Feed and Seed Stores Industry Terminology
AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials)
A voluntary association that develops model regulations and standard definitions for animal feeds used by most U.S. states to harmonize labeling, ingredient definitions, and enforcement.
Ensure our feed tags follow AAFCO model regulations before printing.; Use the AAFCO ingredient definition to verify a new micro-ingredient.; Train staff on AAFCO labeling terms like crude protein and guaranteed analysis.
ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber)
A fiber measure (cellulose and lignin) used in ruminant nutrition; higher ADF generally means lower digestibility and energy.
This hay’s ADF is 34%, so digestibility will be moderate.; We compare ADF between lots to help beef customers choose roughage.; The formulation software alerts us if ADF gets too high in the ration.
Aeration (Bin Aeration)
Forcing ambient or conditioned air through bins to control temperature and moisture, reducing spoilage, condensation, and insect activity in stored grain or seed.
Turn on bin aeration to cool the corn and prevent condensation.; We schedule aeration cycles after a cold front to equalize grain temperature.; Proper aeration cut our insect pressure over the summer.
Aflatoxin
A mycotoxin produced by certain Aspergillus fungi, common in stressed corn and peanuts; tightly regulated due to animal and human health risks.
We test incoming corn loads for aflatoxin before accepting bulk deliveries.; Lots above action levels are rejected or managed per state guidance.; Post-harvest drying and aeration reduced our aflatoxin claims last year.
Biosecurity
Practices that reduce disease and pest introduction and spread—cleaning, disinfection, pest control, and controlled traffic for people, vehicles, and equipment.
Disinfect the feed truck tools between farms for better biosecurity.; Keep rodents out of the warehouse to protect biosecurity and product integrity.; We added a wheel bath to improve biosecurity at the receiving bay.
Bulk Bin
A large storage container for loose feed or seed, typically conical-bottomed for gravity discharge, used on-farm and in-store for efficient handling.
Deliver 4 tons into the customer’s outdoor bulk bin on Thursday.; Check the sight glass before filling the store’s bulk bin.; Fine feed bridges less in smooth-cone bulk bins.
Certified Seed
Seed produced and inspected under a certification program to ensure varietal identity, purity, and quality; labeled with official certification tags.
This bag carries the blue certified seed tag for varietal purity.; Farmers ask for certified wheat to qualify for certain programs.; We separate certified lots from bin-run seed in storage.
Coated Seed
Seed covered with materials (e.g., polymers, lime, micronutrients, inoculants) to improve handling, sowing accuracy, or early establishment.
Use coated clover for better flow through small seed meters.; The coating includes lime and inoculant for quick establishment.; Coated lettuce seed improves singulation for precision planters.
Crude Protein (CP)
An estimate of total protein based on nitrogen content; required as a minimum percentage on feed labels.
The tag guarantees 16% crude protein for this dairy pellet.; We boosted crude protein using soybean meal.; Customers compare CP and price per unit of protein.
Custom Blending
Mixing feed or seed to a customer’s specification, often using premixes and base ingredients, with documented formulas and lot tracking.
We custom blend a 12-6-6 pasture pellet for local ranchers.; The agronomist spec’d a custom seed mix for pollinator strips.; Custom blending requires lot-level traceability and a signed formulation.
DON (Deoxynivalenol, Vomitoxin)
A trichothecene mycotoxin (vomitoxin) common in small grains and corn; certain species (swine) are especially sensitive, requiring testing and segregation.
Test wheat screenings for DON before adding to swine diets.; Segregate corn above the DON guidance level.; Our rapid test flags DON in under 10 minutes.
Dry Matter (DM)
The portion of feed remaining after removing water; used to compare feeds and formulate rations accurately.
Convert to a dry matter basis before comparing silage and hay.; The TMR mixer intake is calculated on a DM basis.; Wet corn drove down DM and energy density.
E-commerce
Online sales and digital storefront operations, including ordering, payment, and pickup/delivery workflows for feed, seed, and farm supplies.
Customers order feed online for next-day pickup.; We publish real-time inventory levels on our e-commerce site.; MAP rules apply to all e-commerce advertised prices.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
Integrated software that manages core processes such as inventory, purchasing, sales, manufacturing, and traceability in one system.
Our ERP links POS, purchasing, and lot traceability.; The ERP auto-generates work orders for custom blends.; We track inventory turnover and shrink inside the ERP.
FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio)
A measure of efficiency (feed intake divided by weight gain); lower values indicate better conversion of feed to animal growth.
Broiler customers target an FCR under 1.7.; The new starter improved FCR by 3%.; We benchmark FCR by species and production stage.
FIFO (First-In, First-Out)
Inventory rotation method where the oldest stock is sold or used first to minimize expiry, quality loss, and shrink.
