Northern College in conjunction with Algonquin College offers a two-year Business – Agriculture Ontario College Diploma program which combines agriculture with business and management training, providing you with the skills necessary to successfully operate a farming operation, or to provide services to agricultural businesses.

Agriculture is an increasingly complex industry, with sophisticated agribusiness managers required to make decisions about crop/herd selection and improvement, pest and soil management, equipment maintenance, farm safety and agricultural production. At the same time, there is a growing need for skills and knowledge to apply management concepts related to agricultural financial administration, human resources, operational efficiency, government regulations, technology, sales and marketing.

Through this program, you examine agricultural techniques through a business lens, with a focus on:

developing fundamental research
financial and operations skills to evaluate farm production methodologies
technologies and systems in order to inform business decisions
You have opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills through activities, simulations, case studies and interactions with professionals in active farm operations.

Graduates may seek employment in entry-level farming positions or as entrepreneurs. Graduates may also seek entry-level employment in a variety of companies and organizations that provide services in the agricultural sector, including businesses providing:

agricultural supplies
feed
banking, accounting or logistical services
process improvement or animal care support
equipment and maintenance sales and services