If you are not familiar with the agricultural industry, you might not know that there are many branches of agriculture, and all of which can be coined under the generic name of 'farmer', just like the different branches of medicine, all of which are practiced by doctors.

What are the different types of farming?

The different disciplines of farming are separated by the produce which the farmer raises and attends to. Though they're many specialised branches, they can be categorised into the following, all of which are important contributors to the agricultural industry and many of us might be oblivious to the impact they bring to our lives.

Arable Farming

'Arable' comes from the old Latin word arabilis, meaning 'able to be plowed'. Arable farmers work the land to plant and produce a wide variety of grain crops for consumption, such as wheat and barley.

The arable sector is one of the most important of the UK's farming sectors and is responsible for a versatile range of daily essentials, from the flour used to bake our favourite loaves to the hops used to brew our beers. Additionally, any disused part of the plant can be converted into biofuel to power vehicles in a sustainable manner.

Horticultural Farming

Horticultural farming also makes use of the land, but they specialise in growing something else that we take granted for- our fresh fruit and veg.

If you previously thought we simply import everything, you may be surprised to learn that the 56% of the vegetables we consumed are grown in the UK. Floriculture, a sub-branch of horticulture worth £2.2 billion, is responsible for the plants which adorn your prized garden and fresh cut flower bouquets for those special occasions (which you've completely forgotten).

Pastoral Farming

Also known as livestock farming, pastoral farming takes its name from the pastures used to graze livestock, makes up a huge proportion of the UK agricultural industry. Livestock farms can be specialised depending on the type of livestock they raise, such as cattle, pigs and sheep.

Contrary to popular belief, they are not all meat farms; livestock farms are also responsible for the production of dairy products, and wool and cotton to make our clothes.

Poultry Farming

Strictly speaking, poultry are not included as part of 'livestock' as the agricultural definition of livestock are: domesticated, hooved animals. Chicken, ducks, goose and other birds are regarded as 'fowl'  and thus belong in a league of their own.

Not only do they provide us with a lighter alternative to red meat, poultry farms also produce eggs which are a staple in the British diet. Furthermore, duck and goose down feathers are a luxurious and efficient stuffing option for our cushions, coats, pillows, and duvets.

Mixed

As the name suggests, a mixed farm is a farm which isn't solely dedicated to a single farming practice. The most typical example of a mixed farm would be a smallholding, or a subsistence farm who are farming purely for their own uses, with very little surplus left to sell.

For example, you may keep a few chickens for eggs, and have a patch in your garden dedicated to growing seasonal vegetables for personal consumption.

Telford Contracting Ltd offer agricultural plant hire throughout Aberdeen, Peterhead and Dundee. Call our helpful team today to find out more about farm machinery and agricultural contracting in North Scotland.