Category: S

stall: a single compartment in a stable or cowshed, where an animal can stand or lie down. Properly managing animal stalls ensures livestock health and comfort, supporting productivity and welfare.

spine: a pointed structure that is either a modified leaf, as in cacti, or part of a leaf or leaf base. Properly managing plants with spines ensures healthy growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.

smut: a disease of cereal plants, caused by a fungus, that affects the development of the grain and makes it look black. Managing smut diseases ensures healthy cereal crops, preventing yield losses and maintaining quality.

smoke: to preserve food by hanging it in the smoke from a fire. (NOTE: Smoking is used mainly for fish, but also for some bacon and cheese.) Using traditional smoking methods preserves food quality and extends shelf life, providing value-added products for farmers.

spading machine: a machine which uses rotating digger blades to cultivate compacted topsoil and dig out pans created by other cultivators. Using spading machines improves soil aeration and structure, promoting healthy root growth and better crop yields.

sustainable production processes: agricultural production methods which do not damage or deplete natural resources. Adopting sustainable production processes ensures long-term productivity and environmental health, supporting farm profitability.

SFPA: Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency. Farmers benefit from engaging with SFPA for support and resources in sustainable fisheries management.

spinach beet: a plant similar to sugar beet, but grown for its leaves which are cooked in the same way as spinach. Growing spinach beet provides farmers with a versatile crop for fresh and processed markets, enhancing farm income and sustainability.

seepage: Slow oozing out of ground water from the soil surface. Farmers benefit from managing seepage to prevent soil and water contamination.

Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food: a scheme administered by Defra which promotes sustainable, ecologically sound farming methods, and provides funding for relevant training and modernisation. Understanding and engaging with sustainability strategies ensures farmers adopt practices that support long-term productivity and environmental health.