O

out-of-season: Referring to a plant which is grown or sold at a time when it is not naturally available from outdoor cultivation. Growing out-of-season crops can provide farmers with premium prices and market opportunities. Farmers can benefit from using greenhouses and other technologies to produce out-of-season crops, ensuring a steady income throughout the year.

ovulate: To release an ovum from the mature ovarian follicle into the fallopian tube. Understanding ovulation is crucial for effective livestock breeding. Farmers can benefit from monitoring and managing ovulation cycles to improve reproductive success and increase herd productivity.

optimum: Referring to the point at which the condition or amount of something is the best. Understanding optimum conditions for crop and livestock production can enhance yields and quality. Farmers can benefit from precise management of environmental factors, inputs, and practices to achieve optimal results.

OTMS: Over Thirty Month Scheme. A scheme supporting farmers by providing payment and support for the disposal of cattle born or reared in the United Kingdom before August 1996. This helps farmers manage older cattle, comply with regulations, and maintain a healthy and productive herd.

Organic Entry Level Stewardship: One of the categories under the Environmental Stewardship scheme, under which organic farmers can apply for funding in return for implementing certain environmental management schemes on their land. Abbr OELS. The OELS offers financial incentives for farmers to implement environmental management practices on their land. Participating in OELS can help farmers adopt sustainable practices, enhance biodiversity, and improve soil and water quality, while also receiving financial support.

OECD: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The OECD provides valuable economic data and policy recommendations that can help farmers stay informed about global market trends and make strategic decisions. Engaging with OECD resources can support farm business planning and improve competitiveness.

outstation: In New Zealand and Australia, a sheep station separate from the main station. Managing outstations effectively can enhance livestock production and resource use. Farmers can benefit from optimizing outstation management to improve animal welfare and productivity.

overexploitation: The uncontrolled use of natural resources until there is very little left. Overexploitation can lead to resource depletion and environmental damage. Farmers can benefit from adopting sustainable resource management practices to ensure long-term productivity and ecological balance.

OM: Organic matter. Organic matter is crucial for soil health, improving water retention, nutrient availability, and soil structure. Farmers can benefit from incorporating organic matter through composting, cover cropping, and reduced tillage to enhance soil fertility and sustainability.

outfields: In hill farms, the fields furthest from the homestead, cropped only from time to time and allowed to lie fallow for long periods. Managing outfields effectively can improve soil health and pasture quality. Farmers can benefit from rotational grazing and crop rotation practices to enhance the productivity and sustainability of outfields.