Grainswest - Winter 2026

Winter 2026 Grains West 42 Online agriculture management program free and practical DEVELOPED AND DELIVERED IN collaboration with Farm Credit Canada and RBC, the Ontario Agricultural Col- lege (OAC) at the University of Guelph offers Foundations in Agricultural Management. The free online course is aimed at Canadian farmers, their fam- ilies and ag industry professionals who wish to improve their business acumen, financial literacy and management skills. The non-credit, video seminar course is comprised of eight modules that take an average of 15 to 20 minutes each to work through. Compatible with busy farm life- styles, to earn a certificate of completion, participants can finish the course at their own pace. “Farms are becoming larger and more complex,” said Christine Baes, University of Guelph professor and acting associate dean of external relations. “Operators require advanced knowledge and skills to manage their businesses, and the program was designed to empower farmers with foundational business, financial and man- agement skills. That helps ensure a skilled workforce to support the growth and sustainability of Canadian agriculture.” The program officially launched Jan. 10, 2022. As of December 2025, 1,865 individuals registered for the course that year, while its participants completed 5,101 modules. Feedback from partici- pants has been largely positive, with 63 per cent likely to recommend it to others, and 85 per cent said it better prepared them for the future. “The program equips participants with the basic essential skills you need to navi- gate the complexity of farm management,” said Baes. “It prepares for long-term success, and it gives you the language and the vocabulary in a friendly environment to be successful in the ag sector.” The core sessions are delivered by OAC professors. These address topics such as accounting fundamentals, mental health, risk management and strategic planning. To illustrate the practical applica- tion of the program’s content, a bonus module features farmers from Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. Representing the western farm perspective is D’Arcy Hilgartner, a Camrose area farmer and Alberta Grains region 4 delegate. He agreed to participate because he was impressed with the course’s approach to Canada-specific farm fundamentals, its delivery by OAC faculty members and the fact it is free and convenient. He also believes the national scope of the course is helpful. “Beyond that western Canadi- an horizon there’s information that may be of value to you.” He also pointed to the course’s emphasis on economics as the ultimate driver of sustainability. “If you don’t have profit, the rest isn’t going to matter.” Fundamental farmskills HEAD OF THE CLASS Hilgartner highly recommends the program for new farmers. Though they may have a good handle on basics such as how to grow a crop, they may not be as well versed in marketing their harvest and other operational aspects. “If you visit the bank because you want to start a farm, what do you do when they ask for your business plan, forecasts and budget?” In contrast to the nuts-and-bolts of the main learning modules, the farmer seg- ment gives viewers a glimpse of the farm decision-making process, said Hilgartner. “What things do we take into account, and how does that fit into my business plan? Beyond that, how does that fit into a succession or transition plan?” Hilgartner also suggested the course may be illuminating for people outside agriculture. “How we approach farm finances may not reflect their image of what a farm is.” For more information, visit guelphagriculturalmanagement.com . BY IAN DOIG • PHOTO COURTESY OF ONTARIO AGRICULTURE COLLEGE “If you don’t have profit, the rest isn’t going to matter.” —D’Arcy Hilgartner