Author: April Kingsman

balanced diet: A diet that includes all the essential nutrients in the correct proportions. A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock.

sprayer: a machine which forces a liquid through a nozzle under pressure, used to distribute liquids such as herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and fertilisers. Using sprayers ensures efficient application of agricultural inputs, promoting healthy crop growth and better yields.

non-till: adjective same as no-till agriculture. No-till agriculture involves minimal soil disturbance, promoting soil health and reducing erosion. Farmers can benefit from adopting no-till practices to enhance soil structure, improve water retention, and reduce labor and fuel costs. No-till farming supports sustainable land management, increases resilience to climate change, and can lead to higher crop yields over time. Understanding and implementing no-till techniques can enhance farm sustainability and productivity.

scion: A piece of a plant which is grafted onto a rootstock. Farmers benefit from using scions for grafting to propagate desirable plant varieties.

Dartmoor: A breed of large moorland sheep, white-faced with black spots, and a long curly fleece. Dartmoor sheep are known for their resilience and quality fleece. Farmers raising Dartmoor sheep should focus on proper grazing management, regular shearing, and health monitoring to maintain flock productivity. Marketing the unique characteristics of Dartmoor wool can attract premium buyers.

elm: A large hardwood tree that grows in temperate areas. Genus: Ulmus. Understanding elm trees helps farmers manage woodland and prevent diseases like Dutch elm disease.

Cryophilous: Cryophilous /kra? ?f?l?s/ adjective referring to a plant that needs a period of cold weather to grow properly COMMENT: Cryophilous crops need a period of cold weather in order to produce flowers later in the growing period. If such crops do not undergo this cold period, their growth remains vegetative, or they only form abortive flowers with no seeds. Wheat, barley, oats, peas, sugar beet, and potatoes are all cryophilous. Understanding cryophilous plants aids in managing crop production and optimizing yields.

Fair: A regular meeting for the sale of goods or animals, often with sideshows and other entertainments. Fairs provide farmers with opportunities to market their products, network with other farmers, and learn about new farming techniques and technologies.

The practices and systems used to collect, store, analyze, and use data related to farm operations, including production, financial, and environmental data. For example, implementing farm data management systems to improve decision-making and optimize farm performance.

Compound Fertilizer: Compound fertilizer noun a fertilizer that supplies two or more nutrients. Also called mixed fertilizer. Compare straight fertilizer. Using compound fertilizers ensures balanced nutrient supply for crops.