M

mollusc: a type of animal that has a soft body, sometimes protected by a shell, such as a snail or slug. Understanding the role and management of molluscs can help farmers protect their crops and ensure better productivity.

moisture holding capacity: the amount of water that a soil can hold. Abbr MHC. Understanding moisture holding capacity can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

milker: 1. a cow which is giving milk 2. a cow which is kept for milk 3. a farmworker who supervises the milking of cows 4. the part of the milking machine which is attached to the cow’s teats with teat cups. Proper management of milkers can ensure better milk yield and quality, contributing to farm profitability and sustainability.

Manx Loghtan: a rare breed of sheep, which is native to the Isle of Man. The wool is mouse-brown and the animals are multi-horned. Raising Manx Loghtan sheep can provide farmers with a unique and high-value product, particularly for niche markets interested in rare breeds and specialty wool.

male: referring to an animal that produces sperm or a flower that produces pollen. Understanding the role of male plants and animals in reproduction can help farmers manage breeding programs more effectively, leading to better crop and livestock productivity.

Master of Foxhounds Association: a group which provides information to foxhunters and hunt leaders. Abbr MFHA. Understanding the role of the Master of Foxhounds Association can help farmers engaged in foxhunting activities manage their operations more effectively.

mower: a machine which cuts grass or cereal crops, or cuts them and drops them onto the ground. Proper use and maintenance of mowers can help farmers manage crop and pasture health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

microenvironment: same as microhabitat. Understanding microenvironments can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

metritis: an infection of the lining of the womb in cattle, the symptoms of which are a white discharge and/or a high temperature. Also called whites. Understanding and managing metritis can help farmers ensure the health and productivity of their livestock.

meadow fescue: a perennial grass (Festuca pratensis) which has considerable importance for hay and grazing. It is a highly productive grass which flourishes when sown with Timothy. Growing meadow fescue can provide farmers with a valuable forage crop, improving livestock nutrition and farm sustainability.