Agriculture Co-op Information for Employers
Adding Value to Your Team
The Associate Diploma in Agriculture combines hands-on experiences in agricultural production with the technical and practical skills required to successfully operate a farm or work in agribusiness. Students learn about the science, technology, and business of agriculture. They gain knowledge and develop the skills needed to work in the ever-evolving Canadian agriculture sector. As well, students have opportunities to gain additional certifications, such as the Grower Pesticide Safety Course, which can be completed within the regular course of studies.
University of Guelph Advantage
The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) of the University of Guelph is internationally renowned for its research, teaching and knowledge extension. This program provides a practical, skills-oriented approach to agricultural production systems and affords its students an opportunity to improve their business and managerial skills. Diploma in Agriculture students integrate practical experience in agricultural production with the technical and scientific information that is required to successfully manage modern food production enterprises. Business management, computer skills, and problem-solving activities provide students with the knowledge and skills they require as managers of production systems, and as technical/ sales employees of agri-business firms, commodity boards, and other agencies related to the agri-food system.
The co-op work term is scheduled after the second academic semester, providing a foundation on which to build the work experience.
Student Strengths
Knowledge
Broad-base knowledge and understanding of agriculture. Foundational knowledge and understanding in a particular area of agri-business, crop, livestock, fruit and/or vegetable production
Application
Combine applied and practical experiences with lectures and labs. Ability to apply analytical and problem-solving skills through teamwork to analyze the current industry issues and how to solve them.
Communication
Strong oral and written communication experience.
Agriculture Co-op Work Term Schedule
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Work |
| TWO | Academic | Academic |
Agriculture Course Sequencing
Based on the 2023/24 Associate Diploma Calendar. Please see the current Associate Diploma Calendar for more information.
Fall
- Introduction to Co-operative Education
- Livestock Systems
- Introduction to Business Management
- Communications & Software Applications I
- Applied Plant Science
- Soil Principles
- Applied Mathematics
Winter
- Agricultural Mechanization and Safety
- Financial Management
- Communications & Software Applications II
- Applied Weed Science
- 2 Restricted Electives
Summer
Work Term One
Fall
- Introduction to Agricultural Economics & Marketing
- Corn and Oilseed Management
- Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship
- 3 Electives or Restricted Electives
Winter
- Human Resource Management
- Farm Analysis Project or Business Project
- Commodity Marketing or Marketing
- 3 Electives or Restricted Electives
Restricted Electives
List 1
- Cereal and Forage Management
- Viticulture and Oenology
- Animal Science
- Introduction to U.S. Agriculture
- Belize Study Tour
List 2
- Insect and Disease Management
- Fruit Production
- Vegetable Production
- Machinery Maintenance
- Beef Production
- Pork Production
- Dairy Management
- Small Ruminant Production
- Dairy Herd Management
- U.S. Agriculture Study Tour
- Dairy Learning in Agriculture
- Site-Specific Crop Management
List 3
- Cropping Systems
- Animal Health
- Poultry Production
- Crop Diagnostics and Recommendations
- Food Security, Nutrition and International Development
- Leadership
- Renewable Energy and Agriculture
- Organic Production
- Farm Structures and Environment
- Dairy Herd Management
- Ruminant Nutrition
- Advanced Topics in Dairy Production
About Us
The Experiential Learning Hub is home to experiential learning opportunities on and off-campus, co-op, career education and community engaged learning.