Author: April Kingsman

yard and parlour: Yard and parlour is a system of housing dairy cattle in yards and milking them in a parlour. This system improves milking efficiency and animal welfare, benefiting dairy farmers.

Milk that has been heat-treated to kill harmful bacteria and extend shelf life. Pasteurization is a critical step in dairy processing. For instance, producing pasteurized milk to ensure it is safe for consumption and meets regulatory standards.

gangrene: A condition in which tissues die and decay, as a result of bacterial action, because the animal has lost blood supply to the affected part of the body through injury. Serious rot affecting potato tubers. Caused by fungi, it spreads in storage. Recognizing and managing gangrene can prevent severe losses in livestock and crops.

hectare: Unit of area equal to 10,000 square meters or 2.471 acres. Understanding hectare measurements helps farmers manage land area more effectively.

dag: A tuft of dirty wool round the tail of a sheep. Regularly removing dags (a process called dagging) is essential for maintaining sheep hygiene and preventing flystrike, a condition where flies lay eggs in the dirty wool, leading to maggot infestations. Keeping sheep clean reduces the risk of disease and improves wool quality.

Corn: Corn noun 1. wheat or barley (informal) 2. US maize. Understanding corn production aids in managing cereal crops and optimizing yields.

quality assurance: The system of procedures used in checking that the quality of a product is good. Implementing quality assurance ensures that farm products meet high standards, enhancing consumer trust and compliance with regulations, thus benefiting farmers through better market access and reduced risk of product recalls.

pastoralist: A farmer who keeps grazing animals on pasture. The people most affected by the drought in the Sahara are nomadic pastoralists. Supporting pastoralists helps maintain traditional farming practices and livelihoods.

government agencies: Government agencies provide specialist advice for farmers, such as ADAS in the UK. Utilizing these resources helps farmers adopt best practices, improve efficiency, and comply with regulations.

The process of developing and implementing a strategic plan for fish farming operations, including goals, resources, and financial projections. For example, creating a fish farm business plan to guide decision-making and achieve long-term success.