osier: A species of willow, the shoots of which are used in making baskets. Growing osier can provide farmers with an additional income stream through the sale of basketry materials. Understanding the cultivation and harvesting techniques for osier can enhance farm diversification and profitability.
oviparous: Referring to an animal that carries and lays eggs. Managing oviparous livestock requires understanding their reproductive needs and behaviors. Farmers can benefit from optimizing breeding and incubation practices to enhance egg production and hatchability.
Old English game: A breed of poultry, now mainly a fancy breed. The birds are colored black and white with blue wing tips. Raising Old English game can provide farmers with niche market opportunities for ornamental and exhibition purposes. Understanding the breed’s characteristics and care requirements can enhance profitability.
overproduction: The production of more of something than is wanted or needed. Managing production levels to match market demand is important for profitability. Farmers can benefit from understanding market trends and adjusting production strategies to avoid overproduction and maximize returns.
oestrogen: A steroid hormone that controls the reproductive cycle and the development of secondary sexual characteristics in female primates. Understanding oestrogen’s role is important for managing livestock reproduction. Farmers can benefit from hormone management practices to optimize breeding programs and improve reproductive efficiency.
orchard: An area of land used for growing fruit trees. Orchards can provide farmers with high-value crops and diversified income streams. Farmers can benefit from implementing best practices in orchard management, including pruning, pest control, and irrigation, to enhance fruit quality and yields.
overfertilisation: The application of too much fertiliser to land. Excessive fertilisation can lead to nutrient runoff and environmental pollution. Farmers can benefit from precision fertilisation techniques to apply the right amount of nutrients based on soil and crop needs, ensuring efficient use and minimizing environmental impact.
on-off grazing: A rotational grazing system. Implementing on-off grazing can improve pasture health and livestock nutrition. Farmers can benefit from understanding and applying rotational grazing practices to enhance forage availability, reduce soil erosion, and improve animal performance.
OFS: Organic Farming Scheme. The OFS supports farmers in transitioning to and maintaining organic farming practices by providing financial assistance. Participating in the OFS can help farmers adopt sustainable practices, improve soil health, and meet the growing market demand for organic products.
Oxford Down: The largest of the down breeds of sheep, produced by crossing Southdown improved stock with the longwoolled Cotswold. It has a dark-brown face and legs and a conspicuous topknot. Oxford Down sheep are valued for their meat quality and hardiness. Farmers can benefit from raising Oxford Down sheep to produce high-quality lamb and improve farm resilience.