Category: M

minimal cultivation: a system of cultivation which subjects the land to shallow working and minimises the number of passes of machinery. No ploughing is needed. Although suitable for cereal production, minimal cultivation is not suitable for all crops or soil conditions. Crops like sugar beet and potatoes need a deeper tilth than that obtained by minimal cultivation. Understanding minimal cultivation can help farmers optimize their soil and crop management practices, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

microclimate: The climate of a small, specific area that may differ from the surrounding general climate. Understanding microclimates helps farmers optimize growing conditions for different crops.

milk producer: a farmer who is registered with Defra, and produces milk in compliance with the regulations concerning clean milk production. Understanding the regulations and requirements for milk producers can help farmers ensure better quality and marketability of their milk products.

mosquito: a flying insect, some species of which feed on the blood of mammals, and may carry diseases such as malaria. Understanding and managing mosquito infestations can help farmers protect their livestock and crops, ensuring better health and productivity.

marl: a fine soil formed of a mixture of clay and lime, used for making bricks. Marl can be an important resource for farmers engaged in building or improving farm infrastructure.

metabolised energy: the proportion of energy from feed which is used by an animal through its metabolism. Abbr ME. Understanding metabolised energy can help farmers manage livestock nutrition more effectively, ensuring better growth and productivity.

metabolise: to break down or build up organic compounds by metabolism. Understanding the metabolic processes can help farmers manage livestock nutrition and health more effectively, ensuring better growth and productivity.

maize gluten: a type of animal feedingstuff obtained after maize has been milled. It is high in protein. Using maize gluten can provide a high-protein feed option for livestock, supporting their growth and health, leading to better meat and milk production.

myxomatosis: a viral disease of rabbits which causes tumours on the skin, and usually kills the animal. It is spread by mosquitoes and fleas. Managing and preventing myxomatosis is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of rabbit populations.

malting: the process by which barley grain is soaked in water, then sprouted on a floor to produce an enzyme. It is then dried in a kiln and the roots and shoots are removed to leave the malt grains. Understanding the malting process can help farmers produce high-quality barley, leading to better marketability and income.