AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY

Website: www.ufv.ca/agriculture

Agriculture is a vital and dynamic force in the British Columbia economy. A significant part of the population is concerned with one or more of the many aspects of supplying food and other agricultural products to the province and to markets around the world. Whether you are interested in a comprehensive two-year diploma, a one-year livestock, horticulture, or integrated pest management certificate, or the 12-week milker training program, the UCFV Agriculture department can meet your training needs.

Departmental mission statement
Our mission is to meet and anticipate the educational needs of our students as they prepare for careers of excellence in agriculture. Our programs emphasize holistic management practices that are compatible with agricultural sustainability while addressing society’s concerns about food safety, animal welfare, and the environment. We are pro-active in meeting the changing needs and visions of British Columbia agriculture by providing education and applied research services in the horticulture and livestock sectors, and in integrated pest management.

Agriculture Technology options

Diplomas:
• Horticulture Crop Production and Protection
• Livestock Production

Certificates:
• Integrated Pest Management
• Horticulture Crop Production
• Livestock Production
• Milker Training

Students from all parts of British Columbia who are interested in pursuing an agricultural career can take a one or two-year Agricultural Technology certificate or diploma program at UCFV's Chilliwack campus. Students are given the opportunity to acquire training in modern business management, production, and marketing techniques as they apply to agricultural production. Each of the program options provides an excellent balance between theory and practice. The one-year certificate program transfers completely to the two-year diploma.

Transfer to other educational institutes
UCFV can sometimes arrange transfers to other two-year agricultural programs for those students who would like to take their second year of study in another province. Qualified students may also be able to apply their two-year diploma programs in either Horticulture Crop Production or Livestock Production towards UCFV’s Bachelor of General Studies or a Bachelor’s degree at Olds College, or the University of Lethbridge in Alberta. A transfer agreement from UCFV to the BSc (Agri) at the University of Hawaii, Hilo, is also possible. Contact the agriculture director for information about these transfer possibilities.

Agriculture programs

Entrance requirements — diploma
1. The minimum entrance requirement for the Agriculture diploma program is B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent and
2. English 11, Principles of Math 11 or any other Mathematics 11 course, and one of the following Grade 11 sciences:
        • Biology 11
        • Chemistry 11
        • Earth Sciences 11
        • Physics 11
        • Agriculture 11 and 12. A minimum grade of C is required in both Agriculture 11 and Agriculture 12 for         admission.
Note: While the Composition Placement Test (CPT) is not necessary for applying to this program, it is a prerequisite for CMNS 125, one of the required program courses. Students are advised to arrange for the CPT through Assessment Services well before they plan to register for CMNS 125.
    Students having English as a second language must complete an assessment exam with the ESL department in advance of admission to the department. Early application to the agriculture program is essential in order for the language assessment exam to be administered.
    Students entering the one-year certificate and two-year diploma programs are expected to be computer literate. This means knowing how to run programs from a Windows environment, and having basic internet, word processing and spreadsheet skills. Those who do not have these skills are advised to take an introductory computer course before they begin their studies in agriculture.
    If you do not have the required entrance courses, you may obtain information from UCFV on the availability of preparatory courses. Mature students lacking recent preparation are advised to consult with the agriculture director about refresher courses in math, biology, and reading and study skills, etc., well in advance of the program start date.
    You must have your own transportation and appropriate clothing, including steel-toed workboots, and are required to participate in on-the-job training at host farm/business sites without remuneration. To qualify for on-the-job training (practicum), you must be enrolled in the program full-time, with a minimum grade of pass in all the current semester's course work.

How to apply — diploma
1. Submit the application fee along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website at www.ufv.ca/ar, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. See the Admissions Guide for a complete list of application dates and general information.

Applications are accepted any time, with admission granted to qualified applicants based on date of application. If you wish to speak to the director, call 604-795-2813, to make an appointment. Those wanting only part-time studies are especially encouraged to see the director.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
        • proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, and
        • transcript (or interim transcript) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements
        or
        • letter of permission from the director.

