Dec 1, 2009
Media contact: Patty Wellborn
Office: 604-795-2819
patty.wellborn@ufv.ca
UFV introduces new specialty agriculture certificates
The University of the Fraser Valley is spreading its agricultural roots by introducing a variety of new certificate programs designed specifically for people who are already, or soon want to be, working on local farms.
While UFV already offers certificate and diploma programs in agriculture as well as a business administration degree in agriculture management, the university realized there is an educational void for people who currently work on farms but don’t have the desire, or time, to go to school full-time.
This fall, UFV launched four new certificate programs. Students can now study part-time to learn about berry production, field vegetable production, integrated pest management, or current agricultural practices. These certificates consist of key courses from either the livestock or horticulture programs and are offered on a part-time basis to people who might currently be working in the agriculture industry.
“These certificates can be earned over two semesters while the students attend part-time,” explains Shelley Hayes of the UFV Agriculture Technology department.
With berry farms now a popular and lucrative venture in the Fraser Valley, Hayes says there has been a request for short-term programs like the new Berry Production and Integrated Pest Management certificates. The Current Agriculture Practices certificate is designed for people who might be new to Canada and want to learn more about Canadian farming practices and British Columbian growing techniques and trends.
“We have learned that for new immigrants to secure good jobs on local farms, they need to have a good idea of Canadian agriculture practices, even if they have degrees from their homeland and grew up on a farm. Farming is different here, and the practical experience they get through this course can help them with their job searches,” says Hayes.
While listening to feedback from the agriculture community, UFV also re-examined its milker training program — on hold for the past few years — and in January will offer the first intake for its newly revised 13-week Milker Technician certificate.
Along with two on-farm practica, Milker Technician students will also learn dairy production and management, ruminant animal health, forage crop production, farm and equipment safety, soils and pest management.
“This program is perfect for somebody who might be already working on a farm who wants to learn more, or for somebody who has always wanted to work on a farm,” says Hayes. “If people like shift work, or even split shifts, and like working with animals, then this can be a great career opportunity.”
Hayes notes that while there are still many family-run dairy farms in the Fraser Valley, there are also a lot of very large corporate dairy farms that require two or more full- and/or part-time milkers.
Students in the new Milker Technician certificate will be taking the same classes as students in the other livestock programs, and Hayes notes that if they choose, they can ladder their education directly into the one-year certificate or the two-year diploma program.
“The Milker Technician certificate is a full-time, 13-week program, but it can lead to many different options,” says Hayes. “Students can continue on to take one of our other livestock courses, or perhaps land the perfect job on a dairy farm. It’s a great opportunity for people who want to work in the farm environment, and are looking for part-time, flexible hours.”
Applications are currently being accepted for the Milker Technician certificate with classes starting in January.
UFV has 11 fully trained agriculture instructors who not only teach, but also work in the livestock and horticulture industry. Hayes notes along with two veterinarians, UFV’s agriculture instructors include greenhouse and nursery growers, a beef producer, a soil scientist, pest management and industry consultants, and an employee with Farm Credit Canada.
To find out more about the Milker Technician certificate, the four Essentials certificate programs, or UFV’s other horticulture and livestock programs, please visit www.ufv.ca/agriculture or call 1-888-504-7441, local 2813, or 604-795-2813.
All courses are taught on the Chilliwack campus and the next intake is January 2010.
-30-
