Author: April Kingsman

heat stress: Distress and discomfort suffered by an animal because it is too hot. Managing heat stress through proper shelter and hydration ensures the health and productivity of livestock.

gelding: A castrated horse. Geldings are often easier to manage and are suitable for work and recreational purposes.

wither: Wither means to shrivel and die, usually due to lack of water. Farmers must ensure adequate irrigation to prevent crops from withering and maintain healthy plant growth.

Capacity: The amount a container can hold. Knowing the capacity of storage and transport containers helps farmers manage inventory and logistics efficiently.

Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE): An organization that advocates for rural preservation and sustainable development. Engaging with organizations like CPRE helps farmers stay informed about and involved in rural conservation efforts.

ring rot: A disease affecting potatoes. Managing ring rot helps farmers protect potato crops and ensure high-quality yields.

scraper: A steel-framed attachment for a tractor. It has a rubber scraping edge, and is used for heavy duty work, clearing slurry from farmyards. Farmers benefit from using scrapers to maintain clean and hygienic farmyards.

The process by which the soil surface becomes hard and compacted, reducing water infiltration and seedling emergence. Soil surface sealing can be caused by heavy rainfall, irrigation, and soil management practices. For example, using cover crops and organic matter to reduce soil surface sealing and improve soil health for crop production.

short-grain rice: Varieties of rice with short grains, grown in cooler climates such as Japan. Farmers benefit from growing short-grain rice for its market demand and suitability to specific climates.

herd health: The welfare of a herd of cattle taken as a whole, particularly regarding the spread of infectious diseases. Ensuring herd health through proper veterinary care and management practices maximizes productivity and prevents disease outbreaks.