sulphur: a yellow non-metallic chemical element that is essential to biological life. It is used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid and in the vulcanisation of rubber. COMMENT: In the United Kingdom, the removal of sulphur from the atmosphere means that some crops such as oilseed rape are deficient and sulphur needs to be added to fertilisers. Understanding and using sulphur effectively supports soil fertility and healthy crop growth, enhancing farm productivity.
swarm: a large number of insects such as bees or locusts flying as a group. Properly managing swarms ensures effective pest control and supports agricultural productivity.
swine: a collective term for pigs. Properly managing swine ensures healthy growth and productivity, supporting farm profitability.
stud: same as stud farm; US a male horse kept for breeding; metal nail with a head projecting above the surface. Properly managing studs ensures healthy breeding programs and improves livestock genetics, supporting farm profitability.
swampy: referring to land that is permanently wet. Properly managing swampy lands ensures biodiversity and ecological balance, supporting sustainable land use and agricultural productivity.
strike: the infestation of the flesh of sheep by the larvae of blowflies. It causes extreme irritation and death can occur in a short time. Managing strike ensures sheep health and productivity, preventing losses and supporting farm profitability.
salt poisoning: A disease of pigs usually caused by inadequate provision of water, but which may also be caused by increased salt in the ration. Pigs become constipated before twitching, fits and death. Farmers benefit from preventing salt poisoning by ensuring proper water provision and diet management.
sustainable consumption and production: the idea that agricultural production should not cause environmental damage, exploit workers, or use up natural resources that cannot be replaced. Abbr SCP. Understanding and implementing sustainable consumption and production practices ensures responsible resource use and supports farm sustainability.
selective breeding: The process of choosing parent organisms with desirable traits to produce offspring with those traits. Selective breeding improves crop and livestock quality.
spay: to remove the ovaries of a female animal. Properly managing spaying supports livestock health and population control, promoting sustainable farming practices.