Overview
You can succeed in one of Canada’s largest industries with an in-depth education focused on the business and technology of agriculture.
Agriculture is big business. In this program, you will learn both the business and the science behind the industry. Develop your skills by combining outdoor learning with time in classrooms and modern labs equipped with microscopes and growth chambers.
Enhance your skills in agronomy, GIS, GPS and computer applications, livestock production, communications, customer service, sales and marketing, and business management. Apply your knowledge and problem-solving skills by developing agri-marketing strategies and dynamic presentations.
Connect to the vibrant agribusiness industry. Enjoy hands-on activities and tours while you network with others in the field. This program includes a co-operative work placement between your first and second year, giving you practical experience before graduating.
Jobs are numerous and diverse, whether you prefer city or country life. Build a career with grain companies, seed fertilizer providers, banks and credit unions, livestock supply outlets, agricultural equipment dealers, government agencies and co-operatives.
Admissions
- A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
- English 40G/40S or equivalent
- Consumer/Essential Mathematics 40S or equivalent
English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information.
If you don’t meet these admission requirements please visit our adult learning page for more information on assessment of special circumstances.
Helpful Information for International Applicants
Program Considerations
A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the potential need to travel for co-op work placement.
Careers & Connections
Careers
Employment opportunities are varied and plentiful, in both urban and rural settings.
Potential employers include grain companies, seed and crop input suppliers, banks and credit unions, livestock supply outlets, agricultural equipment dealers, government agencies, agronomists/consultants, and co-operatives.
Career opportunities include agriculture, agronomy, sales and service, finance, livestock, marketing, management, research, administration and precision agriculture.
Connections
Agreements exist with the University of Minnesota Crookston and the University of Manitoba for recognition of training received in this program.
Graduates are also eligible:
- For membership in Manitoba Institute of Agrologists as Technical Agrologists
- To elect to complete certifications required for Pesticide Applicators/Dispenser licensing in Manitoba
- To challenge the Prairie Provinces Certified Crop Advisor exam
Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible for students to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For up-to-date information on agreements, visit our Articulation Agreements page.
Tools & Supplies
We take our program outdoors for field labs, we also have a soils lab and a plant lab equipped with microscopes and growth chambers on campus, as well as a new sustainable greenhouse located at the North Hill Campus. We go on related industry tours and many guest speakers present throughout the year.
Our classrooms, labs and shops are equipped with the necessary equipment that you need to make the most of your experience. However, there are some tools and supplies that you will need to purchase for personal use to help you with your studies. Much of what you purchase you’ll be able to use after you graduate and begin your career. Tool and supply lists are available from the school office 30 days prior to the start date of the program.
Textbooks, supplies and uniforms for all of our programs and courses may be purchased at the ACC Bookstore at the Victoria Avenue East Campus, which is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program. Visit the Assiniboine Bookstore website to learn more.
Program Checklist:
Booklists:
Note: The cost ($90) for digital, day-one access to the e-textbook for PEDV-0345 College Foundations, a mandatory year one course, will be applied to the applicable student accounts. Students are not required to purchase additional course materials for this course.
Supplies:
Bring Your Own Device
Programs at Assiniboine have certain technology requirements. Students require access to computer devices at home and may be required to bring these on campus when instructed.
For this program, students are expected to own or acquire a mobile computing device (most commonly a laptop or tablet) to bring on campus when instructed.
Courses & Costs
To graduate with an Agribusiness diploma, students must successfully complete 120 academic credits and 15 practical credits. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline.
Estimated Program Costs
Tuition, fees and Students’ Association fees total approximately $5,230 for year one and $4,200 for year two. Estimated costs for books and supplies are $910 for year one and $300 for year two. All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Estimated Program Costs (International, 2021-22)
Credits | Tuition & Related Fees | Textbooks, Tools, & Supplies | Student Health Insurance | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Agribusiness (Year 1) | 75 | $19,300 | $910 | $1,000 |
Agribusiness (Year 2) | 60 | $15,410 | $300 | $1,000 |
All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.
