S

squash: a plant of the Cucurbitaceae family, e.g., a marrow or cucumber. Growing squash provides farmers with a versatile crop for fresh and processed markets, enhancing farm income and sustainability.

soil sterilisation: the treatment of glasshouse, greenhouse, and other horticultural soils in order to kill weed seeds, plant disease organisms, and pests. Using soil sterilisation techniques ensures healthy crop growth and prevents yield losses.

seed drill: A machine consisting of a hopper carried on wheels with a feed mechanism which delivers grain to seed tubes. Most seed drills are designed to plant seed in prepared seed beds. Drills for cereals and grasses sow the seed at random, while precision drills, used mainly for sugar beet and vegetable crops, place seed at preset intervals in the rows. Precision drills are also called ‘seeder units’. Farmers benefit from using seed drills for efficient and precise planting.

satellite: A man-made device that orbits the Earth, receiving, processing and transmitting signals and generating images such as weather pictures. Farmers benefit from satellite technology for precision agriculture, weather forecasting, and crop monitoring.

subsistence farming: the activity of growing just enough crops to feed the farmer’s family and having none left to sell. Properly managing subsistence farming ensures food security and basic livelihoods for farmers.

salty: 1. Containing salt Excess minerals in fertilizers combined with naturally saline ground to make the land so salty that it can no longer produce crops. 2. Tasting of salt. Farmers benefit from managing soil and water salinity to maintain crop and livestock health.

Soay: a rare horned breed of sheep which sheds its fleece naturally, thought to be the link between wild and domesticated breeds. The short hairy fleece is tan or dark brown. (NOTE: The breed originally came from the island of Soay in the Outer Hebrides.) Raising Soay sheep provides farmers with a unique and resilient breed, supporting biodiversity and niche market opportunities.

shigella: A bacillus which causes dysentery. Farmers benefit from preventing shigella infections to protect livestock health and prevent economic losses.

store: a supply of something kept for future use; store cattle, stores, store lambs, cattle, or lambs bred or bought for fattening. The animals are usually reared on one farm and then sold on to dealers or other farmers. Properly managing stores ensures efficient livestock growth and productivity, supporting farm profitability.

Suffolk Punch: a heavy draught horse, coloured chestnut. It is shorter and more stocky than the shire and lacks feathers on the fetlocks. Properly managing Suffolk Punch horses ensures healthy growth and productivity, supporting farm profitability and sustainability.