Agri-Business Management
Overview
Enrolling in an agri-business program provides hands-on training to address global challenges like food security and sustainability while preparing for a dynamic career in a growing industry.
With an ever increasing need for agricultural business employment, the Lambton College Agri-Business Management, Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is designed for students who wish to enter a career in the agricultural sector at the supervisory level, or to manage relationships in an agri-business environment typical of a sales or other agricultural services role.
In this multi-disciplined program, students utilize existing related education or experience to learn and apply a variety of skills to help operate and manage an agricultural business. Students develop a foundation of business skills, including communications, accounting, human resources, relationship managing and marketing strategies that apply to the Canadian agricultural industry of today. With the rapid adoption of agricultural technology, students study the impact of this technology on farm operations, as well as on other applications, from software to farm machinery.
To round out the learning, students study environmental farm management to gain a deeper understanding of the production of food, feed, and fuel as well as livestock physiology and health, pest control management and new and emerging agri-business technology. This hands-on program will include a real-world course on farm machinery to provide a robust understanding on farm equipment operations and safety.
Admission Requirements
- University degree in agri-business, economics, science, environmental, or other agriculturally related field of study
The admissions process is competitive and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel a program or course at any time; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways to third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College's sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.English Language Requirements
- IELTS of 6.5
- or -
- TOEFL iBT 79
- or -
- Passed Lambton Institute of English placement test
Please Note: IELTS is the only proficiency score accepted by the Study Direct Stream (SDS) program. Additional country-specific requirements may also be applicable.
Meeting the minimum English requirements does not guarantee admission. Students with higher English proficiency scores will receive priority in the admission assessment process.
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Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP)
This program has achieved ACBSP Candidacy status which means that this program aligns with global business standards and prepares you for success in your career.
ACBSP Candidacy signifies our commitment to high quality, industry relevant education, ensuring you gain not just knowledge but a competitive edge in the business world.
Costs
- Term 1 $9,410.48
- Term 2 $8,624.56
- Term 3 $9,324.56
- Term 4 $0.00
Total Cost of Program
Tuition fees are estimates and are subject to change each academic year. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel at any time a program or course; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.
Additional Fees
Textbooks
The anticipated cost for textbooks in this program is approximately $500 - $700 per term. This amount accounts for both mandatory textbook costs (included in tuition fees) as well as textbook fees not included in your tuition fee amount.Important Dates, Deadline & Late Fees
For additional information on registration dates, deadlines and late fees please refer to Registration Dates and Deadlines.
Student Fees
A student services fee is included in your tuition.
Health Insurance Coverage
Emergency medical insurance is mandatory for all international students at Lambton College. This includes students who are full-time and part-time and who are on a co-op. This insurance is provided by GuardMe - a third party insurance provider.
See Insurance Costs & DetailsTechnology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
Professional Communications
This course is designed for international students with diplomas or degrees. It focuses on polishing communications skills acquired through one's academic career and workplace experience. Through various business writing and speaking scenarios, students learn Canadian business practices and communication styles, incorporating inclusivity and diversity. Close attention is paid to proper incorporation of the intellectual property of others to ensure academic integrity. Students will practice organized and dynamic speaking and will strive for polished business documents.
Marketing Fundamentals
This introductory marketing course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the principles, concepts, and practices of marketing. Marketing plays a critical role in today's business landscape, helping organizations effectively connect with their target audiences, create value, and drive business success. This course explores the fundamental theories and techniques of marketing while also emphasizing the role of sustainability in creating long-term value for businesses, society, and the environment. Students are introduced to various marketing components, including consumer and business buying behaviour, customer segmentation, marketing research, product development, pricing, distribution, and integrated marketing communications.
Canadian Agri-Business Fundamentals
This course familiarizes students with the diverse and bountiful nature of the agricultural industry in Canada. Students will be introduced to the unique operations of Canadian agri-business from a regional, provincial and national perspective. Students will gain the knowledge of Canada's stature in the global marketplace. As well, key business concepts will be introduced to assist in building a foundation for sound decision making. Students will develop a strong understanding of the rural support mechanisms and organizations in place to ensure safe, viable and sustainable food production in Canada.
Canadian Workplace Health & Safety
In providing an overview of Canadian Labour laws, workplace rules and regulations, and Health and Safety Hazards in the workplace, students gain an understanding of the responsibilities of employers, worker's rights as well as the responsibilities of various organizations in the Canadian labour industry. Awareness and recognition of various health and safety risks arising from a variety of occupations is also covered.
