Program Overview

Program Overview

Livestock Production Certificate

The University of the Fraser Valley's (UFV) comprehensive one-year Livestock Production certificate prepares students to manage operations on dairy, beef, sheep, goats, poultry, equine, or hog farms or to launch a career off-farm in agribusiness management, sales, marketing, or research.

Program Description

The program introduces students to the latest practices in animal breeding, nutrition, and health and teaches fundamental business and writing skills that are at a premium in the workplace.

Facilities and Resources

The UFV Agriculture Centre in Chilliwack provides a perfect environment to conduct field and lab exercises, with a 250 square meters demonstration barn. Students can also take advantage of research opportunities for seven types of animal husbandry.

Practicum and Career Opportunities

A practicum in the second semester gives students the opportunity to apply their learning in a supervised setting and prepares them to enter the workforce. Career opportunities exist in government agencies, livestock supplies companies, artificial insemination services, agricultural consulting firms, and food processing research and development firms.

Career Outlook

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada reports that, in 2016, the agriculture and agri-food sector generated $111.9 billion, accounting for 6.7% of Canada's GDP. The sector provides one out of eight jobs in Canada, employing over 2.3 million people. Livestock receipts represent approximately a quarter of this thriving industry.

Laddering Opportunities

Once students have successfully completed the one-year Livestock Production certificate, they can opt to earn a Milker Technician certificate by working in a milking parlour. They can also ladder directly into the Agriculture Technology diploma to expand their knowledge of farm operations and gain additional business and marketing skills.

Emphasis on Sustainability and Animal Welfare

The UFV Livestock Production program emphasizes management practices compatible with agricultural sustainability and environmentally responsible agricultural production techniques and animal welfare.