AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY
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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. Emphasis in all programs is placed on holistic management practices which are compatible with agricultural sustainability and society’s increasing concerns about food safety, animal welfare, and the environment.

Agriculture Technology options

Diplomas:

• Horticulture
• Integrated Pest Management
• Livestock Production

Certificates:

• Integrated Pest Management
• Livestock Production
• Ornamental Horticulture Production
• Milker Training

Students from all parts of British Columbia who are interested in pursuing an agricultural career can take a two-year Agricultural Technology 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.

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 or integrated pest management towards a Bachelor of Applied Horticultural Technology degree, at Olds College, Alberta. A transfer agreement from UCFV to the BSc (Agri) at the University of Hawaii, Hilo, is being finalized. Contact the agriculture director for information about all 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.

2. English 11, Biology 11 and Principles of Mathematics 11 (or Math 11).

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 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.

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, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. See the Admission chart 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 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 2000/01 and are subject to change for 2001/02.

In addition to tuition fees, you should budget approximately $1,500 annually for textbooks, field trips and other expenses related to the practica. (see Fees and Other Costs section ) for more information.

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 three diploma options: horticulture, integrated pest management, or 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 fulfil 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, from time-to-time, 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 the Course Descriptions section.

First Year

Second Year: Production Options

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

Second Year

Note: AGRI 220: Plants in the Landscape, is strongly recommended but not required for IPM students.

Note: AGRI 205, IPM Techniques and Equipment, is recommended but not required for horticulture students.

Note: AGRI 226, Turfgrass Production, is recommended but not required for IPM students.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the Course Descriptions section.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) certificate

The IPM 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.

A partial transfer of credits from the one-year IPM certificate program to the two-year Agriculture Technology diploma options in either horticulture or IPM at UCFV is possible. 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.

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 the Course Descriptions section.

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. A Composition Placement Test  is required for CMNS 125.

Partial transfer of credits from the one-year certificate program to the Livestock Production option of the two-year diploma program at UCFV, is possible for qualified 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.

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 the Course Descriptions section.

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 $350. 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, recordkeeping 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 — certificate

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 — certificate

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, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca . See the Admission chart 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 2000/01 and are subject to change for 2001/02.

In addition to tuition fees, you should budget approximately $800 for textbooks, field trips, rubber boots, coveralls, and supplies.

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 the Course Descriptions section.

Courses and credits

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 $350. They are recommended but not required.

Ornamental Horticulture Production certificate

Graduates of the one-year Ornamental Horticulture Production certificate program will be qualified to seek work as competent assistants in greenhouses, nurseries, garden centres and landscaping companies or as grounds maintenance personnel.

Students may enter this program in either January or September. However, early application is recommended to ensure admission for the next intake. Students wanting to start in September should apply no later than July; students wanting a January start should apply by November to be assured of a seat. Admission to the program is granted to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier the application, the more likely the chance for admission in the next semester intake. Late applications may be submitted, but your admission to the program may be delayed and your name added to a waitlist. This is a Chilliwack-based program. All fall semester courses are 15 weeks in length; winter semester courses are 12 weeks in length, then Ornamental Horticulture certificate students complete a required three-week practical lab course, on campus, in April.

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.

A partial transfer of credits from the one-year Ornamental Horticulture certificate program to UCFV two-year diploma programs in horticulture and IPM is possible. 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.

Entrance requirements — certificate

1. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and have completed B.C. Grade 11, ABE Advanced, or equivalent.

2. 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. A reading and study skills preparatory course is highly recommended before starting the program for those applicants having only Grade 11 or equivalent. Information on fall semester study skills courses is available through the UCFV Student Services department.

Applicants with allergies to dust, pollen, or plant products should be wary of entering this program.

Previous work experience is recommended.

How to apply — certificate

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. Applicants should apply early as space is limited.

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, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca . See the Admission chart for a complete list of application dates and general information.

Additional documents required for a complete application:

• proof of B.C. Grade 11 completion or equivalent, or
• 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. Space is limited.

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 2000/01 and are subject to change for 2001/02.

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 out-of-town 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 the Course Descriptions section.

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)
Jennifer Ryan, BA (UBC)
Jim Soldan, PAg; BSA (UA)
Greg St. Hilaire, MPM (SFU)
Steve Torrence, BA (UBC)
Brian Upper, DVM (WCVM)

Staff

Shelley Hayes, Departmental Assistant
Brent Bailey, Dip. Ag.Tech (UCFV), Departmental Technician

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 a program advisory sub- committees. Current members of this committee include:

Horticulture Advisory committee

Mike Brass, Parks Superintendent, District of Chilliwack
Marlene Derksen, B.C. Agriculture Employment Services
Christine Koch, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Abbotsford
Nancy Moore, Visions Green Enterprises, Abbotsford

IPM Advisory committee

Andrea Davenport, Canagrow Produce, Ltd.
Marlene Derksen, Agriculture Employment Services
Mitch Foisy, Pacific Agriculture Research Centre, Agassiz
Dave Gillespie, Pacific Agriculture Research Centre, Agassiz
Edith Krause, Krause Brothers Farms, Langley
Leslie MacDonald, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture & Food, Abbotsford
Lisa Pierce, Consulting Integrated Pest Management specialist, Surrey
Jim Portree, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Abbotsford
Tony Rudd, Reed Collins Nursery, Aldergrove

Livestock Advisory Committee

Marlene Derksen, B.C. Agriculture Employment Services
Jonathan Driesen, Vulnaho Dairy Farms Ltd., Abbotsford
Dr. Lorne Fisher, PAg, Pacific Agriculture Research Centre, retired, Agassiz
Beth Mason, Swine producer, Abbotsford
Annette Moore, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Abbotsford
Dr. Morley Rendall, Agriculture Canada, Chilliwack
Richard Toop, Toop farm, Chilliwack
Dion Wiebe, Rossdown Farms Ltd., Mt. Lehman

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