F

Foetal: Referring to a foetus. Proper management of foetal development ensures healthy livestock births and productivity.

Fairy Ring: A circle of darker colored grass in a pasture, caused by fungi. Farmers can use this knowledge to identify and manage soil health and fungal issues in their pastures.

Food and Agriculture Organization: An international organization that is an agency of the United Nations, established to improve standards of nutrition and eradicate malnutrition and hunger. Abbr FAO. This organization provides resources and guidance to farmers worldwide, promoting sustainable agriculture and food security.

Fly Blown: Referring to a fleece laden with maggot-fly eggs. Properly managing fly infestations helps protect sheep health and wool quality.

Farm Produce: Food such as fruit, vegetables, meat, milk, and butter, which is produced on a farm. High-quality farm produce is essential for market success and consumer satisfaction.

Flixweed: A common annual weed (Descurainia sophia). Effective weed management practices are necessary to control flixweed and protect crop yields.

Fuel: A substance that can be burnt to provide heat or power, e.g., wood, coal, gas, or oil. Properly managing fuel resources supports energy efficiency and farm operations.

Farm to Fork: The chain of food supply from the farm where it is produced to the consumer. Understanding this chain helps farmers improve food safety, quality, and traceability.

Free: Not attached, confined, or controlled. Ensuring livestock and crops have free access to necessary resources supports their health and productivity.

Feed Stance: An open stall in a building where animals can feed. Proper design of feed stances ensures efficient feeding and animal comfort.

Flock: A large group of birds or some farm animals such as sheep and goats. Managing flocks effectively ensures animal health and productivity.

Farm Business Survey: A survey carried out by Defra on the financial performance of different types of farms. Abbr FBS. This survey helps farmers benchmark their performance and make informed business decisions.

Fauna: The wild animals and birds that live naturally in a specific area. Compare flora. Protecting fauna supports biodiversity and ecological balance on farms.

Farmed: Grown or produced commercially and not in the wild. For example, farmed salmon. Farmed products help meet market demand and can be managed sustainably.

Food Safety Act 1990: Legislation setting hygiene standards for food producers and suppliers. This act helps ensure food safety and quality, benefiting farmers and consumers.

Floury: Soft and powdery, like flour. Floury potatoes are varieties that turn easily into flour when cooked. Growing floury potatoes provides a valuable food source and supports diverse crop production.

Fair: A regular meeting for the sale of goods or animals, often with sideshows and other entertainments. Fairs provide farmers with opportunities to market their products, network with other farmers, and learn about new farming techniques and technologies.

FAC: Abbreviation for Food Advisory Committee. This committee provides guidance on food safety and standards, ensuring that farmers’ products meet regulatory requirements and are safe for consumption, thereby protecting public health and enhancing marketability.

Field Crop: A crop grown over a wide area, e.g., most agricultural crops and some market-garden crops. Effective field crop management ensures high yields and sustainable farming practices.

Farmscape: A landscape dominated by agriculture. Farmland is the main element in farmscape, though non-agricultural uses may be included. Creating a balanced farmscape supports both productivity and environmental health.

Food Mile: A measure of the distance that food is transported from its place of origin to the consumer. Managing food miles supports sustainable food systems and reduces environmental impact.