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Old English game: A breed of poultry, now mainly a fancy breed. The birds are colored black and white with blue wing tips. Raising Old English game can provide farmers with niche market opportunities for ornamental and exhibition purposes. Understanding the breed’s characteristics and care requirements can enhance profitability.

overproduction: The production of more of something than is wanted or needed. Managing production levels to match market demand is important for profitability. Farmers can benefit from understanding market trends and adjusting production strategies to avoid overproduction and maximize returns.

oestrogen: A steroid hormone that controls the reproductive cycle and the development of secondary sexual characteristics in female primates. Understanding oestrogen’s role is important for managing livestock reproduction. Farmers can benefit from hormone management practices to optimize breeding programs and improve reproductive efficiency.

orchard: An area of land used for growing fruit trees. Orchards can provide farmers with high-value crops and diversified income streams. Farmers can benefit from implementing best practices in orchard management, including pruning, pest control, and irrigation, to enhance fruit quality and yields.

overfertilisation: The application of too much fertiliser to land. Excessive fertilisation can lead to nutrient runoff and environmental pollution. Farmers can benefit from precision fertilisation techniques to apply the right amount of nutrients based on soil and crop needs, ensuring efficient use and minimizing environmental impact.

on-off grazing: A rotational grazing system. Implementing on-off grazing can improve pasture health and livestock nutrition. Farmers can benefit from understanding and applying rotational grazing practices to enhance forage availability, reduce soil erosion, and improve animal performance.

OFS: Organic Farming Scheme. The OFS supports farmers in transitioning to and maintaining organic farming practices by providing financial assistance. Participating in the OFS can help farmers adopt sustainable practices, improve soil health, and meet the growing market demand for organic products.

Oxford Down: The largest of the down breeds of sheep, produced by crossing Southdown improved stock with the longwoolled Cotswold. It has a dark-brown face and legs and a conspicuous topknot. Oxford Down sheep are valued for their meat quality and hardiness. Farmers can benefit from raising Oxford Down sheep to produce high-quality lamb and improve farm resilience.

organophosphorous insecticide: An organic compound containing phosphorus used as an insecticide. Organophosphorous insecticides are effective but highly toxic. Farmers can benefit from using integrated pest management practices to reduce reliance on organophosphates and minimize health and environmental risks.

orphaned animal: A young animal whose mother has died, and is therefore either fostered onto another animal or has to be hand-reared. Managing orphaned animals requires special care to ensure their health and development. Farmers can benefit from fostering techniques and proper nutrition to raise healthy orphaned animals and maintain productivity.