Category: S

sprinkler: a hose which sends out a shower of drops. Using sprinklers ensures efficient water distribution, promoting healthy crop growth and sustainable water use.

Statutory Management Requirement: a set of environmental and animal welfare requirements, which farmers must meet to receive a Single Farm Payment. Abbr SMR. Understanding Statutory Management Requirements ensures compliance with regulations and access to financial support, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

speedwell: a widespread weed (Veronica persica) found in cereal crops and oilseed rape. Because it spreads rapidly it is a hazard in row crops. Managing speedwell ensures healthy crop growth and reduces competition for resources, leading to better yields.

seeding year: The calendar year in which the seed is sown. Farmers benefit from tracking seeding years for effective crop rotation and planning.

small and medium-sized enterprises: organisations that have between 10 and 500 employees and are usually in the start-up or growth stage of development. Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in agriculture promotes innovation, economic growth, and job creation in rural communities.

shear: To clip the fleece from a sheep. Farmers benefit from shearing sheep to produce high-quality wool for the market.

sessile: Attached directly to a branch or stem without a stalk. The acorns of a sessile oak tree have no stalks or very short stalks. Farmers benefit from understanding sessile plant structures for better crop management and growth.

stomach digestion: the part of the digestive process which takes place in the animal’s stomach. Properly managing stomach digestion ensures optimal nutrition and health in livestock, supporting productivity and well-being.

semi-digger: A type of mouldboard on a plough. Farmers benefit from using semi-digger mouldboards for efficient and precise ploughing.

staggers: a condition of animals in which they stagger about, as in looping-ill and swayback disease. Grass staggers in cattle is caused by hypomagnesaemia. Managing staggers ensures livestock health and productivity, supporting farm profitability.