AGRI 123
3 credits
Horticulture Skills and Techniques for Fall
Prerequisite(s): None.
Practical horticulture work skills for the late summer and fall seasons complement lecture material from a variety of horticulture production courses. Course work will vary depending on the weather, but will include: propagation, fall turf maintenance, seeding, sodding, ornamental plant pruning, horticulture tool and equipment handling and maintenance, garden renovation, and greenhouse production and maintenance. Students must participate in outdoor labs, regardless of weather, as well as in the greenhouse. All students must have steel-toed work boots, rain gear, work gloves, hand pruners and a pocket knife. Off-campus field trips such as the annual field trip will be required at student expense.
AGRI 124
3 credits
Introduction to Horticulture
Prerequisite(s): None.
This course introduces binomial nomenclature; the environmental factors affecting plant growth: physical, biological, and chemical control of plant growth; and an introduction to the major horticultural crop groups: fruits, vegetables, greenhouse crops, nursery crops, and turf.
AGRI 129
3 credits
Horticulture Skills and Techniques for Winter
Prerequisite(s): None.
Practical horticulture work skills for the winter and spring seasons complement lecture material from a variety of horticulture production courses. Course work may vary, depending on the weather, but will include propagation, spring turf maintenance, fruit tree pruning, greenhouse production and maintenance work, garden renovation, planting and transplanting, irrigation system trouble shooting, and taxonomic keys. Students must participate in outdoor labs, regardless of weather, as well as in the greenhouse. All students must have steel-toed work boots, rain gear, work gloves, hand pruners, and a pocket knife. Off-campus field trips will be required at student expense.
AGRI 142
3 credits
Agribusiness Principles
Prerequisite(s): Students should be familiar with basic word processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail, and the worldwide web before entering this course. Those with limited or no experience with PCs should take CIS 100 or equivalent before enrolling in AGRI 142.
This course deals with the farm manager as a decision-maker. Topics include farm office, farm record-keeping and accounting, enterprise management, financial statements, cost accounting, break-even calculations, budgets, projections, production records, financial applications, and leverage. The use of computers to manage farm financial records (spreadsheets and data management programs) will be an integral part of this course.
AGRI 143
3 credits
Introduction to Agriculture
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Automation and Robotics Technician diploma program or departmental approval.
Gain basic knowledge of various common agricultural settings and environment. Expose and train students on machinery, automated equipment, control systems, and other electronic equipment used in agriculture while maintaining a safe working environment when dealing with organic material and livestock. Field trips may be required.
AGRI 163
3 credits
Pest Biology and Identification
Prerequisite(s): None
Students will be given an overview of the general biology of key groups of plant/livestock pests, including arthropods, weeds and biotic diseases. Management strategies based on pest life cycle and ecology will be emphasized. Laboratory sessions will emphasize identification of symptoms of pest attack and sight identification of a group of key pests. Students will also learn how to identify pests using keys and the services of the BCMAL plant diagnostic lab. Field trips will be required.
AGRI 183
3 credits
Farm and Equipment Safety
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Level I First Aid certificate is recommended.
This course includes the safe operation of farm machinery and power equipment, an introduction to Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) in the workplace, and safety and fire prevention on the farm and in the workplace.
AGRI 192
3 credits
Practicum I
Prerequisite(s): (Admission to one of the following with 9 credits in the program: an agriculture certificate, the Agriculture Technology diploma, or the Bachelor of Agricultural Science), a minimum GPA of 2.00, and department permission.
Pre- or corequisite(s): AGRI 183.
This is a three-week, on-the-job training course in agriculture. Students will work, without remuneration, for a selected host, in return for which valuable work experience and new skills will be acquired. Students’ grades for this course will be based on hosts’ evaluations, journal, and thank you letter.
AGRI 203
3 credits
Fundamentals of Pest Management
Pre- or corequisite(s): AGRI 163
This course emphasizes pest management as a decision-making process in a variety of settings, with a focus on collecting pest data via monitoring. Concepts such as economic injury level and action threshold will be discussed, and the concept of pest management strategies and tactics will be explored. Important pesticide issues will also be discussed, including pesticide treadmill, resistance, secondary pest outbreaks, and environmental impact. Examples from local agricultural commodities, horticultural commodities, and livestock will be used throughout the course to illustrate concepts. Students will be required to work in the UFV greenhouses or barn outside of regular class times. Field trips are mandatory.
AGRI 204
3 credits
Introduction to Soils and Soil Fertility
Prerequisite(s): None
This course introduces soil as a medium for plant growth. Soil formation, soil physical, chemical and biological properties are introduced. Plant-essential elements, inorganic and organic fertilizers, amendments, conditioners and environmentally-sustainable nutrient management are also discussed. Soils courses in the Agriculture Technology department emphasize information and practices that can further the development or maintenance of ‘quality’ soils in field, nursery and other in-ground growing environments.
AGRI 210
3 credits
Directed Studies in Agriculture
Prerequisite(s): A minimum overall GPA of 2.50 and instructor's permission
Under the guidance of one of the agriculture faculty members, students may pursue a research project in agriculture. Regular reports will be required as the project develops, and a final written report must be presented to the supervising faculty member.