2. Upon admission to the program you will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required when you register (see the Fees and Other Costs section). This money will be applied to the tuition fees and is not refundable. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.
If you wish to begin taking courses at UCFV while waiting for a space to become available in this program, it will be necessary to submit a separate application to take courses as a general student.

3. In cases where interim transcripts are submitted, an admission decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements. For Fall entry, proof of completion of entrance requirements is due the end of the first week in August.

Fees and additional costs
Fees stated are in effect for 2004/05 and are subject to change for 2005/06.
Tuition fees for most full-time students are about $2,300 per semester. See the Fees and Other Costs section for more information. In addition to tuition fees, you should budget approximately $1,500 annually for textbooks, field trips and other expenses related to the practica.
    An additional charge is assessed to cover the cost of materials and examination fees for students writing the Provincial Pesticide Applicator’s or Dispensor’s examination.

Dates and Locations
To complete the diploma program in the minimum time (two years) you should start in September. You may start many courses in January. However, because of sequencing requirements, students starting in January may have to pick up some of the courses during an extra semester. You should consult with the agriculture director for more details. The program is based at the Chilliwack campus.

Year 1:     Semester I         September–December
                Semester II        January–April
Year 2:     Semester III      September–December
                Semester IV      January–April

Program requirements
Each semester, all diploma students take a set of core courses to provide them with background knowledge applicable for all agricultural disciplines. Upon entering the program, you must also select one of the diploma options in year one: Horticulture Crop Production, Integrated Pest Management, or Livestock Production. In the second year of the diploma program, students who have completed either the Horticulture Crop Production or IPM option continue their studies in the Horticulture Crop Production and Protection option. Students in the Livestock Production option continue their studies in Livestock Production.
    Students take specialty courses in their chosen option every semester to prepare them for careers in each of these professional options. It is your responsibility to ensure that course selections fulfill graduation requirements. If you are not enrolled in the regular full-time sequence, you are especially urged to consult with the agriculture director before registering each semester.
    In the diploma programs, fall semester courses all run at the Chilliwack campus for 15 weeks. The winter semester courses run at the Chilliwack campus for 12 weeks, then all qualified diploma students complete a three-week practicum course (AGRI 192 or 292) at selected host farms/businesses throughout the Fraser Valley. Students must have reliable transportation for the practicum work placements. All practicums are done without remuneration.
    All programs require some mandatory work, where students must spend time on campus outside of regular class hours on practical work projects associated with course work. Students may also be required to participate, occasionally, in setting up and staffing educational displays on agriculture for the general public. Students may be required to attend some local industry short courses at their own expense. Class field trips are mandatory, unless students are otherwise advised. These may be held outside of regularly scheduled classes, including Saturdays, and some expenses may be incurred by students.
    A GPA of 2.0, or the permission of the director, is required for students who wish to register in a subsequent semester. An overall GPA of 2.0 with a minimum grade of pass in all courses is required for graduation.
Auditing students: Students who decide to audit a course in the Agriculture department must make their decision known at least 30 days before the end of classes. Auditing students may be required to complete course assignments. Auditing a course will not, however, satisfy graduation requirements.

Agriculture Technology diploma
Program outline
Course listings
For complete details on courses see Course descriptions.

First Year
First-year students must complete the requirements of one of the certificates (Integrated Pest Management, Horticulture Crop Production, or Livestock Production) before going on to year two.

Second Year
In semesters III and IV (second year), your selected program option determines which courses must be taken.

Semester III (Fall)

In even-numbered years, students specializing in livestock production must also take:

In odd-numbered years, students specializing in livestock production must also take:

In even-numbered years, students specializing in Horticulture Crop Production and Protection option must also take:

In odd-numbered years, students specializing in Horticulture Crop Production and Protection option must also take:

Students in the Horticulture Crop Production and Protection option must also select one of the following courses which has not been completed previously:

Semester IV (Winter)

Students specializing in livestock production must also take:

