The "Buzz" Word Dictionary

Question: I keep hearing all sorts of terms used to describe meat and poultry lately. What do they all mean? Adam’s Answer: There are a lot of buzz words flying around lately. Here’s what these words mean to the USDA, to us, and to you.

Organic: The word organic is now owned by the United States Government. The regulations governing this word are quite extensive, but here are the essentials:

• No added hormones (there are hormones present in every animal, thus the word “added”)
• No antibiotics
• Fed certified organic feed stock
• Processed in a certified organic processing facility.

What’s the truth about certified organic meat and poultry? A farmer can raise organic beef that never saw a blade of grass and was raised in a feedlot in manure up to its knees. Know your farmer and ask to visit!

Natural: The USDA is in the process of defining this word as well. The scuttlebutt is that it will come to mean no added hormones, minimal processing, and access to the outdoors during a portion of its life. What does this mean? Squat. Know your farmer and ask to visit!

Free Range: This term pertains to the “access to the outdoors” mentioned above and conjures images of animals happily grazing in a lush green pasture. The truth about this term? The “portion of life” referred to is usually at the end of life when access to a confined area around the building housing the animal is allowed. This area is seldom ventured into by the animals. The industry has redefined the term “free range” to mean not in cages, but still in a confinement building. Know your farmer and ask to visit!

Cage Free: This term refers to egg laying hens and means that the birds are not in small cages, but free to roam in a confinement building.

Grass Fed: Animals (usually cattle) have access to grass for at least a portion of their life.

Grass Finished: An animal has never had grain after being weaned and has been finished exclusively on grass and hay.

Fresh Eggs: Eggs can be up to six months old and still be labeled “fresh”. The expiration date on the carton is 30 days from the time the eggs were packed (or repacked, in some cases) in the carton.

Minimally Processed: Nothing has been added to preserve shelf life, color, or flavor during processing.

7-12% Solution Added: Usually pertains to pork when a solution is added to keep it moist and to retain its pink color. Keep in mind that 7-12% of what you’re paying for is chemicals and water.

Question: Okay. What should I look for if I want sustainably produced, humanely raised meat that is a healthy choice for my family? Adam’s Answer: Know your farmer and ask to visit! This is obviously much easier if your meat, poultry, and eggs are raised locally. Any brochure or packaging can hide behind the above buzz words, but it’s hard to hide unsavory practices from someone standing on your farm looking at your animals!

Check out our 2008 Farm Tour Schedule