Interested in crops and/or livestock? Want to contribute to our food system? Study with Ridgetown Campus to develop the skills needed to work in the ever-evolving Canadian agricultural sector. Prepare yourself to manage a thriving farm, work for a global agribusiness, finance agricultural innovation, advance new crop and livestock genetics, or work in advancing agriculture technology.
Program Features
2-year diploma program
Combine applied and practical experiences with lectures and labs to learn critical skills
Tailor your learning with electives in your area of interest: agribusiness, crops, livestock, fruit and/or vegetable production
The Grower Pesticide Safety Course exam is completed within the Applied Weed Science course
Innovative Teaching Team
Learn from world-class agricultural scientists who will share the latest trends and best practices with you
Recognized teaching faculty with current industry knowledge
Pathways
Complement your applied education with a strong theoretical base and earn an undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph
Diploma graduates can receive transfer credits towards a degree. In many cases, this will eliminate 1 to 2 years of your degree completion time
DAGR*1000 Students will gain an overall understanding of the livestock industry, focusing on major production issues and future challenges.
Examples from various livestock production systems will be highlighted.
DAGR*1070 This course introduces business management principles, functions, and processes. Students will learn about the business environment,
decision-making, and the role of the organizational functions, with a particular focus on accounting principles, accounting
statements, and the use of financial information.
DAGR*1090 Students will develop written language skills and become proficient at using word processing software. Practical skills include
writing business letters and other business correspondence, resumes, formal and informal reports, instructional writing, critical
thinking and critical writing. Students will become familiarized with campus software systems including campus e-mail, library
resources, and classroom support software. Instruction will be provided in computer file management and using the internet
as a research tool.
DAGR*1200 This course covers the basic structure and function of plants and the major functions involved in growth and reproduction
as they relate to the production of plants. Topics to be discussed will include: plant processes such as photosynthesis, respiration,
transpiration, nutrient uptake and reproduction, basic genetic principles, basic chemistry and the relationship and importance
of plant science to the agricultural and horticultural industry.
DAGR*1300 This course includes origin and classification of soils, identification and importance of major soil types, identification
of primary and secondary nutrients and how they are supplied, composition of soil including minerals, water, air, organic
matter and biological organisms and how they interact and the importance of soil as a resource.
DAGR*1600 This course is designed to augment mathematics skills necessary to compete in today's business environments. Typical applications
are chemical rate conversions, solutions and mixtures, elementary algebra and financial topics. The aim is to teach students
how to solve actual mathematical problems encountered in the day-to-day operation of agricultural/horticultural/environmental
operations.
DAGR*1350 The course will cover the operating principles and components of tractors and equipment for tillage, planting, and the application
of chemicals and fertilizers and harvesting. The course will emphasize safety in all aspects of the operation of agricultural
equipment.
DAGR*2020 Student will learn important concepts and techniques required to analyze financial performance and guide business decision
making. A broad range of financial topics will be covered, including financial statements and cash flow analysis, financial
forecasting and planning, internal control, budgeting, taxation, and the time value of money.
DAGR*2090 Students will develop effective oral communication and presentation skills using software. Oral communication skills, preparing
formal and informal reports with and without technological support. Practical presentation skills include the use of voice,
eye contact, time appropriateness and response to questions. Students will also understand the importance of formalized meetings
and be instructed in the use of spreadsheet software as a data management tool. Software available on personal electronic
devices used to access business and production information will be overviewed.
DAGR*2210 Weeds will be studied in relation to agricultural practices. Principles of cultural, biological, and chemical control will
be outlined. Laboratories will include weed identification and weed control methods.
DAGR*3070 This course will provide an application of fundamental economic concepts to agriculture and an introduction to marketing systems
and policy institutions related to the Canadian agriculture industry. Topics will include price determination, futures markets,
agricultural commodity marketing tools, effects of government intervention, and international trade.
DAGR*3200 Management systems for the production of corn, soybeans, canola and edible beans will be presented. Specific topics include
variety and species selection, row widths, seeding rates, planting dates, fertility, pest management, harvesting and storage.
Current research information is discussed in relationship to production practices.
DENM*3150 This course examines the impact and role of farming. Site assessment of environmental risk associated with specific farm operations
will be covered by the utilization of best management practices for the conservation of soil, water and other natural resources.