Students in Horticulture Crop Production and Protection option must also take:

and one of the following courses which has not been completed previously: ,,

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) certificate
The Integrated Pest Management certificate program can lead to a rewarding career as a technician in the rapidly developing field of IPM. Entrance requirements, application fees, and location are the same as those listed under Agriculture Technology. A Composition Placement Test is required for CMNS 125.
    The one year IPM certificate program transfers completely to the two-year diploma option Horticulture Crop Production and Protection. Some credit transfer to other two-year horticulture programs is possible. Students completing one- or two-year programs in horticulture at other institutions may receive partial credit for previous coursework if they transfer to the UCFV IPM certificate program. Contact the agriculture director for information.
    Students entering the one-year certificate and two-year diploma programs are expected to be computer literate. This means knowing how to run programs from a Windows environment, and having basic internet, word processing and spreadsheet skills. Those who do not have these skills are advised to take an introductory computer course before they begin their studies in agriculture.
    A GPA of 2.0, or the permission of the director, is required for students who wish to register in a subsequent semester. An overall GPA of 2.0 with a minimum grade of pass in all courses is required for graduation.
Fall semester courses for this program all run at the Chilliwack campus for 15 weeks. The winter semester courses run at the Chilliwack campus for 12 weeks, then all qualified IPM certificate students complete a three-week practicum course (AGRI 192) at selected host farms/ businesses throughout the Fraser Valley. Students must have reliable transportation for the practicum work placement. All practicums are done without remuneration.

Program outline
Course listings
For complete details on courses see Course descriptions.

Semester I (Fall)

In even-numbered years:

In odd-numbered years:

Semester II (Winter)

Select

Livestock Production certificate
Students seeking practical training in livestock production can earn a Livestock Production certificate. Entrance requirements, application procedures, fees, and location are the same as those listed under Agriculture Technology diploma. The Livestock Production certificate program starts in the fall semester. One of the required program courses, CMNS 125, has prerequisites which must be satisfied before students are permitted to register in the course.
    The one-year Livestock Production certificate program transfers completely to the two-year diploma
Livestock Production option.
    Students entering the one-year certificate and two-year diploma programs are expected to be computer literate. This means knowing how to run programs from a Windows environment, and having basic internet, word processing and spreadsheet skills. Those who do not have these skills are advised to take an introductory computer course before they begin their studies in agriculture.
    A GPA of 2.0, or the permission of the director, is required for students who wish to register in a subsequent semester. An overall GPA of 2.0 with a minimum grade of pass in all courses is required for graduation.
Fall semester courses for this program all run at the Chilliwack campus for 15 weeks. The winter semester courses run at the Chilliwack campus for 12 weeks, then all qualified livestock production certificate students complete a three-week practicum course (AGRI 192) at selected host farms/businesses throughout the Fraser Valley. Students must have reliable transportation for the practicum work placements. All practicums are done without remuneration.

Program outline
Course listings
For complete details on courses see Course descriptions.

Semester I (Fall)

In even-numbered years:

In odd-numbered years:

Semester II (Winter)

Qualified students who successfully complete the one-year Livestock Production certificate program may also opt to receive a Milker Training certificate by working in a milking parlour to fulfil the requirements for
AGRI 192, Practicum I.
Note: Courses in artificial insemination and agricultural welding are recommended. Information on outside agencies offering these courses can be obtained from the Agriculture department. Approximate cost for these outside courses is $550. They are recommended but not required.

Milker Training
Dairy farming is an important part of B.C. Agriculture. The average dairy farmer milks from 45 to 70 cows, although some farms have milking herds of over 300 head. Competent milkers are in demand in the dairy farming areas of the province.
    Milking high-producing dairy cows is a responsible job! The good milker handles cows quietly and efficiently, following sanitary procedures and correct milking techniques. The milker ensures sanitation of all milking equipment and cleanliness in the milking parlours. A milker's duties also often include feeding, care of young stock, barn cleaning and maintenance, record keeping and machine operation. Work is often divided into a morning and evening shift; sometimes a milker lives on the employer's farm. The full-time Milker Training program prepares trainees for this type of employment. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a Milker Training certificate.

Entrance requirements
1. Good physical health
2. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent
3. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s licence
4. Permission of the agriculture director.

