S

Scottish Enterprise: The main economic development agency for Scotland, dealing with education, communications and the expansion of businesses. Abbr SE. Farmers benefit from engaging with Scottish Enterprise for support and resources to grow their agricultural businesses.

storage drying: a method of drying bales of hay by blowing air through them. (NOTE: There are several methods of storage drying. In a building with airtight sides, air is forced up through ventilation holes in the floor. In open barns, radial drying or a centre duct system is used.) Properly managing storage drying ensures high-quality fodder for livestock, supporting nutrition and farm productivity.

seminal propagation: The process of growing new plants from seed or from tubers such as potatoes. Farmers benefit from using seminal propagation for crop production and genetic diversity.

salivation: The production of saliva. Farmers benefit from monitoring salivation to ensure livestock are healthy and well-nourished.

synthetise: to produce a substance by chemical synthesis. Understanding and using synthesis effectively supports efficient farm operations and productivity.

sex: One of the two groups, male and female, into which animals and plants can be divided. Farmers benefit from understanding sex differentiation for effective breeding and livestock management.

Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society: A consultancy agency which promotes and advises on joint ventures between Scottish farmers. Abbr SAOS. Farmers benefit from engaging with SAOS for cooperative ventures and accessing agricultural advice and support.

swamp: an area of permanently wet land and the plants that grow on it. Properly managing swamps ensures biodiversity and ecological balance, supporting sustainable land use and agricultural productivity.

self-fertile: Referring to a plant that fertilises itself with pollen from its own flowers. Farmers benefit from growing self-fertile plants for reliable and consistent fruit set.

Stoneleigh: the home of the National Agricultural Centre and proposed site for the National Museum of Food and Farming. Engaging with agricultural centers like Stoneleigh provides farmers with resources and support for sustainable agricultural practices.