Author: April Kingsman

saprophytic: Referring to organisms that live and feed on dead or decaying organic matter. Farmers benefit from understanding saprophytic relationships for improving soil health and organic farming practices.

umbel: A flower cluster in which the flowers all rise on stalks from the same point on the plant’s stem, e.g. on a carrot or polyanthus. Recognizing umbel structures can aid in identifying beneficial or harmful plants on the farm, helping with crop management.

Food Advisory Committee: A UK agency advising ministers on matters relating to the labeling, composition, and safety of food. Abbr FAC. This committee helps ensure food safety and quality, benefiting farmers and consumers.

Friesian: A breed of black and white dairy cattle, famous for its very high milk yields. Properly managing Friesian cattle ensures high-quality milk production and dairy farm profitability.

Animal Health Act 2002: An Act of Parliament which put into place controls to deal with outbreaks of diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and scrapie. Understanding this act helps farmers comply with regulations and manage disease outbreaks.

animal health planning: An official set of guidelines for controlling and treating diseases in farm animals. Following health planning guidelines helps farmers manage livestock health and prevent disease outbreaks.

aggregate measure of support: An index which shows the actual monetary value of the support given by the Government to a sector such as agriculture. Abbr AMS. Understanding aggregate measures of support helps farmers assess government support for their industry.

river: A large flow of water, running from a natural source in mountains or hills down to the sea. Managing river resources supports farm irrigation and water supply needs.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (UK Regulations) noun full form of COSHH. Engaging with COSHH ensures compliance with health and safety regulations for hazardous substances.

drill coulter: A coulter that makes a furrow for sowing seed. Drill coulters are essential for precision planting, helping to create uniform seed rows and improve crop establishment.