Author: April Kingsman

pannage: 1. Pasturage for pigs in a wood or forest 2. The corn and beech mast on which pigs feed. Utilizing natural resources for pig grazing can reduce feed costs and improve forest management.

reap: To cut a grain crop. Efficient reaping methods are essential for timely harvests and maximizing grain yields.

beekeeper: A person who keeps bees for honey. Beekeepers play a vital role in pollination services and honey production on farms.

rectified concentrated grape must: A form of grape sugar produced by distillation from surplus wine, used to add to new wine during chaptalisation. Utilizing surplus grapes in this way provides farmers with an additional revenue stream and improves wine quality.

Plantations where grapevines are cultivated for fruit production. Vineyards produce grapes for fresh consumption, wine making, and raisins. For example, managing a vineyard to produce high-quality grapes for wine production.

ornamental plants: Plants grown for decorative purposes in gardens and landscape design projects. Growing ornamental plants can diversify farm income and enhance aesthetic value.

dam: The mother of an animal. Knowing the lineage and health of the dam is important for breeding programs and offspring quality.

olive: A Mediterranean tree with small yellowish-green edible fruit from which an edible oil can be produced. Olive cultivation can provide farmers with a high-value crop. Understanding best practices for growing, harvesting, and processing olives can enhance profitability and product quality.

pear: A pome fruit of the genus Pyrus used for dessert fruit, cooking, or for fermenting to make perry. In the UK, William’s Bon Chretien, Conference, and Doyenne du Comice are popular dessert varieties, while William’s is also commonly used for canning. Growing pears provides a valuable fruit crop that can be sold fresh, processed, or used in beverages.

sapwood: An outer layer of wood on the trunk of a tree, which is younger than the heartwood inside and carries the sap. Farmers benefit from identifying sapwood for sustainable timber harvesting and tree health assessment.