seed drill: A machine consisting of a hopper carried on wheels with a feed mechanism which delivers grain to seed tubes. Most seed drills are designed to plant seed in prepared seed beds. Drills for cereals and grasses sow the seed at random, while precision drills, used mainly for sugar beet and vegetable crops, place seed at preset intervals in the rows. Precision drills are also called seeder units. Farmers benefit from using seed drills for efficient and precise planting.
Lupin: Lupin is a leguminous plant (Lupinus polyphyllus) grown as a crop for protein and seed oil. Lupins were originally grown in the UK as green manure on acid sandy soils, and for some sheep folding. They are now grown for grain production. The seeds of lupin contain 3040% protein and 1012% edible oil. The white lupin is an early-ripening sweet type but is difficult to harvest and must be combined carefully. Growing lupins can provide farmers with a nutritious and marketable crop for animal feed and oil production.
herbivore: An animal that feeds only on plants. Managing herbivores in a farm setting ensures balanced diets and healthy growth for livestock.
early bite: Grazing in the spring provided by new growths of grass which sprout when the weather gets warmer. Early bite can help farmers optimize grazing schedules and improve livestock health.
ICCO: International Cocoa Organization – an international organization set up to stabilize the international market in cocoa by holding buffer stocks to offset seasonal differences in production quantities. Supports cocoa farmers’ livelihoods.
Countryside Stewardship Scheme: Countryside Stewardship Scheme noun formerly in England and Wales, a system of payments made to landowners and farmers who alter their farming practices to benefit the natural environment and maintain biodiversity (NOTE: The Countryside Stewardship Scheme has now been superseded by the Environmental Stewardship scheme). The Defra-funded Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Areas schemes help to maintain and enhance the biodiversity and landscape value of farmed land, protect historic features, and promote public access. (Delivering the evidence. Defras Science and Innovation Strategy, 200306). Engaging in the Countryside Stewardship Scheme supports biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
productivity: The rate at which something is produced. Helpful content: Measuring and improving productivity is crucial for farm management. Farmers can use productivity metrics to evaluate performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance efficiency.
ploughshare: A heavy metal blade of a plough, which cuts the bottom of the furrow. Helpful content: Maintaining sharp and properly aligned ploughshares ensures efficient soil cutting and turning. This leads to better seedbed preparation and improved crop establishment.
Larval: Larval refers to the stage of an insect or other animal before it becomes an adult. Proper pest control during the larval stage can prevent crop damage.
desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes desert as a result of various factors, including drought, deforestation, and inappropriate agriculture. Preventing desertification is crucial for maintaining productive farmland.