Year 1 Courses
Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
---|---|---|---|---|
1st Aid - Emergency (HLTH-0030)Basic First Aid & CPR techniques taught in an interactive environment for individuals and employees who want an overview of First Aid & CPR in the workplace or home. The course covers skills needed to recognize, prevent and respond to cardiovascular emergences for Adults, CPR and other topics such as choking, airway and breathing emergencies, and prevention of disease transmission. This course meets the minimum regulations for Workplace Health & Safety for Basic First Aid. Participants who meet the required standard receive a nationally recognized certification that is valid for three years. Textbook included in cost of tuition. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Agribusiness Math (MATH-0106)In this course, students learn to apply mathematical concepts to agricultural, financial and business applications in agribusiness management. More than a math refresher, this course prepares students for performing calculations in subsequent courses, their professional career and personal life. These skills form the foundation to make reliable and profitable decisions essential to the success of agribusinesses through the implementation of new and emerging technologies. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Agro-Ecology Field Laboratory (AGRC-0162)This course introduces students to key features, challenges and sustainable management of the prairie agro-ecological landscape systems. Based on various field and laboratory exercises and guided site tours, this course provides hands-on training to students by introducing them to various agricultural and environmental sites discussing origin, development and classification of soils, water resources, wetlands and river dynamics, crop agronomy and weeds identification, wild-life habitat, forestry and shelterbelts, the Dominion Land Survey (DLS), mapping and Global Positioning System (GPS), agricultural equipment and livestock production. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Co-op Work Placement - AGRB (COOP-0025)Prerequisites: AGRC-0295 Crop Pest Management, AGRC-0290 Soil & Soil Fertility, HLTH-0277 Occupational Health & Safety, AGRC-0219 Crop Production Systems, plus cumulative weighted grade point average (CWGPA) of 2.0 or greater. |
15 credit(s) | No | No | No |
College Foundations (PEDV-0345)This course will improve students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment. In this course, students will reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and selfdirected learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, communication skills, test taking strategies, academic integrity, and information literacy, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Communications and Technology (COMP-0571)This course will help students communicate better in the work world. Using technology as a communication tool, students will learn to write, present, organize and interpret data, and interact with the online world. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Crop Pest Management (AGRC-0295)Co-requisite: AGRC-0162 Agro-Ecology Field Laboratory |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Crop Production Systems (AGRC-0219)Prerequisite: AGRC-0278 Food Production Methods |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Financial Accounting 1 (ACCT-0003)This introductory course in the fundamental principles of accounting provides a basic understanding and application of principles relating to the accounting cycle and current assets. |
6 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Occupational Health & Safety (HLTH-0277)Students learn the importance of having a safety first attitude and the responsibilities of owners, supervisors and employees in applying safe work skills. From primary production to agri-retail service and input supply, businesses require detailed safety systems and programs to manage and control hazards. As agribusinesses grow larger and become specialized with larger equipment, the need for customized components within a safety system increases. Training and certification for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015), updated with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification, Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG), for safe shipping, transporting, receiving and handling of crop protection products and Anhydrous Ammonia is also provided. Safety requirements for businesses covered provincially (Workplace Safety and Health Act – W210) and federally (The Canada Labour Code) is discussed. Students gain hands-on experience implementing a safety and health system for an employer in a group project and host a safety workshop showcasing their applied safety training. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Pesticides in Agriculture (PEST-0103)Students learn the unique properties of pesticide products, proper use, handling and storage of pesticides, safety and health precautions for the student and the environment, and emergency responses and procedures. They focus on proper application and dispensing of agricultural pesticides in accordance with federal and provincial legislation. Students demonstrate pesticide rate calculations, sprayer calibration techniques and proper pesticide complaint handling procedures. A focus is placed on pesticide rotation to prevent the development of pesticide resistance. This course prepares the student for the Pesticide Core and Agriculture Ground exams required for licensing as a pesticide applicator/dispenser. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Professional Development (PEDV-0313)This course prepares students to perform at a high level as stakeholders in the agriculture and environmental industries. Topics include preparing for and understanding the workplace, striving for performance, interacting efficiently, and sharing the organizational vision. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Soil & Soil Fertility (AGRC-0290)Prerequisite: AGRC-0162 Agro-Ecology Field Laboratory |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Year 2 Courses
Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
---|---|---|---|---|
Agribusiness Management (BUSN-0164)Prerequisites: MATH-0106 Agribusiness Math; ACCT-0003 Financial Accounting 1; COMP-0571 Communications and Technology |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Agribusiness Marketing (MKTG-0064)This course provides students with an understanding of marketing in the agriculture industry, with an emphasis placed on agribusiness promotions. Topics include marketing values decisions, understanding consumers’ value needs, and value proposition. Students will select an agriculture product or service and create a territory marketing plan throughout the semester. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Agribusiness Plan (BUSN-0161)Prerequisites: BUSN-0164 Agribusiness Management and MKTG-0064 Agribusiness Marketing |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Agricultural Equipment (AGRC-0296)Prerequisite: COMP-0570 Precision Agriculture |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Commodity Marketing (MKTG-0063)Students learn the factors that make for profitable commodity marketing in Canada. From classifications, grades, end uses, production, export, consumption, macroeconomics and currency rates, students will gain a better understanding to follow fundamental factors influencing price. Students identify significant grade determinants and practice grain grading techniques while gaining an understanding of supply chain management. Students also learn price risk management strategies to preserve profit margin and increase net returns. A variety of marketing tools such as delivery contracts, hedges and options are examined. Technical analysis, along with basis tracking and assessment skills, are provided to enable the producer to select and time effective market entry and exit. Students gain hands-on experience using a marketing information service platform. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Customer Relations (BUSN-0163)This course develops the skills needed to succeed in a career as an outside sales representative in the Western Canadian agriculture industry. Students will select an agricultural product or service and participate in a comprehensive case study and accompanying role plays for the entire semester. The case study and role plays will cover all steps leading up to and covering an entire sales presentation. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Environmental Land Management (ENVR-0038)Prerequsities: HLTH-0277 Occupational Health & Safety; AGRC-0290 Soil & Soil Fertility |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Integrated Crop Management (AGRC-0293)Prerequisites: PEST-0103 Pesticides in Agriculture; AGRC-0295 Crop Pest Management; AGRC-0219 Crop Production Systems; AGRC-0290 Soil & Soil Fertility |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Livestock Production (AGRC-0294)Prerequisite: AGRC-0219 Crop Production Systems |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Precision Agriculture (COMP-0570)This course familiarizes students with data collection techniques, equipment and software commonly used in precision agriculture. Focus is on the use and application of tools related to Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Students learn proficiency in GPS equipment by incorporating the fundamental concepts of what makes GPS work. The concepts of different coordinates systems are also integrated. How to plot and read the coordinates of positions on a map and a recreational grade GPS will also be studied. Students become proficient in data collection and mapping field collected data as well as sourcing and interpreting various agricultural GIS data layers available. Emphasis is on decision-making using many different Precision Agriculture models and spatial data layers. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |