Agribusiness

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.

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.

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.
Based on field and laboratory exercises and tours, this course introduces students to key features of the prairie agro-ecological landscape. Various aspects are discussed including soils, water, native vegetation, the Dominion land survey, map reading, and crop and livestock production. The concepts of integrated watershed management and the use of mapping and GPS technology are introduced.

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.
This requires a minimum of 600 hours of full-time, paid, related work experience. The work placement is subject to prior approval of and monitoring by a faculty member. Credit is based on successful completion of the work placement plus assignments based on the student's work experience.

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.  

Co-requisite: AGRC-0162 Agro-Ecology Field Laboratory
Students learn integrated pest management skills to provide sustainable pest (weed, disease and insect) management solutions for major crops in Western Canada. Students learn to understand biology, identification and cultural control of agricultural pests at various lifecycle stages. Pest monitoring and scouting techniques are also examined in detail to determine pest severity and population threshold levels during field investigations. Research on benefits of pest forecasting using pest sampling, remote sensing and aerial imagery are also examined. Integrated pest management tools, especially cultural, mechanical and biological control (natural enemies and predators) are discussed in detail to help students design pest management programs for major crops in Western Canada.

Prerequisite: AGRC-0278 Food Production Methods
This course covers the production of cereal grains, oilseeds, legumes, forages and special crops. Topics include the history and development of crop production and plant breeding. Students focus on the anatomy of cultivated plants and the key production practices unique to each crop including crop establishment, harvest and storage. Students examine the concepts of sustainable decision making in cropping systems as it relates to crop rotation and managing plant health. This course includes a hands-on laboratory component focused on crop staging and health.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Prerequisite: AGRC-0162 Agro-Ecology Field Laboratory
In this course, students investigate the nature and properties of soils, i.e. how physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes within soils influence the crop growth and development. Students also analyze the key topic of development, degradation and conservation of soil resources. Methods of soil sampling and soil test interpretation are also discussed in details to help students understand the nutrient requirements of crops of Western Canada. Students learn to determine crop nutrient requirements, deficiency symptoms and select proper fertilizer application techniques based on sustainable soil management practices. This course also prepare students to decision-making as it relates to crop nutrient requirement calculations, fertility planning and application of agricultural fertilizers using suitable agricultural machinery.

Prerequisites: MATH-0106 Agribusiness Math; ACCT-0003 Financial Accounting 1; COMP-0571 Communications and Technology
Microeconomic and financial management concepts are applied, with the guidance of business mentors in various business planning scenarios and lectures, to evaluate and optimize profitability. Students also learn to apply macroeconomic concepts (fiscal and monetary policy) and credit management skills to reduce exposure to financial, production and marketing risk. The potential for market growth is evaluated within the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-food system. Succession planning and accompanying tax implications are also examined in various workshops using expert speakers. An opportunity is also provided for students to learn how to set-up an accounting system for their group project to create financial statements with customized accounts, capital assets, enterprises and opening balances, building upon skills learned earlier, using AgExpert Analyst financial management software.

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.

Prerequisites: BUSN-0164 Agribusiness Management and MKTG-0064 Agribusiness Marketing
Students learn to develop and present a business plan to raise investment, lender financing or expertise for an agribusiness venture. Mentors are selected by students to support, provide guidance and validate accuracy of budget objectives and assumptions. In this capstone project, students incorporate and apply concepts learned in their courses within the Agribusiness program. From enterprise budgeting, projected income statements, cash-flow statements and balance sheets using Excel, students perform ratio analysis to evaluate and improve their plans using a management approach. Detailed plans for marketing, risk management, succession, operations, human resources, tax management, environmental management and contingency plans provide hands-on experience for students to assume management positions. A major emphasis will be for the student to write the plan with the perspective of an investor to better appreciate risk and return of various investment choices.

Prerequisite: COMP-0570 Precision Agriculture
In this course, students learn about the operation, management and economics of equipment used in agricultural production systems of Western Canada. Students learn about specific requirements and types of equipment for cereal and forage production. Students are exposed to industry through visits, expert talks and equipment walk arounds at various dealerships and manufacturing facilities in the area. Students also learn about Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSH) and Regulations and Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to tractors operation, seeding, spraying, harvesting, forage and hay management equipment. Students also learn about equipment selection and preparation of machinery cost evaluation report for a specific agricultural enterprise.

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.

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.

Prerequsities: HLTH-0277 Occupational Health & Safety; AGRC-0290 Soil & Soil Fertility
In this course, students investigate the basic soils properties and geological features of the region. Students also examine the physical landscape focusing on land and water and its interconnection and interdependence within an agricultural production system. Students gain knowledge on soil erosion, water sources, water quality, environmental regulations, risk assessment and best resource management practices. Students also learn about an environmental farm plan to identify farm related environmental and safety issues.

Prerequisites: PEST-0103 Pesticides in Agriculture; AGRC-0295 Crop Pest Management; AGRC-0219 Crop Production Systems; AGRC-0290 Soil & Soil Fertility
This advanced agronomics course focuses on best management practices to maximize returns. Students analyze production factors and practices including crop rotation, tillage, soil fertility, soil health, cultivar selection, planting strategies, pest management, biosecurity and harvesting techniques. A systems approach to crop management is emphasized using multiple case studies where students will focus on enhanced crop diagnostic skills and sustainable crop production decisions. This course includes a field component that focuses on scouting and the development of crop plans.

Prerequisite: AGRC-0219 Crop Production Systems
Students explore the livestock enterprises common to Canadian food production on a national and provincial basis. Students learn about current and emerging on-farm production for each class of livestock and assess the strengths and weaknesses of each livestock sector. Reproduction, marketing, slaughter, and processing are included as part of on-farm production discussions. Digestive systems and nutritional requirements of ruminant and non-ruminant livestock are examined. Students learn to analysis feed components and forage quality while being introduced to ration formulation. Students compare forage razing systems, riparian management and pasture management systems including their role in greenhouse gas mitigation. Emphasis is on the fact that the consumers desired end product, determines on-farm production practices.

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.