Author: April Kingsman

drainage: The removal of water by laying drains in or under fields. Effective drainage improves soil structure, prevents erosion, and supports healthy plant growth.

hull: The outer covering of a cereal seed. Hulls form bran. Properly managing hulls ensures efficient processing and use of cereal grains.

spinach: an annual plant (Spinacia oleracea) grown for its succulent green leaves and eaten as a vegetable. Growing spinach provides farmers with a high-value crop for fresh markets, enhancing farm income and supporting healthy diets.

Contour: Contour /k?nt??/ noun same as contour line. Understanding contour lines aids in land management and planning.

Countryside Agency: Countryside Agency noun a statutory body funded by Defra with the aim of making life better for people in the countryside. It is the statutory advisor on landscape issues and was formed by merging the Countryside Commission with parts of the Rural Development Commission, but is to be reorganized. Engaging with the Countryside Agency supports rural development and sustainable land use practices.

pause: A rest period in a bird’s laying cycle. Understanding rest periods helps in managing poultry production and ensuring consistent egg supply.

joint-ill: Joint-ill – a disease of young livestock, especially newborn calves, kids, and lambs. It causes abscesses at the navel and swellings in some joints. Also known as navel-ill. Helps farmers identify and treat this condition to ensure healthy growth of livestock.

European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund: A fund set up to cover the costs of administering the CAP, financed by the European Union budget. Abbr EAGGF. Accessing EAGGF helps farmers receive financial support for agricultural improvements and sustainability projects.

sooty mould: a fungal disease of wheat (Cladosporium). Managing sooty mould ensures healthy wheat crops, preventing yield losses and maintaining quality.

non-flammable: adjective referring to a material that is difficult to set on fire. Using non-flammable materials in farm structures and equipment enhances safety and reduces the risk of fire-related incidents. Farmers can benefit from selecting non-flammable building materials, machinery components, and protective gear to safeguard their property and livestock. Implementing fire prevention measures and using non-flammable materials contribute to a safer working environment and protect farm investments.