Category: R

raspberry beetle: A serious pest (Byturus tomentosus) whose larvae feed on young raspberry fruit. Managing this pest is essential for farmers to protect raspberry crops and ensure high-quality yields.

riddle: A coarse sieve for sieving soil; to grade and sort produce according to size, using a sieve. Using riddles helps farmers manage soil quality and sort produce efficiently.

raceme: An inflorescence in which flowers are borne on individual stalks on a main flower stem. Understanding plant structures like racemes aids farmers in crop management and optimizing yields.

Romney: A hardy breed of sheep found in large numbers on Romney Marsh, which has heavy fine-quality long wool fleece. The Romney half-breed has been developed by crossing Romney ewes with North Country Cheviot rams, and has been widely exported. Also called Kent. Raising Romney sheep provides farmers with high-quality wool and meat, supporting diversified farm income.

rain: Water that falls from clouds as small drops. Adequate rainfall is crucial for crop irrigation and overall farm productivity, making it vital for farmers to monitor weather patterns.

ration: An amount of food given to an animal or person. Proper rationing ensures that livestock receive balanced nutrition, promoting growth, health, and productivity.

reap: To cut a grain crop. Efficient reaping methods are essential for timely harvests and maximizing grain yields.

rectified concentrated grape must: A form of grape sugar produced by distillation from surplus wine, used to add to new wine during chaptalisation. Utilizing surplus grapes in this way provides farmers with an additional revenue stream and improves wine quality.

reversible plough: A plough with left- and right-handed mouldboards, which make it possible to plough up and down the same furrow. Using reversible ploughs improves soil management and reduces erosion.

reclamation: The act of reclaiming land. Land reclamation projects can significantly increase the available agricultural land, supporting greater farm productivity.