Category: F

False Staggers: A disease of sheep caused by maggots, leading to inflammation of the nostrils and head, making the sheep appear dazed. Awareness of this disease helps farmers take preventive measures and maintain flock health.

flail mower: A type of mower that uses flails attached to a rotating drum to cut vegetation. Using a flail mower can help manage pastures and control weeds.

Food Web: A series of food chains linked together in an ecosystem. Properly managing food webs supports biodiversity and ecological balance on farms.

Fir: A common evergreen coniferous tree. Genus: Abies. Growing fir trees can be part of agroforestry systems, providing timber, windbreaks, and enhancing biodiversity.

Factory Farming: A highly intensive method of rearing animals characterized by keeping large numbers of animals indoors in confined spaces and feeding them processed foods, with the use of drugs to control diseases. This method allows for high production rates but requires careful management to maintain animal health and comply with welfare standards.

Forage Harvester: A machine that cuts, chops, and loads green crops such as lucerne into a trailer to make silage. Properly using forage harvesters supports efficient feed preparation and storage.

Flies: Plural of fly. Proper fly control is essential for maintaining livestock health and farm sanitation.

Freemartin: A female calf produced when a male and female embryo share a uterus, causing the reproductive system of the female embryo to be effectively masculinised. Properly managing freemartins ensures their health and productivity.

Feed Refusal: The amount of allotted feed that a farm animal does not eat. Monitoring feed refusal helps identify health issues and adjust feeding practices accordingly.

Feeding Face: The area allowed to each animal to feed from under controlled conditions. Each cow needs 150mm of feeding face. Managing feeding space ensures all animals have access to food and reduces competition.