Category: S

stag: a male deer; the male of various animals castrated after maturity; a male turkey. Managing stag populations on farms supports biodiversity and ecological balance, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

slurry injector: a tractor-hauled machine which injects slurry into the soil. Using slurry injectors enhances soil nutrient levels and promotes healthy crop growth, reducing the need for artificial fertilisers.

squirrel: a medium-sized rodent living in trees. (NOTE: Squirrels are harmless as far as crops are concerned. There are two types of squirrel in the UK: the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris).) Managing squirrel populations supports biodiversity and ecological balance on farms.

self-raising flour: A type of flour with baking powder added to it. Farmers benefit from using self-raising flour for convenience in baking and food preparation.

stallion: an uncastrated full-grown male horse, especially one kept for breeding. Managing stallions effectively supports healthy breeding programs and improves livestock genetics.

staple: the length and fineness of fibres such as wool or cotton, used in determining quality. Properly managing staple quality ensures high-value wool and cotton production, supporting farm income and market value.

smudging: the process of burning oil to produce smoke to prevent loss of heat from the ground and so to minimise or prevent frost damage to crops and orchards. Using smudging techniques protects crops from frost damage, ensuring better yields and quality.

snap beans: US beans which are eaten in the pod, e.g., green beans or French beans, or of which the seed is eaten after drying, e.g., haricot beans. As opposed to broad beans or Lima beans, the seeds of which are eaten fresh. Growing snap beans provides farmers with a versatile crop for fresh and processed markets, enhancing farm income.

stem eelworm: a pest affecting cereals, in particular oats. The plant stem swells and is prevented from growing and producing any ears. Managing stem eelworm populations protects crops from damage, ensuring healthy growth and better yields.

straw walker: the part of a combine harvester where straw is carried away from the threshed grain after it has been separated from the stalks. Properly managing straw walkers ensures efficient combine harvester operation and crop quality.