S

standard: something which has been agreed on and is used to measure other things by; a plant grown on a single long stem that is kept from forming branches except at the top; a type of fruit tree or rose tree where the stem is about two metres high, on top of which the head is developed; a large tree in a woodland. Using standard practices ensures consistency and quality in agricultural production, supporting market value and consumer trust.

sprayer: a machine which forces a liquid through a nozzle under pressure, used to distribute liquids such as herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and fertilisers. Using sprayers ensures efficient application of agricultural inputs, promoting healthy crop growth and better yields.

scion: A piece of a plant which is grafted onto a rootstock. Farmers benefit from using scions for grafting to propagate desirable plant varieties.

spoilage: the process of food becoming inedible, especially because of poor storage conditions. Proper storage and handling of food products prevent spoilage, ensuring quality and reducing losses.

strip cultivation: a method of communal farming in which each family has a long thin piece or several long thin pieces of land to cultivate. Properly managing strip cultivation ensures efficient land use and sustainable agricultural practices.

sugar beet harvester: a machine for harvesting sugar beet, which may be trailed or self-propelled. The machine cuts off the beet tops, lifts the root, cleans off the soil and conveys the beet to a hopper which is then emptied by a second elevator onto a trailer. Using sugar beet harvesters ensures efficient harvesting and productivity, reducing labor costs and enhancing farm profitability.

SASSAS: Set-aside scheme. Farmers benefit from participating in SASSAS for land management and conservation incentives.

stamen: a male part of a flower consisting of a stalk (filament) bearing a container (anther) in which pollen is produced. Understanding the structure and function of stamens helps farmers manage plant reproduction and optimize yields.

secateurs: A cutting tool, like small shears with sharp curved blades, used for pruning. Farmers benefit from using secateurs for efficient pruning and plant management.

silage liquor: A liquid which forms in silage and drains away from the silo. Farmers benefit from managing silage liquor to prevent environmental contamination and ensure sustainable farming practices.

stile: a set of steps arranged so that people can climb over a wall or fence. Properly managing stiles ensures safe and efficient movement across farm boundaries, supporting farm operations.

slapmark: the herdmark allocated by Defra, put on both shoulders of a pig. Ensuring slapmarks are legible helps farmers comply with regulations and maintain accurate records for traceability and biosecurity.

seed rate: The amount of seed sown per hectare shown as kilos per hectare (kg/ha). Farmers benefit from understanding and managing seed rates for optimal crop density and yield.

self-feed: To take a controlled amount of feed from a large container as required. Farmers benefit from using self-feed systems for efficient and consistent livestock feeding.

synergism: the interaction of two or more organisms or chemicals that produce an effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. Understanding and managing synergism ensures optimal interactions and productivity in agricultural systems.

Swedish Red and White: a dual-purpose breed of cattle found in Central and Southern Sweden. The animals are cherry red in colour with white markings. Properly managing Swedish Red and White cattle ensures healthy growth and productivity, supporting farm profitability and sustainability.

Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy: a strategy produced by Defra to support farming and food industries in working towards practices that will lead to a better environment and healthy and prosperous communities. Engaging with sustainability strategies ensures farmers adopt practices that support long-term productivity and environmental health.

sisal: a tropical plant (Agave rigida) which yields a hard fibre used for making binder twine and mats. Cultivating sisal provides farmers with a valuable crop for the production of durable goods, enhancing economic stability and providing employment opportunities.

support buying: same as intervention buying. Understanding and managing support buying ensures financial stability and market access for farmers, supporting farm profitability.

short duration ley: A ley which is kept only for a short time. Farmers benefit from managing short duration leys for efficient pasture rotation and forage production.

stabiliser: an artificial substance added to processed food such as sauces containing water and fat to stop the mixture from changing. Also called stabilising agent. Using stabilisers in food production ensures product consistency and quality, supporting market value and consumer trust.