Overview
Combining the business and technology of agriculture, this post-credential diploma prepares you for a career in one of Canada’s largest and most advanced industries.
Build on your existing business education and make yourself more desirable to employers. This program is specially designed for those with business-related degrees or diplomas, or those with previous education in agriculture outside of Canada, who are looking to develop specialized skills to prepare them for a career in this fast-changing industry.
Dive deep into fundamental agriculture topics, including crop production and protection, livestock production and environmental considerations directly related to agriculture. Develop additional knowledge in communications, customer service, sales and marketing, and management.
Towards the end of your program, complete a 16-week, paid work placement that provides you with valuable Canadian work experience in the agricultural sector and supplements your classroom learning.
Experience the best of both worlds: indoor classrooms, plant and soil labs, and outdoor field labs. Off-campus industry tours throughout the year allow you to see careers in action, network with others in your field, and help you to see the complex and fast-paced world of agriculture.
Whether you see yourself in finance, sales and marketing, consulting, research or management, you’ll have the tools to get started. Potential employers include banks and credit unions, grain companies, equipment dealers and government agencies. Some graduates may even choose to become entrepreneurs or self-employed consultants.
Full-Tuition Awards Available!
The Elevate Award is a full-tuition award that supports university or college graduates looking to enhance their professional skill sets by pursuing an advanced diploma program. Up to 20 full-tuition Elevate awards are granted annually to domestic students (Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents). Awards are limited; apply to the program today!
Admissions
This is an advanced diploma and requires a prior diploma or degree as a pre-requisite.
- Two-year diploma or university degree
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.
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
Career Opportunities
Potential employers include grain companies, seed and crop inputs 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
Graduates may be eligible for membership with the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists as technical agrologists.
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 Assiniboine’s Articulation Agreements page.
Tools & Supplies
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.
2023-24 Lists:
Program Checklist:
2023-24 Lists:
Supply List:
Booklist:
Technology Requirements
Students in this program are required to bring their own laptop and smartphone for use on-campus. The laptop and smartphone must meet the technical needs outlined by the program. MAC computing devices are not compatible with program software. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for detailed information.
Courses & Costs
Costs
Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
Credits | Tuition | Course fees | Students' Association fees (includes health premium) | Estimated textbooks, tools and supplies | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Agriculture | 75 | $5,750 | Included | Included | $455 |
All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Estimated Program Costs (International students)
Credits | Tuition | Course fees | Students' Association fees (includes health premium) | Required health insurance | Textbooks, tools & supplies | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Agriculture | 75 | $17,450 | Included | Included | $1,000 | $455 |
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.
All tuition and fees are required to be paid in full before your program begins. Tuition and fees to this program are non-refundable and non-transferable. All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Students may be required to purchase additional supplies for this program.
Courses
To graduate with an advanced diploma in Agriculture, students must successfully complete 75 academic credits. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline.
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 |
Agricultural Equipment (AGRC-0296)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. |
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 - AGADV (COOP-0033)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. |
3 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 |
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 |
Environmental Land Management (ENVR-0038)Prerequsitie: 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)Corequisite: ENVR-0038 Environmental Land Management |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Occupational Health & Safety (HLTH-0277)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-retailservice 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 on 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 protectionproducts 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. 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)Prerequisite: MATH-0106 Agribusiness Math |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Soil & Soil Fertility (AGRC-0290)Prerequisites: MATH-0106 Agribusiness Math, AGRC-0162 Agro-Ecology Field Laboratory |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next program information session?
Program information sessions are completely free to attend, and we invite you to bring a guest along as well. It's a good idea to register in advance so we know you're coming.
To find the complete schedule for our program information sessions and to RSVP, visit the program information session page.