Category: R

rotary mower: A machine used for cutting grass and other upright crops. Rotary mowers have two or four rotors each with three or four swinging blades. Using rotary mowers supports efficient forage management and crop cutting.

raspberry: A cane (Rubus idaeus) which provides a most important soft fruit, sold fresh, sent for freezing, and also used for processing into jams. Growing raspberries can diversify farm income and meet consumer demand for fresh and processed berries.

reserve: An area of land maintained for the benefit of plant or animal life where no commercial exploitation is allowed. Nature reserves protect biodiversity and support conservation efforts, benefiting the environment and local communities.

robot milker: A system used in a completely automated milking parlour. Lasers, mirrors, and cameras are used to put all four caps on the teats simultaneously. Using robot milkers enhances milking efficiency and reduces labor costs on dairy farms.

russeting: The formation of brown patches on the skin of an apple. Managing russeting helps farmers produce high-quality fruit.

ring: A metal circle which goes through the nose of an animal; to attach a numbered ring to the leg of a bird so that its movements can be recorded; to attach a ring to an animal, such as to the nose of a bull. Using rings helps farmers manage livestock and track animal movements.

roller: Same as roll. Using rollers helps farmers manage soil structure and prepare seedbeds effectively.

rural depopulation: The loss of population from the countryside due to various causes, including decline in agriculture and increased mechanization. Addressing rural depopulation supports sustainable rural communities and agricultural productivity.

roan: The coat of an animal in which the main color is mixed with another, as e.g. red and white, or black and white. Understanding coat colors helps farmers manage breeding programs and livestock identification.

record keeping: The act of making records such as a livestock register, which are open to examination by the Government and welfare authorities. Accurate record keeping is essential for farm management, regulatory compliance, and improving operational efficiency.