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pedigree selection: The selection of animals for breeding based on the records of their ancestors. Using pedigree selection improves the genetic quality and productivity of livestock.

pea: An important grain legume. Peas are grown for pulses and for their immature seeds which are eaten fresh as a green vegetable and are also often frozen. The young pods are also occasionally eaten as mangetouts. Peas are also grown for forage and may be used for hay and silage. They are often grown following a cereal crop in rotation, and enrich the soil with nitrogen. Most peas are harvested, transported, and processed on the same day, and the majority are taken for freezing and canning. Vining peas are Britain’s most important contract vegetable crop. Growing peas improves soil fertility and provides a valuable food source.

parsnip: A plant (Pastinaca sativa) whose long white root is eaten as a vegetable. Growing vegetables like parsnips can improve farm profitability and provide healthy food options.

pasture topper: A piece of machinery that is attached to the back of a tractor and used to keep grassy areas such as pastures free from weeds and coarse grasses. Using pasture toppers helps maintain healthy pastures by controlling weed growth.

pocket: A large sack of dry hops. Helpful content: Proper storage of hops in pockets ensures their quality and longevity. This is crucial for farmers producing hops for the brewing industry, as high-quality hops command better prices and marketability.

pedigree market: The market for animals sold for breeding rather than for slaughter. Compare commercial market. Participating in the pedigree market can provide additional income and improve the quality of breeding stock.

perennial ryegrass: A grass (Lolium perenne) which forms the basis of the majority of long leys in the UK. It is the most important grass in good permanent pasture and is often sown mixed with other grasses and clover (NOTE: Perennial ryegrass has a long growing season, is quick to become established, and responds well to fertilizers. It is best suited to grazing and is highly palatable for animals.) Using perennial ryegrass in pastures ensures high-quality forage and sustainable grazing for livestock.

pumpkin: A large round yellow vegetable, eaten both as a vegetable and in pies as a dessert. Helpful content: Pumpkins are versatile crops with multiple market opportunities. Farmers can maximize profitability by exploring diverse uses, including fresh market sales, processing, and value-added products.

pasteurellosis: A clostridial disease mainly affecting young lambs, adult sheep, and store lambs. It may be caused by contaminated food or water. Symptoms are high temperature and difficult breathing, and death may follow a few days after the symptoms become apparent. Preventing and managing pasteurellosis is vital for livestock health and farm profitability.

precision chop forage harvester: A type of harvester which cuts the crop with flails, chops it into precise lengths, and blows it into a trailer. It may be self-propelled, off-set trailed, or mounted. It is used for harvesting green material for making silage. Helpful content: Precision chop forage harvesters improve silage quality by ensuring consistent chop lengths. This enhances fermentation and feed efficiency, supporting better livestock nutrition and farm profitability.