In this ACS program, you will gain the skills you need to start your own farm. You'll learn about goats, sheep, chickens, vegetables, greenhouses, forestry, honey, fish, agritourism, and many other subjects as you make your farm plan. You will gain a strong basis in both the practical and business side of farming. At the end, you will be ready to work in the industry or start out on your own.
Although not an admission requirement, there is a French Requirement for certification of an AEC program in English. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions related to Law 14 and our Attestation of College Studies (ACS) Programs
Students will learn the principles of soil science and soil conservation. Participants will be required to compile environmentally friendly soil amendment programs, and incorporate these plans into their cultivation program
Students will be required to analyze the cost of a line of machinery and equipment. Maintenance and minor repairs of common equipment will be studied. Many replacement parts are available in class for a more hands-on approach to understand the working of machinery implements.
Students will survey and plan a farmyard layout, elaborate barn construction plans, and study methods of farm building repairs. The use and mixing of concrete in farm construction will be analyzed. Utilities such as electrical and plumbing will be discussed.
Students will elaborate crop plans for standard field rotations, study the preparation of soil for production, and choose the appropriate cultivars for their agricultural zone. Bacterial enemies and insect pests of cereals and herbage are identified.
Students will analyze the economic realities of Honey, Maple, Greenhouse, Horticulture, and Vegetable productions in Quebec. This course will provide an introduction to each industry. (The course will be divided into 18 hours for each production analyzed.)
Students will study the anatomy and physiology of domestic animals, and develop a herd health protocol, including the proper administering techniques for vaccine and antibiotics.
Students will look at farm safety in their own place of business. Participants will be able to choose methods of organizing safe work places and practices while protecting the environment.
Students will be able to identify the diverse wood species in Quebec bush lots, how to manage these different species in a sustainable way, and successfully market forest products.
Students will study bovine reproductive functions and the animal health requirements for breeding, before visiting farms for practical hands on A.I. breeding. Scheduled in Fall to accommodate availability of volunteer cull cows.
With an ever increasing diversity of domestic farm animals playing a greater role in Quebec agriculture, students will study the economic realities of entering these growing markets. (Alternate Animal Production such as Sheep, Poultry, Venison, Ratites, Fish etc.)
This course is designed to show students the close relationship between their farm practices and the environment. Students will be familiar with Quebec farm environmental regulations and how to apply them in a safe and friendly manner.
With the completion of this course, students will be able to communicate in a professional business manner. Employment interviews, meetings with representatives of financial institutions, and public address will be studied. Writing business letters and proposals will be studied.
