F

Fish: A cold-blooded vertebrate that lives in water. Some species are eaten for food. Fish are high in protein, phosphorus, iodine, and vitamins A and D. White fish have very little oil. Aquaculture and fish farming provide farmers with valuable protein sources and diversify farm income.

Fascioliasis: A disease caused by an infestation of parasitic liver flukes. Farmers must monitor and treat livestock for fascioliasis to maintain herd health and productivity.

Finishing Ration: Feed given to animals to prepare them for slaughter. A finishing ration includes silage, beet pulp, and by-products such as outsize carrots. Proper formulation of finishing rations ensures optimal growth and meat quality.

Food Pyramid: A chart of a food chain showing the number of organisms at each level. Understanding food pyramids helps farmers manage ecosystems and support biodiversity on their farms.

Fowl Pest: A viral disease of chickens. Proper monitoring and control measures are essential to prevent the spread of fowl pest and maintain poultry health.

Flood Irrigation: A method of irrigation using water brought down by a river in flood. The floodwaters are led off into specially prepared basins. Proper flood irrigation techniques ensure efficient water use and crop irrigation.

Family Farm: A farm unit owned and operated by one family. Family farms often focus on sustainable practices and community-oriented farming.

Food Advisory Committee: A UK agency advising ministers on matters relating to the labeling, composition, and safety of food. Abbr FAC. This committee helps ensure food safety and quality, benefiting farmers and consumers.

Friesian: A breed of black and white dairy cattle, famous for its very high milk yields. Properly managing Friesian cattle ensures high-quality milk production and dairy farm profitability.

Fig: A tree (Ficus spp) with soft sweet fruit with many small seeds, grown mainly in Mediterranean countries. Growing figs adds diversity to farm crops and provides nutritious fruit for consumption and sale.

Full-Time Farmer: A farmer who derives their living from agriculture, as distinct from a part-time farmer. Properly managing full-time farming operations ensures farm productivity and profitability.

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.

Fruitwaste: A residue left after juice has been extracted from fruit, used as animal feed. Properly managing fruitwaste supports sustainable farming practices and livestock nutrition.

Forestry Commission: A UK government agency responsible for the management of state-owned forests. This commission provides valuable resources and guidance to farmers on best practices for forest management.

Farming Community: A group of families living near each other and having farming as their main source of income. Strong farming communities support knowledge sharing, cooperation, and local economies.

Field Book: An annual record of field utilization and other operations, kept on a farm. Maintaining a field book helps farmers track their activities, plan crop rotations, and manage resources effectively.

Farm Gate Prices: Prices which a farmer receives for his or her produce. Understanding farm gate prices helps farmers negotiate better deals and plan their finances.

Farmyard Manure: Manure formed of cattle excreta mixed with straw, used as a fertilizer. Abbr FYM. Proper use of farmyard manure improves soil fertility and reduces waste.

Freeze Drying: A method of preserving food or tissue specimens by freezing rapidly and drying in a vacuum. Properly managing freeze drying ensures high-quality preservation and storage of food products.

Feeder: 1. Something which supplies or adds to something else of the same type. 2. A container from which livestock are fed. Proper use of feeders ensures efficient feeding and reduces waste.

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.