Rotate seed by FIFO to use older lots first.; FIFO reduces expired medicated feed on hand.; We arranged shelves to enforce FIFO automatically.
FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act)
U.S. law emphasizing preventive controls for animal food; mandates CGMPs, hazard analysis, and risk-based preventive controls with documentation.
Our animal food facility follows FSMA Preventive Controls.; A PCQI signed the hazard analysis and supply-chain program.; FSMA requires documented sanitation and training records.
Fumonisin
A class of mycotoxins from Fusarium species, common in corn; horses are especially sensitive, requiring strict controls.
We screen corn destined for horse feed for fumonisin.; Lots above guidance are diverted per policy.; Proper drying and storage helped keep fumonisin low.
Germination Rate
The percentage of seeds that sprout under standardized test conditions; must be disclosed on seed labels and maintained by proper storage.
The seed tag shows 92% germination.; We retest germ after 9 months in storage.; Low germ rates trigger discounts or lot reconditioning.
GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)
Plants or organisms with traits introduced via genetic engineering; seed and grain may require identity preservation and stewardship.
This corn hybrid is GMO with herbicide tolerance.; Segregate GMO and non-GMO soybeans in separate bins.; Train staff on stewardship and documentation for GMO traits.
Guaranteed Analysis
Required section on a feed label listing nutrient guarantees (e.g., minimum crude protein, minimum fat, maximum fiber) and sometimes additives.
Check the tag’s guaranteed analysis before recommending a feed.; The state inspector reviewed our guaranteed analysis section.; We added fiber max to the guaranteed analysis for compliance.
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
A structured, risk-based system to identify, monitor, and control hazards in production through critical control points and documented procedures.
We identified CCPs at receiving and final sifting.; HACCP monitoring logs are reviewed weekly.; A deviation at a CCP triggered product hold and investigation.
Hybrid Seed
Seed produced by crossing inbred lines to harness heterosis; offers performance gains but does not breed true if saved.
Hybrid corn delivers yield via heterosis.; Do not save hybrid seed for replanting.; We stock both hybrid and open-pollinated options.
Inoculant
Beneficial microbes (often rhizobia) added to legume seed or forage to improve nodulation, nitrogen fixation, or fermentation.
Apply rhizobia inoculant to pea and clover seed before planting.; Coated seed already includes the inoculant.; Store inoculant cool to preserve viability.
Inventory Turnover
A measure of inventory velocity (COGS divided by average inventory); higher turnover often implies better cash flow and fresher product.
Our seed turnover hit 4.8 turns this year.; Increase turnover by narrowing SKUs and improving forecasting.; High-turn items get end-cap space.
Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory
An inventory strategy minimizing on-hand stock by timing deliveries close to demand; reduces carrying cost but raises stockout risk if supply disrupts.
We switched premixes to JIT deliveries to cut carrying costs.; JIT failed during the storm, so we added safety stock.; JIT works best with reliable lead times.
KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
Quantifiable metrics used to monitor and improve performance across sales, operations, quality, and safety.
Our KPIs include margin, shrink, and order fill rate.; Track picking accuracy as a warehouse KPI.; Set monthly targets for safety KPIs.
Labeling Compliance
Ensuring feed labels and seed tags meet all regulatory requirements (content, format, and claims) set by state and federal authorities.
Confirm medicated feed labels include required caution statements.; Check treated seed tags for dye and do-not-feed warnings.; Update labels to meet new state font-size rules.
Lot Code
A unique identifier assigned to a production batch or seed lot, enabling traceability for quality control and recalls.
Record the lot code on work orders and invoices.; The recall used lot codes to identify affected pallets.; Each custom blend receives a unique lot code at packaging.
MAP Pricing (Minimum Advertised Price)
Manufacturer policy setting the lowest price a retailer may advertise, commonly affecting promotions in-store and online.
Our flyer follows the vendor’s MAP policy for dewormers.; The website blocked MAP violations automatically.; Train staff to discuss value without undercutting MAP.
Mycotoxin
Toxins produced by molds (e.g., Aspergillus, Fusarium) that can contaminate feed or seed; may require testing, segregation, and strict controls.
Rapid tests screen for mycotoxins like aflatoxin and DON.; We quarantine suspect lots pending lab confirmation.; Aeration and low moisture help control mycotoxin risk.
NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber)
A fiber measure (hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin) indicating bulkiness; higher NDF often reduces intake in ruminants.
High NDF hay lowers dry matter intake in dairy cows.; We balance rations to keep NDF within target.; The lab report shows NDF and ADF for each forage sample.
NOP (National Organic Program)
USDA program that sets and enforces organic production and handling standards, including seed sourcing and input restrictions.
Verify organic seed availability per NOP rules.; Maintain NOP-required records for organic transactions.; Our organic audit checklist follows NOP standards.