Trainees must provide their own transportation to and from the training farm and be willing to work flexible hours. Persons most likely to succeed will enjoy working with animals. Class attendance at all sessions is mandatory.

How to apply
1. Submit the application fee along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website at www.ufv.ca/ar, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. See the Admissions Guide for a complete list of application dates and general information.
Names may be left any time; however, applications will be processed in November and admission is granted to qualified applicants based on date of application in early December.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
    • proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.

2. The Admissions and Records office will inform you if an interview or orientation session is required.

3. You will be advised whether you have been admitted to the program and whether there is space for you. You will be provided with registration information.

Fees and additional costs
Fees stated are in effect for 2004/05 and are subject to change for 2005/06.
    Tuition fees for most full-time students are about $1,900 per semester (based on enrolment in five courses or 15 credits). In addition to tuition fees, you should budget approximately $800 for textbooks, field trips, rubber boots, coveralls, and supplies. See the Fees and Other Costs section for more information.

Program description
The Milker Training program is only offered in the winter semester. Students must take all courses concurrently, or have previously completed AGRI 183, 134, and 231 with a grade point of 2.0 (C) or better in each course in order to enrol in AGRI 103 and AGRI 104. You must complete all required courses with a minimum grade point of 2.0 (C) in order to receive a Milker Training certificate.
    All students will be required to work without remuneration in the UCFV barn and on host-farm sites throughout their 12-week program. Everyone will be assigned a combination of early morning milkings (around 4 a.m. start) and afternoon milkings (around 4 p.m. start) before and after regular classes on the UCFV campus. All students must have reliable transportation to and from their host farms and the campus and be able to complete the on-farm work as assigned by the instructor.
    Host farmers will assess each milker trainee on such qualities as punctuality, reliability, willingness to follow instruction and to learn, and attitude in working with others and handling dairy animals.

Program outline
Course listings
For complete details on courses see Course descriptions.

Note: Courses in artificial insemination and agricultural welding are recommended. Information on outside agencies offering these courses can be obtained from the Agriculture department. Approximate cost for these outside courses is $550. They are recommended but not required.

Horticulture Crop Production certificate
Graduates of the one-year Horticulture Crop Production certificate program will be qualified to seek work as competent assistants in field crop production, in government, as technicians, in greenhouses, nursery greenhouses, garden centres, landscape companies and in grounds maintenance. Some graduates start their own businesses.
    Students may enter this program in either January or September. However, because of course sequencing, to complete the program in the shortest possible time, it is better to start in September. This is a Chilliwack-based program. All fall semester courses are 15 weeks in length; winter semester courses are 12 weeks in length. Horticulture Crop Production students complete either a three-week practicum off campus or a three-week practical lab course on campus.
    Students will be actively involved in practical, hands-on activities on the UCFV campuses and in the Agriculture department greenhouses. All students are required to perform greenhouse-related work on the Chilliwack campus outside of regular class hours. As well, many courses have required field trips at student expense.
    The one-year Horticulture Crop Production certificate transfers completely to the two-year diploma option, Horticulture Crop Production and Protection. Some credits may also transfer to other two-year programs in horticulture. Qualifying students may also be eligible to receive the equivalent of Year I apprenticeship in production horticulture. Contact the agriculture director for more information.
    Students entering the one-year certificate and two-year diploma programs are expected to be computer literate. This means knowing how to run programs from a Windows environment, and having basic internet, word processing and spreadsheet skills. Those who do not have these skills are advised to take an introductory computer course before they begin their studies in agriculture.

Entrance requirements
a. Entrance requirements, application procedures, fees, and location are the same as those listed under Agriculture Technology diploma. One of the required program courses, CMNS 125, has prerequisites that must be satisfied before students are permitted to register in the course.
b. Recommendations: Applicants must be in good physical condition, have a strong desire for hands-on work with plants, and be willing to work outside, often in inclement weather.
Applicants with allergies to dust, pollen, or plant products should be wary of entering this program. Previous work experience is recommended.

