F

Flatten: To become flat or make something flat. To make plants lie flat on the ground. Flattened stems by a roller-crusher. Properly managing flattened crops ensures easier harvesting and reduces crop loss.

Finish: To feed cattle or sheep at a rate of growth that increases the ratio of muscle to bone and the proportion of fatty tissue in the carcass to a level fit for slaughter. Proper finishing practices ensure high-quality meat and marketability.

Foldland: An area of land allotted to each manor for the purpose of grazing the manor’s sheep. Understanding historical land use practices supports the management of grazing systems.

Foliage: The leaves on plants. Properly managing foliage supports plant health, photosynthesis, and crop yields.

Foodstuff: Something that can be used as food, such as cereals, vegetables, and other foodstuffs. Properly managing foodstuffs ensures high-quality food production and marketability.

Fertilise: 1. (of a sperm) to join with an ovum. 2. (of a male) to make a female pregnant. 3. To put fertiliser on crops or soil. Proper fertilisation practices enhance crop growth and soil health.

Farmer’s Lung: A type of asthma caused by an allergy to rotting hay. Awareness and prevention of farmer’s lung help protect the respiratory health of farm workers.

Farrowing: The act of giving birth to piglets. Managing farrowing properly ensures the health and productivity of sows and piglets.

Fineness Count: A scale used to assess the fineness of wool fibres. Understanding wool fineness helps farmers produce high-quality wool for the textile industry.

Fallen Stock: Dead animals on a farm. Proper disposal and management of fallen stock are crucial for biosecurity and preventing the spread of diseases.