F

Fenland: A large area of flat marshy land with alkaline water. Managing fenland provides opportunities for agriculture, conservation, and recreation.

Fasciation: An abnormal plant growth where several stems become fused together. This condition can affect crop yields and quality, requiring management practices to mitigate its impact.

Furze: A common shrub (Ulex europaeus) found in wasteland and formerly often cut and used as fodder after chaffing. Managing furze supports livestock nutrition and biodiversity.

Fat Class: The amount of external fat present on a beef or sheep carcass, classified from lean (class 1) to very fat (class 5). Understanding fat classes helps farmers meet market standards and optimize meat quality.

Factory Farm: A farm that uses intensive methods of rearing animals. Such methods can increase production efficiency and output, though farmers must balance these benefits with considerations for animal welfare and environmental impact.

Feed Compounds: A mixture of different ingredients, including major minerals, trace elements, and vitamins, blended to provide balanced diets for stock. Formulating feed compounds ensures optimal animal nutrition and performance.

Ferment: To produce alcohol and heat under the effect of yeast. Fermentation processes are used in making silage, wine, and other agricultural products.

Fibre: A long narrow plant cell with thickened walls that forms part of a plant’s supporting tissue, especially in the outer region of a stem. Fibre is also a hair, e.g., of a rabbit or goat. High-fibre crops and products provide valuable resources for agriculture and industry.

Foxtail Millet: The first cereal to be cultivated in China, used for silage, hay, brewing, and flour in many parts of the world, and in Britain it is used as birdseed. Properly managing foxtail millet production supports diverse crop options and agricultural productivity.

Food Processing Industry: The industry involved in treating raw materials to produce foodstuffs. Properly managing food processing supports food safety, quality, and marketability.