salty: 1. Containing salt Excess minerals in fertilizers combined with naturally saline ground to make the land so salty that it can no longer produce crops. 2. Tasting of salt. Farmers benefit from managing soil and water salinity to maintain crop and livestock health.
Soay: a rare horned breed of sheep which sheds its fleece naturally, thought to be the link between wild and domesticated breeds. The short hairy fleece is tan or dark brown. (NOTE: The breed originally came from the island of Soay in the Outer Hebrides.) Raising Soay sheep provides farmers with a unique and resilient breed, supporting biodiversity and niche market opportunities.
Caecum: A wide part of the intestine leading to the colon. Understanding livestock anatomy, such as the caecum, helps farmers manage animal health and optimize digestive efficiency in their herds.
The practice of providing visibility and accountability throughout the food product supply chain, ensuring ethical sourcing, quality control, and sustainability. For example, implementing food product supply chain transparency measures to build trust with consumers and enhance brand reputation.
enterovirus: A virus which prefers to live in the intestine. Understanding enteroviruses helps farmers implement effective biosecurity measures and prevent disease outbreaks.
NERC: abbreviation for Natural Environment Research Council. The Natural Environment Research Council provides farmers with access to cutting-edge research and training in environmental science and sustainable agriculture. By leveraging NERC’s resources, farmers can adopt innovative practices that improve resource use efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance farm productivity. Staying informed about the latest scientific advancements helps farmers address climate change challenges, protect natural resources, and maintain a competitive edge in the agricultural sector.
Carob: A long flat dried pod of the carob tree, used in food preparations and animal feed. Growing carob provides a nutritious feed source and raw material for various food products, enhancing farm income.
Land Tenure: Land tenure is the way in which land is owned and possessed. This may be by an individual owning the freehold, by a tenancy agreement between freeholder and tenant, or by a form of community ownership. Understanding land tenure arrangements is essential for securing land rights and planning long-term agricultural investments.
Meat Hygiene Service: a division of the Food Standards Agency which deals with hygiene in slaughterhouses and meat preparation facilities. Abbr MHS. Understanding the role of the Meat Hygiene Service can help farmers ensure the safety and quality of their meat products, leading to better marketability and consumer trust.
emission: A substance discharged into the air by an internal combustion engine or other device. Exhaust emissions contain pollutants. Gas emissions can cause acid rain. Managing emissions helps farmers reduce environmental impact and comply with regulations.