Workplace Communication Applications & Analysis
In today's management and administration workplace, having strong computer skills is essential. This course provides students with resources and guidance to develop skills in Microsoft Office applications, focusing on three key areas: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. While learning about these programs, students develop skills in time management, accountability, and their ability to follow direction.
Agricultural Accounting & Finance
This course is an introduction to the theory of accounting and the standard methods of recordkeeping for nonaccounting major students. Generally accepted accounting principles and concepts are emphasized in the preparation of financial statements with a focus on primary production agriculture.
Job Search & Success
This course provides student with skills and knowledge to help support their career search and succeed in the workplace. Students align their personal skill set and goals to guide them on their career paths. They will learn how to effectively conduct a job search, build a professional and well-tailored resume and cover letter, and develop and practice interview techniques. Students will also develop their personal brand to help support effective career networking and aid in their job search. Teamwork and collaboration in the workplace are also discussed. Self-reflection is used to inspire insight and support their professional career journey.
Social Media Marketing
This course explores online marketing tools and tactics, such as social media, email, digital advertising and content marketing, that businesses can use to build a profitable relationship with their customers. Students engage in simulated social media, email and digital advertising campaigns to gain a better understanding of how to use these tools in their marketing efforts. Along with learning about digital and social media marketing, students learn general principles of marketing that are key for every business, regardless of industry or size: identifying who your customers are; understanding what needs they have that you are uniquely able to serve; creating a brand voice that speaks to them; identifying who your competitors are; deciding how to differentiate your offering from theirs; and creating a plan for engaging customers across social media and digital advertising platforms.
Agricultural Machinery & Farm Safety
This course provides students with a general overview of farm machinery and technology employed by Canadian producers of agricultural commodities. Students will become familiar with the uses of tractors, harvesters, tillage, planting and spraying equipment. Precision Farming principles and components will be introduced. As with all heavy equipment, safe operation and site awareness is of utmost importance. Students will describe and demonstrate safe farm workplace practices as directed by Canadian safety laws and regulations.
Introduction to Canadian Agricultural Law
In this course, students are introduced to elements of Canadian Law that play a significant role in agri-business and Canadian farming practices. Specific topics include organizational structures of farm operations, jurisdictions of various levels of government insofar as it relates to regulating agricultural matters, select regulatory requirements for farming in Canada, select dispute resolution processes, plus related federal and provincial legislation.
Introduction to Canadian Field Crops
This course takes a systems approach to Canadian agricultural crop production and offers students a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in managing field crops in Canada with a focus on environmental sustainability. Curriculum topics include identification of major Canadian crops, promoting sustainable farming practices that minimizes environmental degradation, product end use, land preparation, conserve soil heath, crop selection, crop establishment, and harvesting will be discussed. In addition, basic soil characteristics and plant morphology are studied.
Food Processing in Canada
This course provides an overview of Canada's food and beverage processing industry, such as dairy, poultry and egg, wine, and horticulture. The principles and practices of canning, freezing, dehydration, pasteurization, and specialty food manufacture will be introduced to students.
Introduction to Canadian Livestock Operations
Livestock agriculture is a large and diverse industry within Canada that includes many different species, as well as many different production methods. Students taking this course will learn Standard Operating Procedures for Ontario producers, efficient and low stress handling, the basics of mechanical and technical systems that help with animal agriculture, nutrient management, and the role of livestock within a regenerative agricultural system This class will feature a combination of in-class presentations, labs, and field trips in order to show students modern production methods.
Selling
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to professional selling and the skills required to find success in relationship building and sales. Students are introduced to the many career alternatives available as well as the day-to-day expectations of a successful salesperson. The focus is to assist students develop their personal brand and strengthen their presentation, communication, and negotiation skills through role-playing, simulations, and applied learning exercises. Both traditional and digital prospecting methods are explored, along with the application of effective discovery, proposal creation, and problem resolution strategies, all in support of creating a customer relationship built on trust. Topics include goal setting, planning, time management, sales analytics, key performance indicator analysis, and customer relationship building. Students apply their learning in a simulated, professional business-to-business sales environment.
Canadian Greenhouse Production
Students in this course study a variety of greenhouse production including an overview of the Canadian greenhouse industry, production economics, chemical and biological pest control, and the production of bedding plants, potted plants, flowering plants and vegetables, as well as an introduction to cannabis crops. In addition, students learn about the actual internal greenhouse environment necessary to understand and work within a greenhouse. Students learn the necessary skills to enhance their background for employment in the greenhouse crop production industry.
Introductory Pest & Weed Control Management
Students will study the principles of pest management in agricultural cropping systems. They will learn the basic concepts of integrated pest management and principles guiding the safe use of pesticides. Students also study identification of selected weeds, diseases and insects of field crops in Canada.
