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HEADOF
THe CLass
MORE THAN
100
YEARS AGO, THE
Alberta Department of Agriculture recog-
nized that the many new settlers living in
the province needed agricultural education.
In 1911, it created seven demonstration
farms throughout the province. People were
encouraged to visit these farms for short
courses so they could develop hands-on skills
while learning about the scientific side of
farming.
Of course, agricultural education has
changed immensely since the days of the
demonstration farms, but its importance
hasn’t. Agriculture is a multi-billion-dol-
lar global industry, and whether a person
intends to work on the family farm or pursue
a career elsewhere in the industry, education
is crucial.
Agriculture and related industries have
evolved into complex businesses. They are
highly capitalized and risk-intense, and are
very much affected by global forces. These
businesses require production, marketing,
finance and operational expertise. They also
need employees who understand important
issues such as environmental sustainability,
animal welfare, health and safety, verifica-
tion and traceability. It has become increas-
ingly important that individuals entering the
industry have an enhanced level of manage-
ment and business training.
Today’s agricultural sciences students
study animal and plant science, participate
in research, learn about sustainable farming
practices, delve into food safety, discuss
emerging consumer trends and develop an
understanding of economics. And they learn
not only from expert instructors, but also
industry guest speakers and their classmates.
The information students learn in class-
rooms and the skills they gain in labs are
essential, and serve them well when they
enter the industry. In addition to learning
the technical skills that are taught at colleges
and universities, students typically improve
their soft skills such as listening, communi-
cation, public speaking, decision-making,
problem solving and time management.
These skills are increasingly invaluable for
career success.
Just as importantly, post-secondary stud-
ies also promote critical thinking and help
students develop an appreciation for learn-
ing and discovery. Regardless of where the
graduate goes after college or university, we
all know that learning must continue.
After convocation, graduates often ask me
if I have any tips for them. One thing I tell
them is that they must own their education.
It is their responsibility and theirs alone. I
encourage them to participate in webinars,
subscribe to industry publications, join ap-
plicable listservs, attend industry seminars,
find a mentor, take short online courses and
create a strong network of contacts.
For those who return to a farm operation,
ongoing learning is even more important.
After all, to operate and manage a success-
ful agricultural enterprise, producers must
understand commodity marketing, human
resources management, accounting, farm
machinery, current technology and much
ag education is a
Long-term investment
more. There are few other industries that
require such a diverse skill set.
Globalization has caused a seismic shift
in the way the agricultural sector operates
today. But since the demonstration farms of
1911, the landscape of agricultural education
has been likewise transformed to meet the
dynamic needs of both industry and today’s
learners.
Josie Van Lent is the dean of Agricultural
Sciences at Lakeland College in Vermilion, AB.
By JOsie VaN LeNT
Photo: Michael Interisano
Winter
2014
Grains
West
16