Dictionary

Animal Science Small- FFA Course taught about companion animals. Companion animals are animals that can be found in the average pet store: dogs, cats, small mammals, small birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

Animal Science Large- FFA course taught about common livestock animals. Livestock animals covered in the course are swine (pigs), poultry (chickens and turkey), dairy cattle, beef cattle and small ruminants (sheep and goats).

Cage-Free Eggs-Eggs labeled “cage-free” or “from free-roaming hens” are laid by hens that are allowed to roam in a room or open area, which is typically a barn or poultry house. (USDA)

Easter Egger- Easter egger chickens are a mixed-breed chicken with delightful, amusing personalities that many people add to their flock due to the fact that they lay eggs in a wide variety of colors, including blue, pink, green, sage, and yellow. (farmers almanac)

Equine Science- FFA Course taught on Horses and Ponies.

Farmers Almanac- Time-tested and generations approved, the Farmers’ Almanac is a compendium of knowledge on weather, gardening, cooking, home remedies, managing your household, preserving the earth, and more. (Farmers Almanac)

Free Range Chickens- “Free-range” or “pasture-fed” eggs are produced by hens raised outdoors or with access to outdoors. In addition to the feed provided, these hens may also eat wild plants and insects (USDA).

Fresh Eggs- According to NC Egg Law, Eggs may only be labeled fresh if they: are grade A or better.

GMO- GMOs 101: Your Basic Questions Answered (USDA

Metzer Farms- Water Fowl Breeder

No Hormones- Hormones are not allowed in raising hogs or poultry. Therefore, the claim "no hormones added" cannot be used on the labels of pork or poultry unless it is followed by a statement that says "Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones." (USDA)

North Carolina Egg Law Links- | Egg Law Simplified | Original Egg Law |

Olive Egger- A Mixed breed laying chicken that has been bred to produce a dark green or "olive" colored egg. Eggs may very in shades, and may or may not be speckeled.

Organic- USDA certified organic foods are grown and processed according to federal guidelines addressing, among many factors, soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives. Organic producers rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible. (USDA)

Produce can be called organic if it’s certified to have grown on soil that had no prohibited substances applied for three years prior to harvest. Prohibited substances include most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Orpington- A large layer breed, most commonly in the "buff" or golden color.

Pasture-Fed Chickens- “Free-range” or “pasture-fed” eggs are produced by hens raised outdoors or with access to outdoors. In addition to the feed provided, these hens may also eat wild plants and insects

Veterinary Assisting- FFA Course taught for students to earn a vet assisting credential to actually assist veterinarians.

Washed (eggs)- Eggs that have been rinsed and gently scrubbed with slightly warm water before cracking open or cooking the egg

Welsh Harlequin- The Welsh Harlequin is a fairly new breed, developed by Leslie Bonnett in Wales from two off-colored Khaki Campbell ducklings in 1949. They came to the United States in 1968 and were accepted into the American Poultry Association in 2001 in the Light Duck class. They are becoming a very popular breed due to their multipurpose characteristics. They are calm, inquisitive and excellent foragers. They seem to be the calmest bird on our farm. (Metzer Farms)

White Layer- A white laying duck produced by Metzer Farms

Unwashed (eggs)- Eggs that have not been washed, eggs that go directly from the coop to the egg cartoon

USDA- The United States Department of Agriculture is the federal executive department responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food. (USDA)