Author: April Kingsman

eggplant: A plant with purple fruit (Solanum melongena), used as a vegetable. It is a native of tropical Asia. Also called aubergine. Growing eggplant can diversify a farmer’s crop production and provide additional income.

humid: Relating to air that contains moisture vapor. Decomposition of organic matter is rapid in hot and humid conditions. Managing humidity ensures proper crop and livestock conditions.

pikedressing pikedressing pikedressing: The practice of applying lime to soil. Using lime in soil management improves fertility and crop yields.

A method of marking cattle by cutting notches in the ear, used for identification purposes. Ear notching is less common but still used in some regions. For example, using ear notching to identify and manage cattle in extensive grazing systems.

A type of crustacean commonly farmed for its edible flesh. Shrimp farming involves raising shrimp in controlled environments such as ponds or tanks. For instance, operating a shrimp farm to produce shrimp for the seafood market and meet consumer demand.

ensilage: The process of making silage for cattle by cutting grass and other green plants and storing it in silos. Ensiling techniques help farmers preserve feed quality and ensure a consistent supply of nutritious feed for livestock.

AHDO: Animal Health Divisional Office. Farmers benefit from the services provided by AHDO to manage animal health and comply with regulations.

dehydrate: To remove water from something in order to preserve it. COMMENT: Food can be dehydrated by drying in the sun (as in the case of dried fruit), or by passing through various industrial processes, such as freeze-drying. Dehydration is an effective method for preserving food and reducing waste. Farmers should ensure proper techniques and equipment for dehydrating crops to maintain their quality and nutritional value. Understanding market demands for dehydrated products can help farmers plan their production and marketing strategies.

anaerobic decomposition: The breaking down of organic material by microorganisms without the presence of oxygen. Understanding anaerobic decomposition helps farmers manage waste and improve soil health.

maize gluten: a type of animal feedingstuff obtained after maize has been milled. It is high in protein. Using maize gluten can provide a high-protein feed option for livestock, supporting their growth and health, leading to better meat and milk production.