F

Followers: Young cows in a dairy herd that are not yet in milk and are being reared to replace the older stock. Properly managing followers ensures a continuous supply of productive dairy cows.

Foaling: The act of giving birth to a foal. Proper management of foaling ensures the health and welfare of mares and foals.

Fodder Radish: A type of brassica grown primarily for use as a green fodder crop. Growing fodder radish provides nutritious feed for livestock and supports soil health.

Fagopyrum: The Latin name for buckwheat, a plant cultivated for its grain-like seeds and as a cover crop. Buckwheat is beneficial for farmers as it improves soil health, prevents erosion, and provides a nutritious food source.

Fodder Beet: A root crop bred from sugar beet and mangolds, usually grown after cereals and used to feed stock. Properly managing fodder beet production ensures a valuable feed source for livestock.

Frog: 1. The part of a plough to which the mouldboard and share are attached. 2. A tough flexible pad in the middle of the sole of a horse’s hoof. Properly managing frogs ensures efficient plough operation and horse health.

Food Safety: The issues surrounding the production, handling, storage, and cooking of food that determine whether or not it is safe to eat. Properly managing food safety ensures high-quality food products and protects public health.

First Calf Heifer: A heifer that has borne its first calf. Managing first calf heifers ensures their health and productivity as they enter the milking herd.

Forward Creep Grazing: A grazing method where grassland allocated to ewes and lambs during the fattening period is divided into paddocks separated by portable fencing. Moving the fencing allows the animals to access new areas as one is finished. Properly managing forward creep grazing ensures efficient pasture use and livestock nutrition.

Foot Rot: A disease of the horny parts and soft tissue of sheep’s feet, occurring particularly in wet marshy and badly-drained pastures, caused primarily by the organism Fusiformis necrophorus and sometimes Fusiformis nodosus. Managing foot rot through proper practices ensures sheep health and productivity.