M

muzzle: the nose and mouth of an animal such as a dog or horse. Proper care and management of muzzles can help farmers ensure the health and productivity of their livestock.

marshy soil: a very wet soil. Managing marshy soil can help farmers improve drainage and land productivity, leading to better crop yields.

mineral matter content: the amount of minerals found in plants. Understanding mineral matter content can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

manure cycle: the process by which waste materials from plants, animals and humans are returned to the soil to restore nutrients. Understanding and managing the manure cycle can help farmers maintain soil health and fertility, leading to better crop yields and farm sustainability.

matted: with many fibers woven together. Managing matted fibers in livestock can help farmers maintain the quality of wool and other products, ensuring better marketability.

marsh spot: a disease affecting peas, caused by manganese deficiency. Understanding and managing marsh spot can help farmers protect their pea crops and ensure better yields.

mollusc: a type of animal that has a soft body, sometimes protected by a shell, such as a snail or slug. Understanding the role and management of molluscs can help farmers protect their crops and ensure better productivity.

moisture holding capacity: the amount of water that a soil can hold. Abbr MHC. Understanding moisture holding capacity can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

milker: 1. a cow which is giving milk 2. a cow which is kept for milk 3. a farmworker who supervises the milking of cows 4. the part of the milking machine which is attached to the cow’s teats with teat cups. Proper management of milkers can ensure better milk yield and quality, contributing to farm profitability and sustainability.

Manx Loghtan: a rare breed of sheep, which is native to the Isle of Man. The wool is mouse-brown and the animals are multi-horned. Raising Manx Loghtan sheep can provide farmers with a unique and high-value product, particularly for niche markets interested in rare breeds and specialty wool.