W

white bird’s-eye: Same as chickweed. Managing chickweed can prevent competition with crops and improve pasture quality.

welfare: The fact of being happy, healthy, and well-looked-after. Ensuring animal welfare can improve productivity and farm sustainability.

Welfare of Animals Order 1997: A piece of legislation which sets out the minimum standard of welfare for animal in transport, including guidelines on vehicle condition, journey times, and necessary documentation. Abbr WATO. Complying with WATO regulations can ensure humane treatment of animals during transport, improving welfare standards.

water buffalo: A large buffalo with a grey-black coat and long backward-sloping horns (Bubalus bubalis), which is kept for its meat and used as a draught animal especially in Asia. Raising water buffalo can diversify livestock production and provide valuable meat and labor resources.

wasteland: An area of land that is no longer used for agriculture or for any other purpose. Reclaiming wasteland for agriculture can expand farm operations and improve land use.

well: A hole dug in the ground to the level of the water table, from which water can be removed by a pump or bucket. Using wells can provide a reliable water source for irrigation and livestock.

wood ash: Wood ash is the ash from burnt wood, a source of potash. Farmers can use wood ash as a natural fertilizer to improve soil fertility and crop yields.

Weil’s disease: A sometimes fatal disease of humans caused by Leptospira bacteria, caught from the urine of infected cattle or rats. Preventing Weil’s disease can protect human health and ensure safe farming practices.

weaner: A young animal which has been weaned, especially a young pig. Managing weaners can ensure their health and growth, improving meat production.

woodland: Woodland is an area with trees and spaces between them. Managing woodlands on farms supports biodiversity, provides habitat for wildlife, and can offer additional resources like timber and forage.