S

strippings: the last drops of milk from a cow’s teats at the end of milking session. Properly managing strippings ensures milk hygiene and quality, supporting dairy productivity and consumer health.

saddle: A supportive structure for a rider or load on the back of an animal, typically a horse. Proper saddle use ensures the comfort and safety of both rider and animal.

SOM: abbreviation soil organic matter. Maintaining soil organic matter enhances soil fertility and structure, promoting healthy crop growth and sustainable agriculture.

sieve: A garden implement with a base made of mesh or with perforations through which fine particles can pass while coarse material is retained. Compare riddle. To pass soil, etc. through a sieve to produce a fine tilth, or to remove the soil from root crops such as potatoes. Farmers benefit from using sieves for soil preparation and crop cleaning.

stubble: the short stems left in the ground after a crop such as wheat or oilseed rape has been cut. Properly managing stubble ensures efficient soil preparation and recycling of crop residues, supporting productive agriculture.

sp.: abbreviation species (NOTE: The plural, for several species, is spp.). Understanding species classifications helps farmers manage biodiversity and select appropriate crops and livestock for their specific conditions.

South Devon: the heaviest breed of British cattle, with a light brownish-red colour. It was originally a dual-purpose breed, but now is mainly raised for beef. Raising South Devon cattle provides farmers with a robust breed for beef production, supporting farm profitability.

spikelet: part of the flower head of plants such as grass, attached to the main stem without a stalk. Properly managing spikelets ensures healthy growth and optimal yields of grass crops.

Sporozoa: a type of parasitic Protozoa which includes Plasmodium, the cause of malaria. Understanding Sporozoa helps farmers manage livestock health and prevent disease outbreaks, supporting productivity and well-being.

summer mastitis: an infection of the udder thought to be spread by biting flies. Cows become very ill, lameness may occur and milk is watery and later bloody. Properly managing summer mastitis ensures dairy cow health and milk quality, supporting farm productivity.