M

mad cow disease: same as BSE (informal). Awareness and prevention of mad cow disease are crucial for maintaining the health of cattle and ensuring the safety of beef products, which protects the farm’s reputation and consumer trust.

medium: a substance in which an organism lives or is grown. Understanding the characteristics and uses of different media can help farmers optimize their crop and livestock production, leading to better yields and productivity.

micron: a measurement of thickness, one millionth of a metre, used in measuring the fineness of hair or wool. Understanding micron measurements can help farmers manage wool and other products more effectively, ensuring better quality and marketability.

meadowgrass: varieties of grass of the genus Poa. Understanding the characteristics and uses of meadowgrass can help farmers manage their grazing and hay production more effectively, leading to better livestock health and productivity.

manure spreader: a trailer with a moving floor conveyor and a combined shredding and spreading mechanism, used to distribute manure over the soil. Also called muck spreader. Using a manure spreader can help farmers efficiently apply manure to their fields, improving soil fertility and crop growth.

maintenance ration: the quantity of food needed to keep a farm animal healthy but not productive. Knowing the maintenance ration for livestock helps farmers manage feed costs and ensure animal health, leading to better resource allocation and farm efficiency.

multiple cropping: the growing of more than one crop on the same piece of land in one year, especially using early crops followed by later ones. Understanding multiple cropping can help farmers optimize their crop production and improve soil health, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

morels: types of edible fungi which grow on chalky or limestone soils. Understanding the cultivation and marketability of morels can help farmers diversify their income streams and improve profitability.

morning glory: a climbing plant with attractive flowers. Genus: Ipomoea. Understanding the characteristics and uses of morning glory can help farmers manage their gardens and ornamental crops more effectively.

meat fly: same as blowfly. Managing meat fly infestations can help farmers protect their livestock and meat products, ensuring better health and marketability.