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sheep tick: A small wingless dipterous insect, parasitic on sheep. Also called sheep ked. Farmers benefit from managing sheep tick infestations to protect livestock health and productivity.

shelter: A structure or feature providing protection from wind, sun, rain or other weather conditions. Farmers benefit from providing shelters to protect crops and livestock from adverse weather conditions.

singling: 1. The process of reducing the number of plants in a row 2. The process of reducing the number of plants from a multigerm seed to a single plant. Farmers benefit from managing singling for efficient and effective crop production.

shank: The lower part of a horse’s leg between the knee and the foot. Farmers benefit from understanding shank anatomy for effective horse management and care.

Se: Se symbol selenium. Selenium is a trace element essential for animal health. Farmers benefit from understanding selenium’s role in preventing deficiencies and ensuring livestock productivity.

Scottish halfbreed: A crossbred type of sheep obtained by using a Border Leicester ram on a Cheviot ewe. They are used widely in lowland Britain. Farmers benefit from raising Scottish halfbreeds for their adaptability and efficient meat and wool production.

stone: a single small piece of rock; a hard endocarp that surrounds a seed in a fruit such as a cherry. Properly managing stones in fields and crops ensures healthy plant growth and efficient farm operations.

Shetland: A rare breed of cattle, native to the Shetland Isles. It is medium-sized, black and white, with short legs, short horns and a bulky body. A breed of sheep, native to the Shetland Isles. The colour varies from white, through grey and black to light brown; the ewes are polled and the rams horned; it produces fine soft wool of high quality, used in the Shetland wool industry. A small Shetland ewe yields a fleece 1.5–2 kilos in weight. A breed of pony, used as a riding horse for children. Farmers benefit from raising Shetland breeds for their hardiness and valuable products, including wool, meat, and pony services.

Simmental: A breed of cattle originating in Switzerland, the colour of which is yellowish-brown or red. It is a dual-purpose breed, with a high growth rate potential and good carcass quality. Farmers benefit from raising Simmental cattle for their efficient meat and milk production.

sandy soil: Soil containing a high proportion, approximately 50%, of sand particles. Sandy soil feels gritty. These soils drain easily and are naturally low in plant nutrients through leaching. They are often called ‘light’ soils, as they are easy to work and also ‘hungry’ soils since they need fertilizer. Market gardening is particularly well-suited to sandy soils. Farmers benefit from managing sandy soils to improve water retention and nutrient levels for successful crop production.

substratum: a layer of rock beneath the topsoil and subsoil. COMMENT: The plural is substrata. Properly managing substratum ensures soil stability and fertility, supporting productive agriculture.

snow mould: a fungal pre-emergent blight and root rot of cereals (Micronectriella nivalis). Managing snow mould ensures healthy cereal crops, preventing yield losses and maintaining quality.

springer: a cow almost ready to calve. Also called down-calver. Properly managing springers ensures healthy calving and productivity in dairy and beef operations.

synthetic hormone: a hormone manufactured from synthetic materials. Understanding and using synthetic hormones effectively supports healthy plant and livestock growth, enhancing farm productivity.

slurry spreader: a machine which spreads slurry. Using slurry spreaders ensures efficient application of slurry, improving soil fertility and supporting sustainable farming practices.

SEPA: Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Farmers benefit from engaging with SEPA to ensure environmentally sustainable farming practices.

spermicide: a substance that kills spermatozoa. Using spermicides helps farmers manage reproduction in livestock, supporting population control and productivity.

selection: The process of identifying plants or animals with desirable characteristics such as high yield or disease resistance as part of the activity of breeding new varieties. An individual chosen from a group in a breeding programme on the basis of distinctive characteristics. Farmers benefit from selection processes to improve crop and livestock productivity.

shade plants: Plants which prefer to grow in the shade. Farmers benefit from growing shade plants to diversify crops and optimize land use.

spray irrigation: a system of irrigation using sprinklers which are located along a boom. Some booms rotate and can distribute water over a large circular area. Using spray irrigation ensures efficient water distribution, promoting healthy crop growth and sustainable water use.

secondary substances: Chemical substances found in plant leaves, believed to be a form of defence against herbivores. Farmers benefit from understanding secondary substances to improve crop protection and resistance.