Agriculture and Food Production

Program Overview

The Agriculture and Food Production Diploma Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic equips students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the evolving agriculture industry. Through a combination of classroom instruction, practical labs, and hands-on field experience, students develop expertise in agricultural technology, farm management, and sustainable agriculture practices. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in farm operation, management, or supervision, and provides a foundation for lifelong learning and adaptability in the dynamic agricultural sector.

Program Outline

Agriculture and Food Production Diploma Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Degree Overview:

The Agriculture and Food Production diploma program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic equips students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the evolving agriculture industry.

Program Objectives:

• Prepare graduates for leadership roles in farm operation, management, or supervision.
• Equip students with the technical, environmental, and managerial skills for success in modern agriculture.
• Foster a commitment to sustainable agriculture practices and resource management.
• Provide a foundation for lifelong learning and adaptability in the dynamic agricultural sector.

Program Description:

This three-year diploma program, offered at the Moose Jaw campus, combines classroom instruction, practical labs, and hands-on field experience. Students will:

• Develop expertise in agriculture technology, including precision agriculture, AI, and data analysis.
• Gain mastery over agricultural machinery, from operation and maintenance to advanced precision farming tools.
• Master farm management skills, encompassing business applications, financial record keeping, agricultural economics, and leadership.
• Gain in-depth knowledge of production and land management, including crop and livestock production, weed and insect control, soil and crop nutrition, and range management.
• Understand the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture, including water management, meteorology, and environmental stewardship.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Semester 1: Introduction to agricultural machinery, agribusiness principles, general chemistry, professional workplace communication, geographic information systems, basics of global positioning systems, history of agriculture in Western Canada, and mathematics.
• Semester 2: Precision agriculture, agricultural business applications, agricultural entomology, agronomy, principles of crop production, weed management, culture and diversity, professional ethics, and commodity marketing.
• Co-operative Work Term 1: Gain paid work experience in an agricultural setting.

Year 2:

• Semester 3: Harvesting, hay and forage machinery, principles of sustainable agriculture, food security, apiculture, irrigation, pesticide management, soil and crop nutrition, and water management.
• Semester 4: Agricultural machinery, precision agriculture, agricultural business planning, beef cattle production, rangeland management, introduction to agricultural economics, internet of things applications in agriculture, commodity marketing, and indigenous resource rights.
• Co-operative Work Term 2: Expand your skills and knowledge through a second paid work placement.

Year 3:

• Semester 5: Agricultural intelligence, grain handling, storage and conveyance, post-harvest food production, globalization, business law, meteorology, innovation and leadership, capstone project, and technical communication.
• Co-operative Work Term 3: Apply your learnings and gain professional experience through a final paid work term.

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment through assignments, tests, exams, and practical lab work.
• Evaluation of projects, presentations, and capstone reports.
• Feedback from industry partners during co-operative work terms.

Teaching:

• Experienced and industry-connected faculty with expertise in agriculture and related fields.
• Interactive learning environment with a focus on practical application of knowledge.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and agricultural equipment.
• Individualized guidance and support throughout the program.

Careers:

• Diverse career opportunities in:
• Farm operation and management
• Crop and livestock production
• Agricultural technology and precision farming
• Agricultural marketing and sales
• Agricultural research and extension
• Environmental stewardship and sustainability
• Employment possibilities in a range of settings, including:
• Family farms and large-scale operations
• Government agencies and agricultural organizations
• Private companies in the agriculture and food industry
• Research institutions and academic settings
• Consulting firms and environmental organizations

Other:

• The program emphasizes teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Opportunities for international study and research experiences.
• Access to career services and alumni networks.
• Strong focus on ethical and sustainable agricultural practices.