I’ve never done a “basics of agriculture” article, so I thought that I would finally do one but in a fun way! I’ve come up with a word for each letter of the alphabet to give the basics of agriculture to those who are unaware.
A is for Agriculture
Agriculture is an all-encompassing term to describe the food and production system of raising vegetables and animals of a wide variety. Agriculture not only has to do with the growth of these products, but regulation, marketing, and many other aspects.
B is for Beef
Beef is the term used to describe cattle mostly used for meat purposes. Some females are used for meat as well as the males, but many are kept on the farm to reproduce and raise the next generation of beef for meat.
C is for Crops
Crops are the vegetables that farmers grow. Many people are referring to things such as wheat, corn, and soybeans when they mention crops.
D is for Dairy
Dairy cattle are the cattle that we raise and care for to get milk. The most common dairy breed that people know is Holstein or black and white cows!
E is for Eggplant
Eggplants along with many other vegetables can be grown on a large scale to produce the numerous variety we see in stores. In addition to crops, many farmers also care for personal or large-scale vegetable plots.
F is for Fish
Lots of people around the world love fish. Salmon is a common fish that is farmed and sold for human consumption.
G is for Goats
Goats are many people’s favorite farm animal. I mean, who doesn’t love a cute, fluffy baby goat! Some people, especially in the Middle East and Africa, rely heavily on goats for their meat and milk.
H is for Horses
For some farmers and ranchers, horses are an essential part of the farm being a means of transportation and helping to work cattle. For others, horses are simply pets and a source of enjoyment. Both uses are good in their own way.
I is for Immunization
Just like you, animals need to be treated regularly to prevent them from getting sick. Many animals are given probiotics to keep them healthy.
J is for Jack
Jack is the term for a male donkey. A lot of farmers actually have donkeys on their farms as protection for farm animals from wild animals. Donkeys are exceptionally good protectors.
K is for Kids
Goats were previously mentioned, but “kids” are the term that farmers use to refer to baby goats. Aren’t they just so cute!
L is for Lambs
Lamb is the term for a baby sheep. Personally, I think they’re cuter than baby goats.
M is for Marbling
This is a term that you may be familiar with if you are the one who buys meat at the grocery store for your family. Marbling refers to the presence of fat in a piece of meat.
Check back next week for N – Z of the agriculture alphabet!