Why study agriculture at UFV? UFV’s Agriculture program prepares you for entry into the dynamic world of agriculture. Due to our favourable climate and proximity to some of the most fertile land in Canada, the opportunities for wonderful field trips and interaction with a wide host of local agricultural and horticultural businesses and organizations is tremendous. To serve our students and the agriculture industry, our programs combine theory and principles with practical training in horticulture, integrated pest management and livestock production. While studying at UFV, you will be getting valuable hands-on training in our state of the art production and laboratory facilities.

Career Opportunities in Horticulture: For those with education and practical skills, career opportunities in agriculture are excellent. UFV agriculture graduates are successful in finding jobs throughout the horticulture industry. They find employment in greenhouses, golf courses and landscaping companies, as grounds maintenance personnel and as technicians with various levels of government. Others find careers in the agri-business sector in marketing, sales, and service. Some graduates return to family-owned enterprises or start their own small business. Qualified graduates of the diploma option in horticulture are eligible to ladder into the Bachelor of Business Administration for Agriculture Management program at UFV, or transfer to Olds College in Alberta where they will receive transfer credit towards a Bachelor of Science degree in applied horticulture technology. Career Opportunities in Livestock: UFV agriculture graduates have excellent success in finding jobs in the livestock sector as well as in more general agricultural industries. Sample livestock related occupation include dairy farm manager or owner/operator, dairy herdsperson, artificial insemination specialist, ranch hand, sale representative for livestock-related supplies, government livestock and forage technician, swineherd production assistant, and poultry producers. Career Opportunities in IPM: People with IPM training are needed by the horticulture industry to identify and assess pest problems, and help to recommend and help to implement management programs. Career opportunities in IPM for qualified applicants are expected to increase over the next several years. Graduates may find work as IPM field scouts in nurseries, greenhouses, or for field crop and/or orchard operations. Graduates may work directly for growers, for IPM consulting firms, or as technicians in various government research programs.