Category: Dictionary

Direct Payment:

The practice of providing information about food products on packaging. Food labeling includes details such as ingredients, nutritional information, and origin. For example, labeling organic vegetables to inform consumers about their farming practices.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA):

A method of marking cattle by cutting notches in the ear, used for identification purposes. Ear notching is less common but still used in some regions. For example, using ear notching to identify and manage cattle in extensive grazing systems.

A type of crustacean commonly farmed for its edible flesh. Shrimp farming involves raising shrimp in controlled environments such as ponds or tanks. For instance, operating a shrimp farm to produce shrimp for the seafood market and meet consumer demand.

Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC):

The process by which soil particles bind together to form aggregates. Soil aggregation improves soil structure and enhances water and nutrient availability. For example, promoting soil aggregation through conservation tillage and cover cropping to support healthy soil ecosystems.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP):

The methods used to purify and process beeswax for various applications, including candles, cosmetics, and food wraps. For example, producing beeswax for use in natural products and artisanal crafts.

The process of capturing and storing carbon in the soil to mitigate climate change and improve soil health. Soil carbon sequestration involves practices that increase organic matter and enhance soil structure. For example, using cover crops and reduced tillage to sequester carbon in the soil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The educational programs and courses that can be completed remotely, providing flexible learning options for employees in the food production and distribution process. For example, enrolling in food product distance education opportunities to gain new skills and advance careers.

Crop Reporting:

The use of robots and automated systems to perform tasks in farming operations. Robotics in agriculture can improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance precision. For example, using robotic harvesters to pick fruits and vegetables with minimal damage and labor.

Crop Insurance:

County Extension Agent:

The efforts and initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within food production and distribution businesses, including workforce representation, inclusive policies, and cultural competence. For example, implementing food product diversity and inclusion programs to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

Cooperative Extension Service (CES):

The practices and strategies used to manage the financial aspects of mushroom farming operations, including budgeting, accounting, and investment. For example, conducting mushroom farm financial management to ensure profitability and sustainable growth.

A row of trees or shrubs planted to protect agricultural fields from wind and reduce soil erosion. Shelterbelts help improve microclimates and provide habitat for wildlife. For instance, planting a shelterbelt along the edge of a field to reduce wind speed and protect crops from wind damage.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP):

Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP):

The layer of fat covering an animal’s muscles, affecting meat quality and yield. Fat cover is assessed to determine market readiness and processing efficiency. For example, monitoring fat cover in cattle to optimize meat quality and minimize waste.

Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC):

A method of permanently marking cattle with a hot iron or freeze brand to indicate ownership. Branding helps prevent theft and establish identity. For instance, branding cattle with a ranch’s unique mark for identification and legal purposes.

Block Grant:

The process of examining and analyzing incidents related to food products, including contamination, quality issues, and safety concerns, to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. For example, conducting food product incident investigations to improve processes and prevent future issues.

A cut of beef obtained from the breast or lower chest, known for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly. Brisket is commonly used for barbecuing and braising. For example, producing beef brisket for barbecue joints and home cooks.

The evaluation of soil erosion risk and severity to inform management practices and conservation efforts. Soil erosion assessment helps identify vulnerable areas and prioritize interventions. For example, conducting soil erosion assessments to develop targeted conservation plans and protect soil health on a farm.

A primal cut of beef obtained from the rib section, known for its tenderness and flavor. Rib cuts include ribeye steaks and prime rib. For instance, producing ribeye steaks for high-end restaurants and retail markets.

Animal Welfare Act (AWA):

An approach to farming that seeks to increase productivity, enhance resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This involves practices such as crop rotation, conservation tillage, and agroforestry. For example, implementing climate-smart practices can help a farm adapt to changing weather patterns.

A nutrient added to milk to support bone health and immune function. Vitamin D is commonly fortified in milk. For instance, fortifying milk with vitamin D to help prevent deficiencies in the population.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS):

The size of the ribeye muscle, measured at the 12th rib. Ribeye area is used to assess muscling and meat yield. For example, measuring the ribeye area of beef cattle to evaluate carcass quality and market potential.

The practice of combining fish farming with other agricultural activities, such as crop or livestock production, to create a synergistic system. For example, implementing integrated fish farming to enhance resource use efficiency and diversify farm income.

Agricultural Research Service (ARS):

A type of mastitis caused by pathogens present in the cow’s environment, such as bedding and water. Environmental mastitis is managed through hygiene and management practices. For example, maintaining clean bedding to reduce the risk of environmental mastitis in dairy cows.

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS):

An essential nutrient in milk, important for growth and repair in the body. Milk protein is used in various dairy products, including cheese and yogurt. For instance, enhancing milk protein levels through selective breeding and nutrition management.

A setup for providing water to livestock, including troughs, automatic waterers, and pipelines. Adequate water supply is essential for animal health and productivity. For example, installing an automatic watering system in a pasture to ensure cattle have constant access to fresh water.

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA):

The laws, regulations, and policies that govern agricultural practices, trade, and subsidies. For example, understanding agricultural policy and legislation to navigate regulatory requirements and access government programs.

Windrow Composting:

The practice of regularly inspecting crops and livestock for signs of pests and their damage. Pest monitoring helps farmers make informed decisions about pest control methods. For example, conducting regular field inspections to detect early signs of pest infestations in a crop.

The tunica of cattle testicles, often used for medicinal purposes. For example, producing beef testicular tunica for pharmaceutical and health applications.

The tail of cattle, often used in traditional dishes and for making pet food. For example, producing beef tail for culinary and industrial purposes.

Outreach programs and services provided by universities and research institutions to support dairy farmers with education, resources, and technical assistance. For example, participating in dairy extension programs to learn about new technologies and best practices.

Plantations of apple trees cultivated for commercial fruit production. Managing an apple orchard involves tasks such as pruning, pest control, and harvesting. For example, an apple orchard might produce different varieties of apples for fresh consumption and cider production.

The approaches used to manage and reduce weed populations in agriculture, including mechanical, chemical, and cultural methods. For example, developing weed control strategies to minimize competition and improve crop productivity.

The increase in an animal’s weight over time, influenced by genetics, nutrition, and management. Weight gain is a key factor in livestock production. For example, maximizing weight gain in feedlot cattle to improve profitability.