NPN (Non-Protein Nitrogen)
Nitrogen sources like urea used by rumen microbes to synthesize protein; must be used carefully to prevent toxicity.
Urea is an NPN source for cattle but not monogastrics.; Mix NPN evenly to avoid hot spots.; The label specifies maximum NPN content for safety.
OMRI Listed
Products reviewed by the Organic Materials Review Institute as allowed for use in certified organic production and handling.
Stock OMRI Listed inoculants for organic growers.; Confirm the herbicide adjuvant is OMRI Listed before recommending.; Our catalog flags OMRI Listings for quick reference.
OSHA Compliance
Adhering to U.S. workplace safety regulations governing hazard communication, PPE, equipment, and facility practices.
Keep SDS accessible and train staff on HazCom.; Inspect forklifts and certify operators per OSHA.; Follow confined-space protocols for bin entry.
Pearson Square
A simple hand-calculation method for blending two ingredients to reach a target nutrient concentration.
Use Pearson Square to hit 16% CP using corn and soybean meal.; Quick-check a calf starter blend on the counter.; Train new staff with Pearson before moving to software.
Premix
A concentrated blend of vitamins, minerals, or additives intended to be mixed into complete feeds at specified inclusion rates.
Add the mineral premix at 25 lb per ton in the formula.; Store vitamin premixes in a cool, dry room.; The premix supplier provided micro-ingredient certificates.
PVP (Plant Variety Protection)
U.S. law granting intellectual property protection to plant varieties, restricting unauthorized sale or use of protected seed.
Do not sell saved seed from PVP-protected varieties.; Display PVP status on seed tags and invoices.; Staff training covers PVP violations and penalties.
QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control)
Systematic processes to ensure products meet specifications, including procedures, monitoring, testing, and corrective actions.
Retain samples for QA and perform sieve tests weekly.; Calibrate scales and mixers as part of QC.; Document nonconformances and corrective actions.
Ration Balancing
Formulating diets to meet animal nutrient requirements at least cost while observing constraints on ingredients and nutrients.
Balance the dairy ration to meet NDF, energy, and protein targets.; The nutritionist adjusted minerals based on forage tests.; We use software to automate ration balancing for beef growers.
Recall Plan
Documented procedures to identify, locate, and remove affected products from commerce quickly and effectively.
Conduct a mock recall using last month’s lot codes.; Our recall contact list is updated quarterly.; The plan includes roles, timelines, and communication templates.
Seed Lot
A defined quantity of seed with uniform identity and quality characteristics, identified by a unique lot number.
Keep seed lots segregated and labeled in the warehouse.; The lab certificate is tied to the lot number.; We track sales by seed lot for traceability.
Seed Tag
The legally required label on seed packaging listing identity and quality information, treatment status, and origin.
The seed tag lists variety, lot, germ, purity, and noxious weed seed.; Check treatment statements and dye color on the seed tag.; Replace damaged tags to remain compliant.
Shrink
Loss of sellable inventory due to handling, moisture changes, damage, pilferage, or measurement error, often tracked as a percentage of throughput.
Measure shrink on bulk feed from receiving to sale.; Spillage, moisture loss, and theft contribute to shrink.; Our SOPs cut shrink by improving bin sealing and housekeeping.
TMR (Total Mixed Ration)
A uniform, fully mixed diet fed to ruminants, combining forages, grains, and supplements to reduce sorting and stabilize intake.
The nutritionist adjusted TMR inclusion rates after forage tests.; We supply minerals and premix components for the farm’s TMR.; Particle size affects TMR sorting and intake.
Treated Seed
Seed coated with pesticides or biologicals to protect against pests and disease; requires specific labeling, colorants, and handling precautions.
Treated seed must be dyed and labeled do not feed.; Store treated seed away from feed to prevent commingling.; Provide PPE guidance when handling treated seed.
Urea
A concentrated non-protein nitrogen source used in ruminant feeds; economical but requires careful formulation and mixing.
Include urea at safe levels for cattle as a cost-effective N source.; Do not use urea in horse or poultry feeds.; Train staff on proper mixing to avoid urea hot spots.
VFD (Veterinary Feed Directive)
A U.S. rule requiring veterinarian authorization for use of certain medically important antibiotics in animal feed; imposes recordkeeping and dispensing controls.
Dispense medicated feed only with a valid VFD order.; File VFD records for two years as required.; Train counter staff on what qualifies as a VFD drug.
Vigor (Seed Vigor)
A measure of seed’s ability to emerge and establish under suboptimal conditions; complements standard germination tests.
The cold test indicates strong seed vigor for early planting.; High vigor lots establish better in cool soils.; We highlight vigor ratings in our seed guide.
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