Agriculture Sciences Certificate
Program Start: 10 October 2023
Application Deadline: 3 October 2023
Location: Melfort
Credit Granting Institution: Lakeland
Length: 1 year
Overview:
If you’re interested in studying agriculture, but you only want to commit to a year, then our General Agriculture Certificate program, offered through our partnership with Lakeland College, is for you!
Our certificate program offers a specific concentration on crop production. The courses offered will allow you to master fundamental skills that are essential for modern agricultural operations, including computer training, keeping accurate business records, and using up-to-date and innovative technology. Skills specific to crop production will involve you in practical field skills used to identify plants and weeds and assess a variety of pest problems.
Upon completion of your certificate program, you will also be given the option to transfer into year two of Lakeland’s Crop Technology Diploma program, offered on its Vermilion campus. The diploma program will allow you to gain knowledge and skills through agronomy, production, precision farming, and financial management classes while being immersed in a hands-on experience through industry practicum or Lakeland’s student-managed farm.
Whether you choose the acquisition of your certificate as your exit point, or choose to continue on to the diploma program, you will find yourself prepared to contribute to a farming operation or to work in the retail agriculture sector.
Did you know about the Agriculture Skills and Knowledge Program? Currently, three courses from the Agriculture Certificate program are registered and eligible under the ASK program: AE100 - Economic Forces in Agriculture; AE202 - Business Records and Reporting; and AE300 - Grain Oilseeds and Pulse Crop Marketing.
Requirements:
- Grade 12 with minimum 50% in English A30 and B30, Foundations 20 or Pre-Calculus 20, and any 20 level core science
- English Language Requirement
Books & Supplies: $1,200*
Student Fees: $95
Health & Dental Plan: $252*
*Note: Tuition, Books and Supplies, Health and Dental amounts are approximate, based on last year's program and may change at anytime.
Notes:
- International tuition: $17,000 *
- Books and materials costs - will be determined closer to the program start date
- The program course schedule will allow students the opportunity and flexibility to work in the Agricultural sector while enrolled in the program
- You will be a part of a unique cohort of students from across Saskatchewan, studying with peers from the Parkland College, Carlton Trail College, Great Plains College regions of the province.
- Students enrolled at Cumberland College as part of this program will access all theory and labs in person on our Melfort campus
Careers:
Graduates of the general agriculture program typically find work in rural and urban settings as:
- Agricultural field person
- Crop service providers
- Livestock facility operators
- Feed industry reps
- Agricultural sales reps
- ... and more!
Agriculture Sciences Certificate includes the following courses
Agricultural Communications and Computer Applications (CO 138)
This is a course in oral and written communication as it relates to the agricultural community. Assignments focus on agricultural topics, employment issues, and interview skills. Assignments are related to activities students may encounter when they are part of the agricultural community. Labs will focus on computer skills related to Microsoft Office and other software applications.
Business Records and Reporting (AE 202)
This class is designed so students will have an understanding of the key accounting and financial concepts related to their agriculture operations. A computerized accounting system is introduced and utilized for data entry and financial statement preparation.
Grain, Oilseeds and Pulse Crop Marketing (AE 300)
Provides in-depth analysis of pricing and delivery options available to the farm manager. Learn how to analyze grain, oilseed, and pulse crop markets.
Prerequisites:
AE 100
Microeconomics (AE 100)
This course deals with the economic principles underlying production, markets, and the national economy. Agricultural examples are used throughout.
Pesticide Application Technologies (MR 142)
Provide in-depth study of pesticide spray application equipment commonly used on prairie grain farms. Pesticide legislation, safety, health and environmental considerations covered to assist those interested in pursuing a provincial pesticide applicators license. Application accuracy and efficiency are emphasized, as is safe and responsible use.
Plant Science and Field Crops (CR 160)
Introduction to basic plant botany and production of grain and oilseed crops in western Canada. Study plant physiology, major plant parts and their role in plant growth and development. Discover major growth factors for crops on the prairies and how they can affect these crops. Combined with specific best practices for major grain and oilseed crops of Western Canada.
Soil Science (SO 102)
This course involves a study of the basic properties of soils. The course studies Physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils to provide and understanding of how soils function as a growth medium in agriculture. The Soil Orders of the Canadian System of Soil Classification relevant to field crop rpoduction in Western Canada reviewed.
Student Managed Farm 1 (AE 101)
This course introduces the student to the Lakeland College Student Managed Farm and Crop Technology Practicum. It provides students with basic principles of working in groups in a business environment, and introduces students to some basic professionalism skills. The course also introduces students to field reporting software and more complex Excel computing problem solving.
Tillage and Direct Seeding Systems (MR 112)
This course covers the related areas of tillage, seeding and fertilizing equipment. Emphasis is placed on systems common to the Western Canadian prairies. Skills are implemented to assist decision-making and problem-solving in common agricultural production situations. Course topics are studied in the classroom, the shop, and in the field if the season permits.
Weed and Herbicide Management (CR 242)
This is a course in weed biology, ecology and identification. Then integration of common cultural, biological and chemical weed management practices with the entire cropping system is dicussed. Chemical make-up, mode of action and safe handling of herbicides included.
