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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

ONEAcademicAcademicWork
TWOAcademicAcademic 

Agriculture Course Sequencing

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 from List 1

Summer

Work Term One

Fall

  • Introduction to Agricultural Economics & Marketing
  • Corn and Oilseed Management
  • Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship
  • 3 Restricted Electives from List 2

Winter

  • Human Resource Management
  • Farm Analysis Project or Business Project
  • Commodity Marketing or Sales and Sales Management
  • 3 Restricted Electives from List 3
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 Production Management
  • Small Ruminant Production
  • Dairy Herd Management
  • U.S. Agriculture Study Tour
  • Dairy Study Tour
  • Site-Specific Crop Management

List 3

  • Cropping Systems
  • Animal Health
  • Poultry Production
  • Crop Diagnostics and Recommendations
  • Leadership
  • Renewable Energy and Agriculture
  • Organic Production
  • Farm Structures and Environment 
  • Dairy Herd Management
  • Ruminant Nutrition
  • Advanced Topics in Dairy Production