AGRI 212
3 credits
Introduction to On-Farm Food Safety, Quality and Security
Prerequisite(s): Students should be familiar with basic record keeping, electronic mail and the world wide web before registering for this course. Those with limited or no experience with PCs should take CIS 100 or equivalent before enrolling in AGRI 212
This course examines how agriculture addresses food issues with regard to safety, quality, security, biosecurity, and defense. Students will learn how agricultural policy, practices, and human resource management play key roles in these issues by understanding how they work and fit into related on-farm programs used today. Current industry and government recognized programs across all types of commodities, where available, will be used throughout the course to showcase the principles and methods used to control the risks associated with these issues. Actual case studies, field trips, and labs will be used to provide some hands-on experience where possible. Audit preparation and skills will also be introduced to help the future farm manager or auditor prepare for an audit experience in any of these areas.
AGRI 220
3 credits
Plants in the Landscape
Prerequisite(s): None.
This course covers the identification, use, and maintenance of herbaceous and woody plants in the landscape. Site selection and individual plant growing requirements will be emphasized. Students must have their own transportation.
Field trips are a course requirement, and students should budget approximately $50 to cover travel costs throughout the semester.
AGRI 237
3 credits
Introduction to the Health and Nutrition of Farm Animals
Prerequisite(s): None
This course covers and integrates the basic facts concerning the nature of nutrients and their metabolism with the use of common feedstuffs on farms. The students will study commercial production facilities and practices that lead to or prevent common livestock diseases. Conventional and new procedures used to prevent and control diseases will be covered.
AGRI 238
3 credits
Equine Production and Management
Prerequisite(s): None.
This course covers feeding, breeding, and management for horse owners. Topics include equine medical disorders, lameness, nutrition, facilities, reproduction management of both the mare and stallion, and equipment. Discussion of the different equine sectors and field trips will be included.
AGRI 239
3 credits
Management and Production of Beef, Sheep, and Goats
Prerequisite(s): None
The feeding, breeding, and management of beef, sheep, and goats will be covered. Specific topics will include production, genetics, and health, as well as marketing of these animals. Facilities and equipment will also be discussed. Students will be required to participate in the care of departmental livestock outside of regular class hours. Field trips are required. This course is only offered in even-numbered years.
AGRI 247
3 credits
Enterprise Project: Part I
Prerequisite(s): (C or better in AGRI 142 or BUS 100) and (CMNS 125 or equivalent).
Pre- or corequisite(s): CMNS 251
Students will develop a complete business plan designed to obtain support from investors and lenders for an independent agricultural venture. Students, in consultation with faculty, will prepare a market analysis, determine organizational structure, outline operational objectives including a production plan, and prepare financial projections for the first year of operations.
Note: Students are expected to complete AGRI 247 and AGRI 248 in the same academic year.
AGRI 248
3 credits
Enterprise Project: Part II
Prerequisite(s): C or better in AGRI 247.
Students will make any required revisions to the first year of the business plan and complete years two and three. They will prepare a final written copy of the business plan and prepare it for presentation to a select committee of faculty and industry experts.
Note: Students are expected to complete AGRI 247 and AGRI 248 in the same academic year.
AGRI 254
3 credits
Ruminant Animal Health
Prerequisite(s): None.
The principles of disease infection, treatment, and prevention in ruminant livestock are introduced. Topics include reproduction, obstetrics, respiratory ailments, nutritional and infectious disease, and health management of dairy and beef cattle and other ruminants, as time permits.
AGRI 256
3 credits
Management and Production of Poultry and Swine
Prerequisite(s): None.
This course covers feeding, breeding, and management for commercial and purebred swine operations. Topics include production, marketing, facilities, equipment; swine herd health, and genetics. This course will also cover the poultry industry in Canada, mainly in the Fraser Valley at the farm level.
The basics of feeding, breeding, and management of different types of poultry will also be covered. Students will be required to participate in the care of departmental livestock outside of regular class hours. Field trips are required.
AGRI 272
3 credits
Agriculture Seminar Series
Prerequisite(s): None
Students will attend, help present, and discuss a series of seminars which address topical agriculture issues in areas such as Policy and Trade, Innovation, Gender, Research, Problem Solving, Natural Resources, World Food Supply, and Demographics. Guest lecturers will be included. Seminar content will change from year-to-year; topics will present information that is new to most students or that adds to information presented in other agriculture department offerings. Students, in groups or individually, will research and present a short seminar in an approved area of interest. Students will be given a problem-solving and decision-making assignment related to one or more topics.
AGRI 292
3 credits
Practicum II
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 192, admission to the Agriculture Technology diploma, a minimum GPA of 2.00, and department permission.
This course follows AGRI 192 and provides agriculture technology diploma students with a second three-week on-the job training course in agriculture. Students will work without remuneration for a selected host, in return for which valuable work experience and new skills will be acquired. Students’ grades will mainly be based on hosts’ evaluation, journal, and thank you letter.
Note: Only full-time students who have successfully completed their current semester’s courses and have a minimum GPA of 2.00 are eligible to participate.
