Author: April Kingsman

infectivity: The state of being infective. Helps farmers understand and control the spread of infectious diseases.

Casual Labour: Workers hired for short periods from time to time. Utilizing casual labor helps farmers manage seasonal work demands and reduce labor costs.

The practice of raising goats for their products, including meat, milk, and fiber. Goat farming involves breeding, feeding, and managing health. For example, operating a goat farm to produce goat milk and artisanal cheeses.

blackfly: A small black fly that infests plants. Controlling blackfly populations protects crop health and yields.

The process of removing or neutralizing contaminants in the soil to restore its health and productivity. Soil remediation includes techniques such as bioremediation, phytoremediation, and chemical treatments. For example, using phytoremediation to remove heavy metals from contaminated soil and improve its suitability for crop production.

Fallen Stock: Dead animals on a farm. Proper disposal and management of fallen stock are crucial for biosecurity and preventing the spread of diseases.

A device used to extract milk from dairy cows, typically consisting of a vacuum pump, teat cups, and a collection system. Milking machines improve efficiency and hygiene in dairy operations. For instance, using automated milking machines to reduce labor and increase milk production.

domestic livestock: Pigs, goats, sheep, cows, and other animals which are kept by human beings. These animals are crucial for food production, labor, and other agricultural activities. Proper management practices ensure their health and productivity.

nitrogen: a chemical element that is the main component of air and an essential part of protein. It is essential to biological life. Nitrogen is taken into the body by digesting protein-rich foods. Excess nitrogen is excreted in urine. When the intake of nitrogen and the excretion rate are equal, the body is in nitrogen balance or protein balance. Nitrogen is supplied to the soil by fertilizers, organic matter, nodule bacteria on legumes, and by nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the soil. Proper nitrogen management is critical for optimizing crop growth and productivity. Farmers can benefit from understanding nitrogen’s role in plant nutrition and adopting practices that ensure efficient nitrogen use. This includes regular soil testing, using nitrogen-efficient crop varieties, and applying fertilizers at the right time and rate. Effective nitrogen management improves crop yields, reduces environmental impact, and enhances farm profitability.

batch drying: A process for drying bales of hay in batches. Efficient batch drying techniques ensure high-quality forage for livestock feed.