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maiden: a tree in its first year after grafting or budding, when it is formed of a single stem. Understanding the growth stages of trees can help farmers manage orchards more effectively, ensuring healthy tree development and better fruit yields.

myiasis: infestation by fly maggots. Understanding and managing myiasis can help farmers protect their livestock and ensure better health and productivity.

Merino: a breed of sheep which originated in North Africa and was then introduced into Spain. It is now bred in all parts of the world, especially in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, for its dense soft fine fleece, with strong and curly fibers. Raising Merino sheep can provide farmers with high-quality wool, contributing to better income and marketability.

melon: a plant of the cucumber family (Cucumis melo) with a sweet fruit. The flesh of the fruit varies from green to orange or white. Growing melons can provide farmers with a high-value crop, particularly for markets interested in fresh fruit.

marking: the practice of putting a mark on an animal to identify who it belongs to, e.g. a brand on the skin. Effective marking can help farmers manage their livestock more efficiently, ensuring better record-keeping and traceability.

monosaccharide: a simple sugar such as glucose. Understanding the role of monosaccharides can help farmers manage livestock nutrition more effectively, ensuring better health and productivity.

meter: a device to measure a physical property such as current, rate of flow or air speed. Understanding the uses and applications of meters can help farmers manage resources and operations more effectively, ensuring better productivity.

Miranda: a breed of cattle found in Portugal. The animals are dark brown in colour, with horns coloured white with black tips. Mirandas are bred for meat and for draught. Raising Miranda cattle can provide farmers with a versatile and productive breed, contributing to better income and farm sustainability.

mutation: a change in the structure of a gene, which may result in a change in a characteristic of an organism, and which can be inherited by later generations. Understanding the role and implications of mutations can help farmers improve their breeding programs and genetic studies.

mangosteen: a tree (Garcinia mangostana) which is native to Malaysia, but which is now cultivated in the West Indies. The fruit has a dark shiny rind and a soft sweet white flesh. Growing mangosteen can provide farmers with a unique and high-value crop, particularly in regions with suitable climates, contributing to income diversification and economic stability.