How to apply
Applications for this program are accepted throughout the year, with admission granted to qualified applicants on a first-come basis. It is recommended that interested students arrange an interview with the agriculture director at 604-795-2813 before admission to the program.
1. Submit the application fee along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website at www.ufv.ca/ar, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. See the Admissions Guide for a complete list of application dates and general information.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
    • proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent will be required
    • letter of permission from the director
If you are in secondary school when you apply, you may provide a letter from your counsellor which indicates that you are in your last semester and likely to complete successfully before the program starts.

2. Upon admission to the program you will be provided with registration information. If you do not register for courses and pay course deposits, your place will be given to the next person on the program waiting list and you must reapply to the program.
    A Composition Placement Test (CPT) score of 48 or higher is required well before the September semester starts. This test must be written in the early spring before fall semester registration can be completed.

Fees and additional costs
Fees stated are in effect for 2004/05 and are subject to change for 2005/06.
Tuition fees for most full-time students are about $2,300 per semester. See the Fees and Other Costs section for more information. In addition to tuition fees, you should budget approximately $1,500 annually for textbooks, safety work boots, pocket knife, pruning shears, work gloves, and rain gear.
    An additional charge will be assessed to cover the cost of materials and examination fees for students writing the Provincial Pesticide Applicator’s or Dispensor’s examination. Materials fees are also charged for
AGRI 294, Basic Landscape Design.
    Required field trips may occasionally be scheduled outside of regular class hours, including Saturdays. You should budget approximately $100 per semester to cover travelling expenses for these trips.

Program requirements
Continuance in program
A GPA of 2.0, or the permission of the director, is required for students who wish to register in a subsequent semester. An overall GPA of 2.0 with a minimum grade of pass in all courses is required for graduation.

Program outline
Course listings
For complete details on courses see Course descriptions.

Fall semester

In even-numbered years:

In odd-numbered years:

Winter semester

Agriculture/Horticulture faculty
Norma Senn, PAg; BSc, MSc, PhD (Wisconsin–Madison), Director
Tom Baumann, PAg; Dip Ing Ag (J. Liebig), MSc (UBC)
Donna Costello, MPM (SFU)
Paul Gumprich, PAg; BSc (US)
Nancy Moore, Dip Tech (BCIT)
Rose Morrison, PAg; Ag Dip, BSA, MSc (Manitoba)
Shelagh Niblock, PAg; BSc (UBC)
Jennifer Ryan, BA (UBC)
Greg St. Hilaire, MPM (SFU)
Brian Upper, DVM (WCVM)

Staff
Shelley Hayes, Departmental Assistant
Brent Bailey, Dip. Ag.Tech (UCFV), Departmental Technician
Jon Treloar, BSc. (Agri.) (UBC), Agriculture Liaison Coordinator/Recruiter

Program Advisory committee
UCFV Agriculture programs are continually updated to reflect the current requirements of potential employers. To assist the department in determining these requirements, representatives of the agriculture community provide input through regular meetings of program advisory sub-committees. Current members of these committees include:
Horticulture Advisory committee
Mike Brass, Parks Superintendent, District of Chilliwack
Marlene Derksen, B.C. Agriculture Employment Services, Abbotsford
Christine Koch, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Abbotsford
Nancy Moore, Visions Green Enterprises, Abbotsford

IPM Advisory committee
Andrea Davenport, Koppert Canada, Langley
Marlene Derksen, B.C. Agriculture Employment Services, Abbotsford
Sophie Desserault, Vancouver Parks Board, Vancouver
Dr. Dave Gillespie, Pacific Agri-Food Research, Agassiz
Leslie MacDonald, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Abbotsford

Livestock Advisory committee
Marlene Derksen, B.C. Agriculture Employment Services, Abbotsford
Nelson Dinn, UBC Farm Manager, Agassiz
Beth Mason, Swine producer and consultant, Abbotsford
Annette Moore, Quality First in Agriculture Inc., Abbotsford
Shelagh Niblock, Unifeed, Chilliwack
Peter Sinnott, Ritchie-Smith Feeds, Inc., Abbotsford
Richard Toop, Toop Farm, Chilliwack
Dion Wiebe, Rossdown Farms, Ltd., Mt. Lehman
 

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