AGRI 306
3 credits
Field Techniques in Pest Management
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 163 and AGRI 203.
Focus is on the practice of pest control, i.e. detection, diagnosis, and management of pests (arthropods, weeds, diseases, vertebrates). Students will conduct hands-on research (pest survey or product evaluation). Communication and extension practice including field days, presentations, and written reports. Field trips required.
Note: Students with credit for AGRI 206 or AGRI 205 cannot take this course for further credit.
AGRI 311
3 credits
Sustainable Soil Management
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 204 or 30 hours’ university credit, or instructor’s permission
Sustainable soil management: stewarding soil as a virtually non-renewable resource. Topics include integrating soil, physical, biological and chemical properties’ information for practical soil management, the main processes of soil degradation—their causes and effects, soil conservation, tillage, soil classification systems and interpretation of soil survey maps. Students will be introduced to the role of geographic information systems, and global positioning equipment in sustainable land use and management. Field trips will be required.
AGRI 321
3 credits
Vegetable Crop Production: Science & Practice
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 124, or 30 hours’ university credit, or instructor’s permission
Field production of commonly grown vegetable crops in British Columbia will be discussed. Topics include the biology, physiology and post harvest handling of the crop groups; site selection as influenced by environmental and economic conditions, field preparation, variety selection and cultivation practices. The culture of mushrooms and ginseng are covered as an essential part of the course. Field trips may be required outside regular class hours, including Saturdays. This course is offered live in even-numbered years, on-line in odd numbered years.
AGRI 323
3 credits
Fruit Crop Production: Science & Practice
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 124, or 30 hours’ university credit, or instructor’s permission
Field production of commonly grown fruit crops in British Columbia will be discussed. Topics include biology, physiology of the crop groups, site selection as influenced by environmental and economic conditions, field preparation, variety selection and cultivation practices. Post harvest physiology, storage and marketing round up the course. If time permits, some tropical fruits may be discussed. Field trips are required outside regular hours, including Saturdays. This course is offered every year, live in odd-numbered years, on-line in even numbered years.
AGRI 324
3 credits
Greenhouse Production: Science & Practice
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 124, or 30 hours’ university credit, or instructor’s permission
This course will cover the basic structures, facilities and machines used, and review the production of the major florist and vegetable crops grown in the British Columbia greenhouse industry. Students are required to work in the UFV greenhouse outside of regular class hours. Field trips may be required outside regular class hours, including early mornings and Saturdays. Bus fare of approximately $10 may be required.
AGRI 327
3 credits
Nursery Production and Propagation: Science & Practice
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 124, or 30 hours university credit, or instructor’s permission.
The production of commonly grown nursery crops in British Columbia will be covered. Topics include propagation, site selection and preparation, and basic nursery management. The scope of the nursery and landscape industry in BC will be explored along with the various aspects that make up this vibrant, growing industry. Special topics such as biosecurity, exports and imports will be discussed. Work in the UFV greenhouse and grounds, as well as several field trips to local nurseries and production areas may be required outside of regular class hours.
AGRI 328
3 credits
Forage Crop Production: Science & Practice
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 237, or 30 hours’ university credit, or instructor’s permission
The production and use of commonly grown forage crops will be covered. Topics include forage establishment, maintenance, harvest, and storage. Emphasis will be on maximizing the use of homegrown forages to meet the nutritional requirements of today’s high-producing animals.
AGRI 331
3 credits
Dairy Production and Management: Science & Practice
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 237 or 30 hours university credit, or instructor’s permission.
Corequisite(s): AGRI 254 or instructor’s permission
The feeding, breeding, and nutrition of dairy animals is covered. Topics include the production, processing, and marketing of milk, as well as an overview of dairy farm facilities and management. Emphasis will be placed on dairy herd improvement through sound management and applied genetics. Students will be required to participate in the care of departmental livestock outside of regular class hours. Off-campus field trips are required. The science of milk production and biology of the udder will be covered.
AGRI 371
3 credits
Sustainable Holistic Agriculture: Planning and Practices
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 204, or instructor's permission: AGRI 311 and AGRI 247 recommended
The concepts of sustainability and holism are applied to agricultural planning and practices. The inter-related social, environmental and economic issues that comprise holistic enterprise planning are discussed and scientifically-sound, practical agri-production information for low-input sustainable systems is presented. Holistic operating practices for an agricultural business and The B.C. – Canada Environmental Farm Planning Program are explored.
AGRI 390
3 credits
Directed Studies in Agriculture
Prerequisite(s): 30 credits that apply to an Agriculture program, a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and instructor's permission.
Under the guidance of one of the agriculture faculty members, students may pursue an advanced research project in agriculture. Regular reports will be required as the project develops, and a final written report must be presented to the supervising faculty member.
AGRI 490
3 credits
Directed Studies in Agriculture
Prerequisite(s): 60 credits that apply to an Agriculture program, a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and instructor's permission.
Under the guidance of one of the agriculture faculty members, students may pursue an advanced research project in agriculture. Regular reports will be required as the project develops, and a final written report must be presented to the supervising faculty member.
Note: Students are expected to perform at a higher level for this course than for AGRI 390.
