Category: C

Closed Canopy: A canopy that has achieved complete cover or intercepts 95% of visible light. Understanding canopy structures helps farmers manage forest ecosystems and promote biodiversity.

Commodity Futures: Commodity futures plural noun trading in commodities for delivery at a later date. The produce will often not yet have been grown or harvested. Understanding commodity futures helps farmers hedge against price volatility and secure future revenues.

Carbonate: A compound formed from a base and carbonic acid. Using carbonates in agriculture helps improve soil pH and nutrient availability for optimal crop growth.

Capsule: A dry structure that bursts open to release seeds or spores. Understanding plant reproductive structures like capsules aids in breeding and cultivating healthy crops.

Cultivar: Cultivar /k?lt?v?:/ noun a variety of a plant that has been developed under cultivation and that does not occur naturally in the wild. Utilizing cultivars supports agricultural innovation and crop improvement.

Conditioning: Conditioning noun 1. the preparation of crops for harvesting 2. the process of making meat more tender by keeping it for some time at a low temperature 3. the preparation of grain for milling by adding water to it, so as to ensure that the grain has the correct moisture content. Implementing conditioning practices ensures high-quality crop and livestock products.

Cayuga: A breed of duck producing dark green eggs with shiny green-black plumage. Raising Cayuga ducks offers unique produce for niche markets, contributing to farm income.

Castor Oil: An oil derived from the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), used as a common purgative for fowls and calves. Understanding the uses of castor oil helps farmers manage animal health and provide natural remedies.

Cauliflower: A plant of the cabbage family with a large white head made up of a mass of curds. Growing cauliflowers provides nutritious food and valuable produce for fresh markets and processing, contributing to farm income.

Contact Animal: Contact animal noun an animal which has had contact with a diseased animal and which may need to be isolated ‘Movement restrictions placed on the contact animals in the herd will remain in place and the animals will be subject to testing for brucellosis over a period of months.’ [Farmers Guardian]. Managing contact animals helps prevent disease spread and ensure herd health.