S

syndrome: a group of signs of a disease that occur together. Properly managing syndromes ensures effective disease control and livestock health, supporting farm productivity.

sand: Fine grains of weathered rock, usually round grains of quartz, found especially on beaches and in the desert. Farmers benefit from understanding soil composition, including sand content, to manage soil health and optimize crop growth.

shepherd: A person who looks after sheep. Farmers benefit from employing skilled shepherds for efficient and effective livestock management.

seedbed: An area of land tilled to produce a fine tilth, firm and level, into which seeds will be sown. Some crops such as potatoes do not need a fine tilth and a rough damp bed is preferable. Farmers benefit from preparing seedbeds to ensure successful seed germination and crop establishment.

shearer: A person who clips the fleece off a sheep. Farmers benefit from employing skilled shearers to ensure efficient and high-quality wool production.

screwworm: A fly similar to the bluebottle, but dark green in colour, common in Central and South America. It devastated cattle in the USA in the 1950s, but has now been eradicated there. Farmers benefit from preventing screwworm infestations to protect livestock health and prevent economic losses.

space allowance: the amount of space a farmed animal should have in which to move around, feed, and rest. (NOTE: Guidelines on minimum space allowances are set out in the animal welfare codes.) Ensuring proper space allowance for livestock supports animal health and welfare, promoting better productivity and ethical farming practices.

sulphuric acid: a strong acid that exists as a colourless oily corrosive liquid and is made by reacting sulphur trioxide with water. It is used in batteries and in the manufacture of fertilisers, explosives, detergents, dyes, and many other chemicals. Formula: H2SO4. Understanding and using sulphuric acid effectively supports soil fertility and healthy crop growth, enhancing farm productivity.

stipula: a newly sprouted feather. Properly managing stipula development ensures healthy growth and productivity in poultry farming.

Saler: A hardy breed of French cattle, found in the Cantal department of central France. The animals are reddish in colour and are reared both for meat and for milk production. The Saler is one of the best French suckler cows. Farmers benefit from Saler cattle due to their dual-purpose nature, providing both milk and meat efficiently.