Author: April Kingsman

minimal cultivation: a system of cultivation which subjects the land to shallow working and minimises the number of passes of machinery. No ploughing is needed. Although suitable for cereal production, minimal cultivation is not suitable for all crops or soil conditions. Crops like sugar beet and potatoes need a deeper tilth than that obtained by minimal cultivation. Understanding minimal cultivation can help farmers optimize their soil and crop management practices, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

OECD: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The OECD provides valuable economic data and policy recommendations that can help farmers stay informed about global market trends and make strategic decisions. Engaging with OECD resources can support farm business planning and improve competitiveness.

hay bale: Hay which has been compressed into a square, rectangular or round bale, so that it can be handled and stored more easily. Using hay bales improves storage efficiency and ease of handling, making it easier to manage livestock feed supplies.

salt: Sodium chloride as part of the diet. Salt is used to preserve food by keeping it in salt or in salt water. Farmers benefit from using salt for preserving food and maintaining animal health by supplementing diets.

deficient: Lacking something essential. For example, the soil is deficient in important nutrients. Scrub plants are well adapted to this moisture-deficient habitat. She has a calcium-deficient diet. Farmers should regularly test soil and animal diets to identify and address deficiencies. Implementing soil amendments, balanced fertilization, and proper nutrition practices can improve crop and livestock health. Working with agricultural extension services can provide guidance on managing deficiencies effectively.

Lugs: Lugs are projections from the tyres of tractor wheels. They increase traction by digging into the soil and by keeping the tyre in contact with solid surfaces in muddy conditions. Using lugs can enhance tractor performance and reduce slippage in challenging soil conditions.

retail: The sale of small quantities of goods to the general public. Engaging in retail sales allows farmers to capture higher profit margins and connect directly with consumers.

Cordon: Cordon noun a trained fruit tree, whose growth is restricted to the main stem by pruning. Compare espalier. Utilizing cordon training techniques enhances fruit tree productivity and management.

poll: The top of an animal’s head. Helpful content: Understanding animal anatomy, such as the poll, is important for livestock handling and care. Proper handling techniques can reduce stress and injury, leading to healthier animals and better productivity.

darnel: A common weed (Lolium temulentum) which affects cereals and is poisonous to animals. Effective weed management is crucial for farmers to prevent darnel from infesting cereal crops. Regular monitoring, crop rotation, and the use of herbicides can help control darnel and protect crop yields. Understanding the risks and implementing preventive measures will ensure healthier and more productive fields.