R

rural development: A program of activities undertaken to ensure that rural areas remain economically and socially sustainable. Promoting rural development supports agricultural growth and improves rural livelihoods.

round baler: A tractor-drawn machine which straddles the swath with a pickup cylinder. The crop is passed over a system of belts to form a round bale; when the bale is complete, twine is wrapped around it and it is thrown out of the machine. Using round balers supports efficient forage harvesting and storage.

regulate: To change or maintain something by law; to control the growth of a plant. Effective regulation ensures sustainable farming practices and compliance with agricultural standards.

refrigerator ship: A ship which carries produce under refrigerated conditions. Utilizing refrigerator ships enables farmers to export perishable goods to international markets while preserving quality.

reaping hook: A short-handled semicircular implement with a sharp blade, formerly used for cutting corn by hand. Understanding traditional tools like the reaping hook provides historical context for modern agricultural practices.

red grouse: A species of grouse native to the British Isles. Maintaining populations of red grouse can enhance biodiversity and support sustainable hunting practices.

ryegrass: A term for a most important group of grasses. Many varieties of hybrid ryegrass are now used. They are crosses between perennial and Italian ryegrasses, and often also tetraploids. Growing ryegrass supports pasture health and livestock nutrition.

ray fungus: A bacterium which affects grasses and cereals, and can cause actinomycosis in cattle. Managing this bacterium helps protect crop and livestock health, ensuring stable farm productivity.

royalty: A payment made to plant breeders for the use of seed of registered plant varieties. Understanding royalty payments helps farmers access high-quality seeds and support plant breeding programs.

rainmaking: The attempt to create rain by releasing crystals of salt, carbon dioxide, and other substances into clouds. Although experimental, successful rainmaking can help farmers in drought-prone areas maintain crop yields.