Author: April Kingsman

Full-Time Farmer: A farmer who derives their living from agriculture, as distinct from a part-time farmer. Properly managing full-time farming operations ensures farm productivity and profitability.

The practice of observing and recording pest populations and damage levels in crops. Pest scouting helps identify pest problems early and determine appropriate control measures. For instance, scouting a cornfield for signs of insect damage and determining the need for pesticide application.

dove: A white domesticated pigeon. Doves are often kept for ornamental purposes and as pets. Proper care includes providing adequate shelter, nutrition, and protection from predators.

vibriosis: A venereal disease in cattle which leads to a high incidence of infertility and abortion. It can be prevented by vaccination. Managing vibriosis can improve reproductive success and productivity in cattle herds.

dieback: A fungal disease of some plants which kills shoots or branches. A gradual dying of trees starting at the ends of branches. Half the trees in the forest are showing signs of dieback. COMMENT: There are many theories explaining the environmental cause of dieback. Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone have all been suggested as causes, as well as acidification of the soil or acid rain on leaves. Managing dieback involves implementing proper disease control, monitoring, and care practices. Farmers and foresters should identify the cause of dieback and take corrective actions to maintain tree health. Understanding the environmental factors contributing to dieback will aid in developing effective management strategies.

ILRAD: International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases – an organization established at Nairobi, Kenya in 1974. Farmers benefit from research on animal diseases.

The practices and systems used to manage and dispose of waste generated by farm operations, including manure, crop residues, and chemical containers. For example, developing farm waste management strategies to reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency.

Certification: The process of obtaining or giving approval for something, such as carrying out a particular type of test. Achieving certification demonstrates compliance with industry standards and enhances farm credibility.

shepherd’s purse: A common weed (Capsella bursa-pastoris) in gardens and market gardens, found particularly among vegetables and root crops. Also called pepper and salt. Farmers benefit from managing shepherd’s purse to prevent weed competition and maintain crop health.

manger: a trough in a stable, from which horses and cattle feed. Proper maintenance and cleanliness of mangers can help ensure that livestock have access to uncontaminated feed, leading to better health and productivity.