Author: April Kingsman

Cauliflower: A plant of the cabbage family with a large white head made up of a mass of curds. Growing cauliflowers provides nutritious food and valuable produce for fresh markets and processing, contributing to farm income.

ivy-leaved speedwell: A widespread weed (Veronica hederifolia) which affects most autumn sown crops. Also called bird’s-eye, eye-bright. Helps farmers identify and control this weed.

A feed ingredient added to cattle diets to provide essential vitamins. Vitamin supplements help prevent deficiencies and support overall health. For example, providing vitamin A supplements to cattle to support vision and immune function.

tenderometer: A device used for testing vining peas to see how firm they are, allowing harvesting to take place at the right time. Using a tenderometer helps farmers harvest peas at optimal quality and ripeness, maximizing yield and market value.

The process of breaking down fat molecules in milk to create a uniform texture and prevent cream separation. Homogenization improves milk quality and consistency. For example, homogenizing milk to produce smooth and consistent dairy products like yogurt and ice cream.

Fagopyrum: The Latin name for buckwheat, a plant cultivated for its grain-like seeds and as a cover crop. Buckwheat is beneficial for farmers as it improves soil health, prevents erosion, and provides a nutritious food source.

The practice of maintaining detailed health records for each animal in a herd. Health recordkeeping helps track vaccinations, treatments, and medical history. For example, using software to manage the health records of a dairy herd.

handle: A term used to describe the texture or feel of wool. Understanding the handle of wool helps farmers and breeders evaluate the quality of wool, ensuring better pricing and marketability.

reference price: The minimum price at which certain fruit and vegetables can be imported into the EU. Understanding reference prices helps farmers stay competitive in the market and ensure fair pricing for their produce.

wild oats: Wild oats are a type of weed found in cereal crops. Effective management of wild oats is essential for farmers to ensure healthy crop yields, often achieved through selective herbicides or manual weeding.