Farm Biosecurity in Canada
Biosecurity is the protection of livestock, poultry and crops from any type of disease or pest whether viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic. People, animals and equipment can bring diseases and pests with them from off-farm and spread them around the farm from one facility to another. Students will learn about good biosecurity practices and how to apply them on-farm. This course will cover three primary on-farm control areas: farm access management (people and vehicles); animal and plant health management; and operational management (sanitation of equipment and facilities; wildlife and pests; and, training and documentation).
Canadian Vegetable & Fruit Production Management
Curriculum focuses on the role of the Canadian climate in large-scale fruit and vegetable production; cold hardiness; flowering and fruit development; fruit growth, thinning and maturity indices; harvesting techniques; and marketing and food safety are discussed. In addition, planting, pruning, and frost protection are also addressed. Soil, climate, and equipment, utilized for a wide variety of crops, from vegetable crops to vines is discussed. Students learn the necessary skills to enhance their background for employment in the fruit and vegetable crop industry.
Entrepreneurial Mindset
This course introduces students, through a Canadian lens, to the development of an entrepreneurial mindset. The ability to think like an entrepreneur and act like an innovator are critical skills for success across industries and are proven tools to help distinguish individuals in the workplace. Whether applied in a start-up company, or as an employee within an existing organization (intrapreneurship), learners develop knowledge on how to navigate barriers to creating, developing, and sustaining innovative new initiatives. Topics related to the development of resilience, focus, productivity, creativity, and success are introduced to support learners in building their own entrepreneurial capacity.
Co-op Work Term
Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation.
WIL Project
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Project is aimed at enriching students by connecting different program areas of study, cutting across subject-matter lines, and emphasizing unifying concepts. The focus of the WIL Project is to make connections between study and industry by engaging students in relevant and meaningful activities that are connected to and practiced within the professional workplace. WIL Project allows students to enhance and strengthen their employability prospects post-graduation by fine tuning skills and knowledge and meeting the expectations of today's employers. Students are required to attend the scheduled shifts in the WIL office, reporting to the WIL Supervisor. Weekly real-world challenges are presented in the WIL office, designed by industry professionals. In addition to the weekly assigned deliverables, students are also offered professional development sessions, and exposed to industry guest speakers, enhancing their opportunity to develop their professional network.
Co-op Eligibility & WIL Project Fee
In order to be eligible to secure an approved full-time co-op work term (CPL-1049), students must have a GPA of 2.8 or greater and complete all the co-op eligibility requirements. Failing to do so will require students to enroll in CPL-5559 WIL Project at an additional cost.
Contact
Centre for Global Engagement
LAMBTON COLLEGE SARNIA
1457 London Road
Sarnia ON, N7S 6K4
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Career positions may include, but are not limited to:
- agricultural consultant
- agricultural extension supervisor
- agricultural livestock specialist
- agriculturist
- agrologist
- agronomist
- crop specialist
- farm management consultant
Looking for Support After Graduation?
The International Graduate Services & Support Centre (GSSC) is a place dedicated to assisting International alumni as they seek employment and settle into Canadian life following graduation.
Post-Graduate Employment
International students who successfully complete their programs of study at Lambton College may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program. This program allows students to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
A work permit under the PGWP may be issued for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years. A post-graduation work permit cannot be valid for longer than the student's study program, and the study program must be a minimum of eight months in length. The length and approval of the PGWP is determined solely by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Students must meet the eligibility requirements to apply for a post-graduation work permit.
Immigration Regulations & Changes
Immigration regulations are legislated by the Federal Government of Canada and are subject to change at any time without notice. Students are responsible for ensuring that they are in compliance with all Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada regulations at all times during their studies and while in Canada. Lambton College staff are not authorized to provide advice or guidance on immigration-related matters. Prospective applicants and current students should consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website or call the IRCC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 to answer or clarify any immigration-related questions or information.
Co-op
About Co-op
Students in this program have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience by applying classroom learning during co-op experiences.
Learn more about co-op terms and the roles and responsibilities of students and co-op advisors.
More Information
Student Responsibilities
- Course and program delivery schedules are proposed and subject to change for each intake.
- Students are required to bring their own laptop with wireless capability.
- Students are advised to bring an official copy of their most recent police clearance, driver's license, and vaccination record from their home country.
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.
Internet Speed Requirements
For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Minimum Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 16 GB of RAM (with a minimum of 8 GB)
- 100 GB HDD or more
- HD Graphics
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
- Windows Operating System (Windows 11)
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.