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Agronomy Certificate Level I

Gain essential crop scouting skills with online learning and hands-on training.

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This entry-level program answers the industry's call for trained crop scouts possessing basic agronomic skills. Interactive online discussion is emphasized to meet your needs, and an on-campus Field School will cap the program of study.

You may have had previous post-secondary training but lack specific knowledge in agriculture, or you may have agricultural experience in another country but require specific training in Western Canadian farming practices. Course specifics include:

  • Crop Production Systems
  • Insect & Disease Management
  • Introductory Soils & Crop Nutrition
  • Weed Fundamentals
  • Field Scouting and Data Management
  • Field School (online & five-day residency)

Delivery: Online with five-day Field School Residency on Olds Campus

Course Dates: Course dependent

Costs: Please see course specifics below

Tuition covers the instruction, materials & field trips (including lunches on field trips). The meals & accommodation is your responsibility.

Length of Program: 8 Weeks/Course

Certification: Agronomy Certificate Level I

*Please note that the (online) Field Scouting and Data Management course may only be taken after having completed the other four online courses.  The Field School must be completed last.*

Selection process for admission: First qualified, first accepted

Registration Deadline: Two weeks prior to course start date. Pending availability; late registrations may be accepted with a late fee. Limited space available so register early.

What will you learn?

In this program, learners will learn to support the agri-service industry by gaining practical training in crop production systems, nutrition and protection. Following the completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

  • identify Western Canadian crops and associated production systems
  • interpret soil test reports and calculate fertilizer blends
  • document pest populations
  • implement integrated pest management plans
  • collect crop, pest and soil field data
  • use selected technologies including GPS, GIS, and digital photography
  • communicate clearly and concisely with agricultural stakeholders

Course Details

Crop Production Systems | AGN 7036

Dates: Sept. 2 - Oct. 24, 2025 OR Jan. 12 - March 6, 2026
Cost: $899 + GST
Prerequisites: None
Delivery Method: Online

An overview of basic botany and the production cycle for agricultural crops in Western Canada. Students will learn the steps of land preparation, seeding, harvesting, and storage of grains, oilseeds, pulses, and hay crops. Their identity, uses and markets will also be covered.

Insect & Disease Management | AGN 7039

Dates: Sept. 2 - Oct. 24, 2025 OR Jan. 12 - March 6, 2026
Cost: $899 + GST + Textbook
Prerequisites: None
Delivery Method: Online

Become acquainted with the major insect and disease species affecting field crops in the Canadian prairies. Understand the concept of integrated pest management and practices utilized to prevent and manage outbreaks.

Textbooks Required:

  1. Diseases of Field Crops in Canada | ISBN 978-0-96916-276-6

Introductory Soils & Crop Nutrition | AGN 7038

Dates: Oct. 27 - Dec. 19, 2025 OR March 16 - May 8, 2026
Cost: $899 + GST
Prerequisites: None
Delivery Method: Online

Students will study the principles of soil formation, management and soil fertility. Students will also learn soil sampling strategies, the interpretation of soil test reports and basic fertilizer blending.

Textbook: Henry's Handbook of Soil and Water | ISBN: 978-0968765012

Weed Fundamentals | AGN 7035

Dates: Oct. 27 - Dec. 19, 2025 OR March 16 - May 8, 2026
Cost: $899 + GST + Textbook
Prerequisites: None
Delivery Method: Online

Gain the ability to identify common prairie weeds, understand their characteristics, and how these weeds impact various ecosystems. Understand the value of integrated weed management, and options for preventative, cultural and physical weed management.

Textbooks Required: 

  1. Weeds of North America | ISBN 10022607644X
    Cost: $56.50 + GST
  2. Weed Seedling Guide | ISBN 0-7732-6129-x
    Cost: $12 + GST

Field Scouting and Data Management | AGN 7040

Dates: March 30 - May 22, 2026
Cost: $899 + GST
Prerequisites: AGN 7035, AGN 7036, AGN 7038, AGN 7039
Delivery Method: Online

This course will be an introduction to the technologies used in data collection for field scouting. This will include GPS, GIS, digital photography and data management systems.

Field School | AGN 7041

Dates: July 7 - 18, 2025

  • Online: July 7 -11
  • In-Person: July 14 - 18

Cost: $899 + GST
Prerequisites: AGN 7035, AGN 7036, AGN 7038, AGN 7039, AGN 7040
Delivery Method: Blended

This field school will be the capstone course of the Agronomy Certificate. In this course the student will demonstrate practical, hands-on application of competencies gained in the prerequisite courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes – you are not required to register for the ‘certificate’, you just register for the courses as you want to complete them & then when you have completed all 6 (you must do the Field School last), you will receive the certificate. We encourage people to take only one course at a time unless they have a good deal of free time for the coursework. So as long as you complete the courses in a timeframe that allows you to recall the info for Field School (as this course tests your knowledge from the other 5 courses), you can take up to 5 years to complete the whole certificate.

  • There are no set arrangements to allow credit to be granted. However, if you have taken courses that you feel overlap, you are always welcome to apply to our registrar for some transfer credit.  They assess the comparative courses to determine if you will be able to receive credit for any of the courses.

  • Most people only take one course at a time, although if you like it is possible to take 2 at one time as long as your personal and work commitments allow you enough time each week.

  • The courses are instructor led, so although you can work on the assignments & forum posts at any time that is convenient for you (there will never be a specific time you are required to be online or engaged), there are set time-frames within which to complete all components, and you will receive feedback from your instructor on both your assignments and forum posts.

Do you need more information?

Industry Training & Continuing Education

Phone: 403.556.4740
Toll-Free: 1.800.661.6537
Email: coned@oldscollege.ca