R

ripe: Referring to fruit or grain that is ready for eating. Managing harvest timing ensures farmers produce high-quality, market-ready crops.

reforestation: The process of replanting trees in areas where forests have been cut down. Reforestation helps restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and sequester carbon.

rare breed: A breed of farm animal that is protected because its numbers are falling and it is in danger of becoming extinct. Preserving rare breeds helps maintain genetic diversity and can attract niche markets for specialty products.

RHS: Abbreviation for Royal Horticultural Society. The RHS provides resources and support for farmers and gardeners, promoting best practices in horticulture.

respiratory system: A series of organs and passages that take air into the lungs and exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide. Maintaining healthy respiratory systems in livestock ensures their overall health and productivity.

rectal palpation: A technique used to diagnose pregnancy in cows. Early pregnancy detection through rectal palpation allows farmers to manage breeding programs more effectively.

riboflavin: A vitamin found in eggs, liver, green vegetables, milk, and yeast and also used as an additive (E101) in processed food. Also called vitamin B2. Ensuring adequate riboflavin intake supports livestock health and growth.

Rubus: A genus of plants including cane fruits such as raspberries and blackberries. Growing Rubus species provides farmers with high-value fruit crops and supports diversified farm income.

risk: A combination of the likelihood of injury, damage, or loss being caused by a potentially dangerous substance, technology, or activity, or by a failure to do something, and the seriousness of the possible consequences; something that is regarded as likely to cause injury, damage, or loss. Understanding and managing risks helps farmers protect farm assets and ensure operational safety.

roller crusher: A machine used to condition freshly-cut grass. The swath of cut grass is picked up by the rolls and the stems are flattened as the grass is passed between them. Using roller crushers speeds up the drying process, improving forage quality.