Category: W

withers: Withers are the ridge between the shoulder blades of an animal. Understanding animal anatomy helps farmers in proper livestock handling and health management.

wholemeal: Flour that contains a large proportion of the original wheat seed, including the bran. Using wholemeal can provide a nutritious food product, enhancing farm profitability.

Water Framework Directive: A basis for future policy decisions in the European Union, setting objectives for water use and management and waste water disposal. Abbr WFD. Complying with the Water Framework Directive can improve water management and environmental sustainability on the farm.

windrowed: Windrowed refers to a crop that has been lifted and left in a swath. This method helps in drying and preparing crops for collection, making the harvesting process more efficient.

wool ball: A wool ball is a mass of wool found in the stomachs of lambs. Farmers need to monitor and manage wool balls to prevent digestive issues and ensure the health of their lambs.

Welfare of Animals Regulations 1995: A piece of legislation which sets out rules under which animals should be slaughtered or killed, including making it an offence to cause unnecessary pain or distress during the slaughter process. Abbr WASK. Complying with WASK regulations can ensure humane treatment of animals and improve farm standards.

Westerwold ryegrass: An annual type of ryegrass, which is a fast-growing summer crop. Growing Westerwold ryegrass can provide quick-growing forage for livestock, improving feed availability.

White-faced Woodland: A large hill breed of sheep, with white face and legs and pinkish nostrils. The ram has heavy twisted horns. Found mainly in the South Pennines, it has been crossed with other hill breeds to give them its size and vigour. Also called Penistone. Raising White-faced Woodland sheep can provide high-quality wool and meat, enhancing farm income.

wean: To remove a young animal from the milk source of its mother. Weaning is common at 5 weeks. Proper weaning practices can improve animal health and growth, enhancing productivity.

worrying: Worrying is the chasing of livestock by uncontrolled dogs. Farmers need to protect their animals from worrying to prevent stress and injuries, ensuring livestock welfare and productivity.