F

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.

Forward Creep Grazing: A grazing method where grassland allocated to ewes and lambs during the fattening period is divided into paddocks separated by portable fencing. Moving the fencing allows the animals to access new areas as one is finished. Properly managing forward creep grazing ensures efficient pasture use and livestock nutrition.

Foot Rot: A disease of the horny parts and soft tissue of sheep’s feet, occurring particularly in wet marshy and badly-drained pastures, caused primarily by the organism Fusiformis necrophorus and sometimes Fusiformis nodosus. Managing foot rot through proper practices ensures sheep health and productivity.

Farrier: A person who makes and fits shoes for horses. Proper hoof care by a farrier ensures the health and performance of horses on a farm.

Fescue: A common name for about 100 species of grasses, including many valuable pasture and fodder species. Growing fescue provides nutritious forage for livestock and supports sustainable pasture management.

Fair Average Quality: The average quality of agricultural produce based on samples taken from bulk. Abbr FAQ. Understanding fair average quality helps farmers meet market standards and ensures consistent product quality for better sales and customer satisfaction.

Felling Licence: Permission from the Forestry Commission to fell trees. Managing tree felling with proper licences ensures sustainable forestry practices and environmental protection.

Flight Feathers: The main feathers on a bird’s wing, properly called the ‘primaries’. Managing flight feathers is important for the health and welfare of poultry and other birds on the farm.

Fruitwood: The wood from a fruit tree such as apple or cherry, which may be used to make furniture. Properly managing fruitwood supports timber production and farm diversification.

Fibrous: Made of a mass of fibres. Fibrous rooted plants have roots that are masses of tiny threads with no major roots like tap roots. Growing fibrous rooted plants helps improve soil structure and prevent erosion.