefix indicating poison. Understanding toxic substances and their effects is crucial for safe farm management and preventing contamination.

genotype: The genetic constitution of an organism. Phenotype. An individual organism. Understanding genotype helps farmers predict the traits of offspring and select the best individuals for breeding.

skin: the outer layer on an animal, fruit, or vegetable. Proper management of skin health in livestock and produce helps farmers maintain quality and market value, reducing losses and enhancing profitability.

nucleus: the central body in a cell, containing DNA and RNA, and controlling the function and characteristics of the cell. Understanding cell biology, including the role of the nucleus, helps farmers and researchers develop better breeding and crop improvement strategies. Knowledge of genetic principles and cellular functions can lead to advancements in plant and animal breeding, improving productivity, disease resistance, and overall farm performance. Farmers can benefit from adopting new technologies and practices based on cellular and genetic research to enhance their operations and sustainability.

swing plough: a plough used in upland areas which is designed to swing from one side to the other when the tractor changes direction at the end of a furrow. Using swing ploughs ensures efficient soil preparation and crop establishment, supporting productive agriculture.