W

white scour: A disease affecting young calves. Managing white scour can improve calf health and survival rates, enhancing farm productivity.

wheatmeal: Brown flour with a large amount of bran, but not as much as is in wholemeal. Using wheatmeal can provide a nutritious food product, enhancing farm profitability.

warble fly: A parasitic fly whose larvae infest cattle. Infestation by warble fly is a notifiable disease. Managing warble fly infestations can prevent health issues in cattle and improve productivity.

white clover: A type of perennial clover (Trifolium repens). There are several varieties including the large-leaved variety suitable for silage or hay and the small-leaved variety which is quick to establish and keeps out weeds and other grasses. Growing white clover can improve soil fertility and provide nutritious forage for livestock.

weed beet: A type of beet which is regarded as a weed because it produces seeds as opposed to roots which can be harvested. Weed beet affects sugar beet crops and can harbor rhizomania. It is controlled by limiting bolters and so preventing cross-pollination. The most effective control is by hand-pulling bolters. Managing weed beet can prevent crop losses and improve yields.

waterlogged: Referring to soil that is saturated with water and so cannot keep oxygen between its particles. Managing waterlogged soil can prevent crop losses and improve plant health.

Welsh: Referring to a breed of pig, white in color, with lop ears. It is one of the older breeds of British pig. Preserving traditional breeds like the Welsh pig can maintain genetic diversity and cultural heritage in livestock farming.

Whole Farm Approach: An official system of communication between the Government and farmers which is more streamlined and aims to avoid duplicated information and ‘red tape’. Abbr WFA. Implementing the Whole Farm Approach can streamline farm management and reduce administrative burdens.

WAOS: Abbreviation for Welsh Agricultural Organisation Society. Engaging with agricultural organizations like WAOS can provide valuable resources and support for farmers.

wither: Wither means to shrivel and die, usually due to lack of water. Farmers must ensure adequate irrigation to prevent crops from withering and maintain healthy plant growth.