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Northern Dairy Shorthorn: a dairy breed of cattle, which comes from the old Teeswater cattle, with perhaps a little Ayrshire blood. It is now established as a pure breed. The most popular color is light roan, but red, white, and mixtures of shades are found. The animals are thrifty, hardy, and suitable for harsh upland conditions. The Northern Dairy Shorthorn breed is valued for its adaptability, hardiness, and milk production in challenging environments. Farmers can benefit from raising this breed to produce high-quality milk and maintain resilient herds. Understanding the breed’s specific care and management needs helps optimize production and enhance farm profitability.

nematode: a type of roundworm, some of which, e.g., hookworms, are parasites of animals while others, e.g., root knot and cyst nematodes, live in the roots or stems of plants. Nematodes can pose serious threats to both crops and livestock. Farmers can benefit from regular monitoring and early detection of nematode infestations. Implementing management practices such as crop rotation, resistant varieties, and biological controls can help mitigate the impact of nematodes. Effective nematode management ensures healthier crops and animals, leading to improved farm productivity and profitability.

new chemicals: plural noun the chemicals that were not listed in the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances between January 1971 and September 1981. Compare existing chemicals. Staying informed about new chemicals and their regulatory status helps farmers make safe and effective choices for pest control, fertilization, and other farm operations. Understanding the properties and potential risks of new chemicals ensures responsible use, protecting both crops and the environment. Farmers can benefit from adopting innovative chemical solutions that enhance productivity while maintaining safety and compliance with regulations.

nurse crop: a crop grown to give protection to young plants of a perennial crop which is being established. Nurse crops provide shade and act as windbreaks. Growing nurse crops can protect young perennial plants, such as trees or vines, from harsh environmental conditions and promote their establishment. Farmers can benefit from using nurse crops to improve seedling survival rates, enhance soil health, and reduce erosion. Understanding the selection and management of nurse crops helps optimize crop establishment and long-term productivity. Implementing nurse crop practices supports sustainable farming and resource conservation.

NNR: abbreviation for National Nature Reserve. National Nature Reserves protect vital ecosystems and biodiversity, which can benefit farmers by supporting pollinators, natural pest control, and soil health. Farmers near NNRs can adopt conservation practices that complement the reserve’s goals, enhancing their land’s ecological value and sustainability. Collaborating with NNRs can also provide farmers with opportunities for eco-tourism and educational activities, diversifying their income streams.

nucleus: the central body in a cell, containing DNA and RNA, and controlling the function and characteristics of the cell. Understanding cell biology, including the role of the nucleus, helps farmers and researchers develop better breeding and crop improvement strategies. Knowledge of genetic principles and cellular functions can lead to advancements in plant and animal breeding, improving productivity, disease resistance, and overall farm performance. Farmers can benefit from adopting new technologies and practices based on cellular and genetic research to enhance their operations and sustainability.

nominated service: artificial insemination with semen from a named and tested male animal. Nominated services in artificial insemination provide farmers with access to high-quality, genetically superior male animals. This practice helps improve the genetic quality of livestock, enhancing traits such as productivity, disease resistance, and overall performance. Farmers can benefit from using nominated services to achieve specific breeding goals, increase herd or flock quality, and enhance farm profitability. Access to reliable genetic resources supports sustainable livestock production and long-term farm success.

nature conservation: the active management of the Earth’s natural resources, plants, animals, and environment, to ensure that they survive or are appropriately used. Nature conservation practices on farms can enhance biodiversity, protect soil and water resources, and support sustainable agriculture. Farmers can benefit from participating in conservation programs that provide financial incentives, technical assistance, and recognition for their efforts. Implementing conservation practices can improve farm resilience, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the farm’s reputation as a steward of the land.

native breeds: plural noun breeds which have been developed in a country, and not brought in from other countries. Native breeds are often well-adapted to local conditions, including climate and available feed resources. Farmers can benefit from raising native breeds as they typically exhibit greater resistance to local diseases, require fewer inputs, and can thrive on locally available feed. This can lead to reduced veterinary costs, improved animal welfare, and sustainable livestock production. Additionally, marketing products from native breeds can attract consumers interested in supporting heritage and local agriculture.

nylon: a synthetic material made from polymers, used in ropes, strings, etc. Nylon is a durable and versatile material used in various agricultural applications, including fencing, netting, and equipment components. Farmers can benefit from using nylon products for their strength, weather resistance, and longevity. Understanding the properties and appropriate uses of nylon supports effective farm management and maintenance. Utilizing high-quality materials like nylon enhances farm efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures reliable performance in agricultural operations.