Category: S

Sporozoa: a type of parasitic Protozoa which includes Plasmodium, the cause of malaria. Understanding Sporozoa helps farmers manage livestock health and prevent disease outbreaks, supporting productivity and well-being.

summer mastitis: an infection of the udder thought to be spread by biting flies. Cows become very ill, lameness may occur and milk is watery and later bloody. Properly managing summer mastitis ensures dairy cow health and milk quality, supporting farm productivity.

safety cab: A protective cab fitted to a tractor to prevent injury to the driver if the tractor turns over. Farmers benefit from safety cabs as they provide crucial protection, reducing the risk of injuries during tractor operations.

separate concentrate feeding: A winter feeding system for livestock in which the animals are allowed free feeding of roughage and concentrates are fed separately in restricted quantities. Abbr SCF. Farmers benefit from using separate concentrate feeding systems for efficient and consistent livestock nutrition.

smallholder: a person who farms a smallholding. Supporting smallholders promotes local food production, economic stability, and sustainable agricultural practices.

source: to get materials or products from a particular place or supplier. ‘It was time people started buying food more ethically, said Mr Mitchell, to give them a sense of pride in their region. The extra work needed to source from multiple small suppliers was well worth it.’ [Farmers Weekly]. Sourcing materials and products ethically ensures sustainability and supports local economies.

sheepmeat: A term used in the EU for meat from a sheep or lamb. Farmers benefit from producing sheepmeat for its market demand and versatility in culinary uses.

stubble turnips: quick-growing types of turnip sown into cereal stubble and grown as catch crops. Properly managing stubble turnips ensures efficient use of land and resources, supporting farm productivity and sustainability.

self-contained herd: A dairy herd which breeds its own replacements, the calves being kept and reared. Farmers benefit from maintaining self-contained herds for biosecurity and consistent herd quality.

stoma: a pore in a plant, especially in the leaves, through which carbon dioxide is taken in and oxygen is sent out. Each stoma in a leaf is surrounded by a pair of guard cells, which close the stomata if the plant needs to conserve water. (NOTE: The plural is stomata.) Properly managing stomata ensures efficient gas exchange and healthy plant growth, supporting better yields.