Category: S

sheep: A ruminant of the genus Ovis, family Bovidae. It is one of many domesticated varieties, farmed for their wool, meat and milk. Most sheep in the UK are kept for meat, and milk production is relatively unimportant. Wool is an important byproduct of sheep farming in the UK, but is the main product of sheep in some other countries, such as Australia. In 2005 the total sheep population of the UK was approximately 40 million, accounting for 30% of all sheep in the EU member states. Sheep are kept under a wide range of environmental and management conditions, from coastal lowland areas such as Romney Marsh to the upland areas of Wales, Scotland and the North of England. Lambs from the upland areas are moved to lowland farms for fattening. In the UK, a great many breeds of sheep have survived and there are some 50 recognised breeds as well as a variety of local types and many crossbreds. More recently, the introduction of continental breeds has increased the variety. A broad classification into three main categories may be made: the long-woolled breeds which include the Romney, Lincoln and Leicester; the short-woolled breeds including the Southdown, Dorset Down and Suffolk, and the mountain, moorland and hill breeds which include the Cheviot, Radnor, Scottish Blackface, Swaledale and Welsh Mountain. Farmers benefit from raising sheep for their versatile products, including meat, wool, and milk, and their adaptability to various environmental conditions.

summer: the season following spring and before autumn, when the weather is warmest, the sun is highest in the sky, and most plants flower and set seed. Properly managing summer crops ensures healthy growth and optimal yields, supporting farm productivity.

short ton: US same as ton. Farmers benefit from understanding and using standardized measurements like short tons for consistent and accurate trade and storage.

S symbol sulphur: Sulphur is an essential element for plant growth, contributing to the formation of proteins and enzymes. Farmers benefit from understanding sulphur’s role in maintaining soil health and enhancing crop yield.

saprophagous: Referring to organisms that feed on decaying organic matter. Farmers benefit from saprophagous organisms by utilizing natural decomposition processes to enrich soil fertility.

soil contamination: the presence of chemical or biological elements which affect the soil’s natural function. Preventing soil contamination ensures healthy crop growth and protects the environment, supporting sustainable farming practices.

scour: To wash wool to remove grease and contaminants. Farmers benefit from scouring wool to produce high-quality fleece for the market.

selective herbicide: A weedkiller which is designed to kill only plants with specific characteristics and not others. Farmers benefit from using selective herbicides to control weeds without harming crops.

spore: the microscopic reproductive body of fungi, bacteria, and some non-flowering plants such as ferns. COMMENT: Spores are produced by plants such as ferns or by algae and fungi. They are microscopic and float in the air or water until they find a resting place where they can germinate. Managing spores helps farmers prevent disease outbreaks and ensure healthy crop growth, supporting productivity and quality.

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.