DAGR*4600 Students will learn the theoretical and practical skills of management and interacting with people. Topics will include recruiting,
supervising, motivation, training employees, effective listening, dealing with difficult people, group dynamics and leadership
skills.
Notes
The Associate Diploma in Agriculture requires the completion of 24 courses (12.00 credits) total
As a co-op student, you will gain firsthand work experience, build professional networks, and develop interpersonal skills that are essential for pursuing a career in agrculture. You will also get paid while earning your diploma. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided, including a co-op preparatory course, a personal connection with Co-op Coordinators to assist you during the employment process, and access to senior student mentors.
Course Sequencing
In this co-op program, you will participate in one co-op work term in addition to four academic semesters throughout your two years at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Equivalent
A minimum cumulative average of 65% in 6 Grade 11 or Grade 12 U, C, M, or O level courses (excludes Co-op credits)
Includes a minimum of Grade 11C Math and Grade 12C English
OR Mature Student Status*
* Definition of Mature Student: Do not hold a high school diploma or equivalent, but are 19 years of age or older and out of high school for a minimum of one year; may be required to complete pre-admission testing
The official secondary school (high school) graduation certificate/diploma that would admit you to an internationally recognized university in your home country is normally acceptable for applications to our programs
For further details on out-of-country admission requirements, including the General Certificate of Education (GCE), please refer to the University of Guelph's website at admission.uoguelph.ca/international
Official documents should come directly from the issuing institution or accreditation body in their official, sealed envelope. Where English translations are needed, please have the documents verified and sent by the issuing academic institution
Post-secondary transcripts must be assessed by World Education Services (WES). Both a Credentialed assessment and a course-by-course assessment is required. Supporting documentation should be uploaded to your Ontario Colleges Application Account
English Proficiency
Applicants will be required to present evidence of English proficiency if:
Your first language is not English, and
You have had less than four years of full-time secondary or post-secondary school demonstrating satisfactory academic progress in an English-language school system
The following are acceptable English proficiency tests and their related competence levels. Results must not be dated more than 2-years prior to application:
Test
Competence Level
International English Language Testing System (IELTS, ielts.org)
Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL, toefl.org)
Internet Based: minimum total score of 89 with no individual scaled score of less than 21
Computer Based: minimum score of 250
Paper Based: minimum score of 600 with a score of 5
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL, cael.ca)
Minimum overall band score of 70
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB, isa.umich.edu/eli/testing/melab)
Minimum overall score of 85 including composition score of 83 and oral score of 3
Pearson Test of English (PTE, pearsonpte.com)
Minimum overall score of 60 with no score less than 60 in the individual components
Advanced Level of English Language Certificate Program (ELCP, eslguelph.ca)
Successful completion of the University of Guelph's Open Learning Advanced Level ELCP (levels 9 and 10) is also considered an acceptable form of testing
February 1 of the application year is the Equal Consideration deadline. Applications received after this deadline will be assessed on a first-come-first-served basis
Offers of admission are posted to your Ontario Colleges account starting February 1 of your application year
The deadline to accept your offers is May 1 unless otherwise stated in your offer letter
Facilities
Livestock Barns: Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Swine
Greenhouse
Lecture Halls
Classrooms
Computer Labs
Library and Resource Centre
Study Lounge
Student Residence
Cafeteria
Gymnasium
Large Green Spaces around Campus to Enjoy the Outdoors
Visit
We regret that due to COVID-19, we cannot host you on campus at this time. We are pleased to offer you 3 options to connect with us virtually:
Learn about your academic program(s) of interest and have your questions answered
Sessions are typically 45 minutes in length
Open House Events
These events will offer an opportunity to meet program staff, answer your individual questions, and enjoy a campus overview. Specific academic program Open House sessions are being offered as highlighted. Book a session that fits your schedule and academic interest(s)!
Sessions vary in length
Campus Tours
To get to know our campus and facilities, we invite you to view our short virtual tour of the Ridgetown Campus or book a campus tour
Connect with us
If you have question about this program or would like to schedule a virtual meeting with us, please contact:
"I grew up on a dairy farm in a small town near Niagara Falls so coming to Ridgetown Campus was an easy decision for me. I am able to get the most out of my learning experience because the class sizes are small, and the teachers know you by name. It’s been easy to make friends and see familiar faces on campus. I’ve loved my experience here at Ridgetown Campus and can’t wait for second year!"
