greenhand

Greenhand is a term used to describe a person who is new to a task, trade, or organization and lacks experience. The word combines green, meaning inexperienced, with hand, meaning worker or practitioner. In everyday usage it can refer to a novice in farming, gardening, or other skilled trades, and it is often used informally to indicate someone who is still learning or at the early stages of a career or activity.

In the context of agricultural education in the United States, Greenhand also denotes the Greenhand Degree within the Future Farmers of America (FFA). This is the organization’s first official degree earned by new, typically first-year, members. Eligibility generally requires active FFA membership, knowledge of FFA basics such as the creed, motto, and emblem, and participation in an SAE or similar agricultural activity. State and local chapters may adjust requirements.

Beyond FFA, the term is used more broadly to describe novices in various settings; synonyms include greenhorn, beginner, or newcomer. The usage emphasizes an initial learning stage and implies prospects for growth as experience and skill improve.

While common in rural and educational contexts, the term is less frequently used in modern formal writing and may vary by region.