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seed weevil: A pest affecting brassica seed crops. Seeds are destroyed in their pods by the larvae. Farmers benefit from managing seed weevil infestations to protect seed crops and ensure high yields.

sheep maggot fly: A type of fly that lays its eggs on the wool of sheep. The eggs hatch into maggots that burrow into the flesh causing a condition known as ‘strike’. Farmers benefit from managing sheep maggot fly infestations to protect livestock health and productivity.

speckled yellowing: a disease of sugar beet caused by a deficiency of manganese. Managing speckled yellowing ensures healthy sugar beet crops, preventing yield losses and maintaining quality.

second early potatoes: The crop of potatoes that follows the first early crop. Farmers benefit from growing second early potatoes to extend the harvesting season and improve crop rotation.

self-sterile: Referring to a plant that cannot fertilise itself from its own flowers. Farmers benefit from understanding self-sterility for effective breeding and crop production.

sunflower: an important oilseed crop grown in temperate areas. COMMENT: The oil extracted from the seeds is used for cooking and for margarine production. The residual cake after pressing is a high-protein livestock feed, and the whole plant can be fed to cattle. It is also useful as a green manure plant. Birds can cause serious damage to sunflower crops by feeding on the ripening seeds. The main producing countries are Russia, the Ukraine, Argentina, and Romania. Properly managing sunflower crops ensures healthy growth and high yields, supporting farm productivity and profitability.

Site of Special Scientific Interest: an area of land in England, Wales, and Scotland that is officially protected to maintain its fauna, flora, or geology. Abbr SSSI. Farmers with land designated as an SSSI can receive support for conservation efforts, enhancing biodiversity and ecological health on their farms.

splay leg: a disorder in piglets, which are born unable to stand properly. Managing splay leg conditions ensures healthy growth and mobility in piglets, supporting productivity and well-being.

stale seedbed: a method of killing weeds by using a contact herbicide just before drilling. Using stale seedbed techniques helps farmers manage weeds effectively, promoting healthy crop growth and better yields.

Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department: The department of the devolved Scottish Executive government which deals with farming, the environment, animal welfare and rural development in Scotland. Abbr SEERAD. Farmers benefit from SEERAD’s support and resources for sustainable agriculture and rural development.