Farmers can get down to business with a new course offering from the University of Guelph, Foundations in Agricultural Management, a free eight-part online course.
“Getting Ontario Agricultural College’s institutional knowledge into the hands of producers across Canada has always been a goal of ours,” said Rene Van Acker, dean, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph.
Why it matters: Producers are looking for resources to actively support them in improving and leveraging their farm operations, especially as they become larger and more complex.
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The program provides the tools to implement protocols around effective business planning processes such as leveraging financial tools, motivating teams, and managing farm transition.
“I am confident that this course will equip producers with the knowledge and resources they need to run successful farming operations for generations to come,” Van Acker said.
The self-paced program, a collaboration between University of Guelph, RBC and Farm Credit Canada (FCC), will be taught by world-class researchers and professors, including Mike von Massow, Sara Mann, Getu Hailu and Andria Jones-Bitton.
“In today’s agriculture industry, having sound farm business management is more important than ever,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO. “I believe the course material is beneficial for today’s Canadian producers, and given that it’s free, online and self-directed, this will undoubtedly lead to better efficiency and innovation, ensuring a bright future for agriculture in Canada.”
The program covers financial literacy, business planning and strategy, risk management, managing people, mental health, and building resilience.
As a critical contributor to Canada’s economic resilience and global competitiveness, ensuring farm operators have a solid grasp of business operation fundamentals will assist in developing a skilled workforce within the sector and help producers achieve their desired growth.
“Fostering talent in this sector is critical in order to realize our full economic potential,” said Neil McLaughlin, group head, Personal & Commercial Banking, RBC. “Through our collaboration, we look forward to providing valuable resources that will help Canadian farmers expand their capabilities and grow their operations while contributing to the long-term sustainability of the industry.”
The University of Guelph will offer the program quarterly over the next two years. Registration for the first sitting opened on Jan. 17. To enrol, go to guelphagriculturalmanagement.com.
