Author: April Kingsman

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.

digger: A type of plough body with a short, sharply curved moldboard. Diggers are used for deep ploughing, especially to prepare for root crops or for land reclamation. Using diggers can improve soil preparation and root penetration for crops. Farmers should select the appropriate type of digger for their needs and use it properly to achieve optimal soil conditions. Understanding the benefits and applications of diggers will aid in effective soil management and crop establishment.

metabolisable protein: a type of protein which can be metabolised by an animal, used as a feed supplement to improve lactation. Understanding the role of metabolisable protein can help farmers improve livestock nutrition and productivity.

rubber: A material which can be stretched and compressed, and is made from a thick white fluid (latex) from a tropical tree; the rubber tree, a tropical tree grown for its latex. In commercial practice, trees are grafted onto suitable rootstock. Understanding rubber production supports diversified farm income and sustainable forestry practices.

tether: A rope, chain, or halter used to tie up animals. Using tethers appropriately can help manage livestock movements and prevent escape or injury, aiding in farm management.

toe-in: The shorter distance between the bases of the front wheels of a tractor compared to their tops. Toe-in improves steering performance and reduces wear on the front tires. Proper tractor maintenance, including managing toe-in, can enhance machinery efficiency and longevity.