Foundations in Agricultural Management
Free online step-by-step course
Are you ready to take your ideas to the next level? Then you’re in the right place! In this course, you’ll explore agricultural business strategy and planning, farm management, succession planning and financial fundamentals. Invest a few hours in this free, online course and you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to make a lifetime of better informed decisions for yourself and your business.1
Knowledge worth knowing.
Created by the University of Guelph in collaboration with RBC and Farm Credit Canada (FCC).
Prefer French? Enroll here. Please note that switching to French after you’ve started will require re-enrollment in the French version and restarting the course.
By clicking Start Now, I acknowledge I have read and agree to the Foundations in Agricultural Management’s Terms and Conditions.
Do you have ideas for growing an agricultural business?
Learn from the best
The University of Guelph professors are world-class researchers and teachers who bring passion, expertise and experience to the course.
Learn at your pace
All learning modules and tests are online, so you can complete the course when you want and where you choose. You have the time — just login and learn!
Learn for free
Knowledge, insights and financial awareness are key to achieving the important goals you’ve set for yourself and your agribusiness. That’s why we’ve made this course free for anyone ready to invest in themselves and their business.
Course Content
Module 1: Business Planning and Strategy
What You’ll Learn
Addressing the rapid pace of change in the agriculture industry, this module covers the need for a proactive approach to managing your agriculture business, providing actionable ideas to move your business forward, defining your goals and creating a formalized business plan.
Meet Your Professor
Mike von Massow
Associate Professor
Ontario Agricultural College
University of Guelph
Module Details
21 minute on-demand video
8 question test
Module 2: Financial Literacy I
What You’ll Learn
In this first of two modules on Financial Literacy, you will learn the importance of knowing your costs of production, how to make asset purchase decisions and the implications of equipment and land purchases on cash flow.
Meet Your Professor
Richard Vyn
Professor
Ontario Agricultural College
University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
Module Details
20 minute on-demand video
8 question test
Module 3: Financial Literacy II
What You’ll Learn
The second of two parts on Financial Literacy, this module will help you determine the financial health of your business and secure credit for future opportunities. It covers how to prepare a balance sheet, an income statement complete a cash flow budget and build a strong relationship with your lender.
Meet Your Professor
Ken McEwan
Professor
Ontario Agricultural College
University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
Module Details
20 minute on-demand video
8 question test
Module 4: Managing Your Most Valuable Asset – Your People
What You’ll Learn
Your people are your most valuable asset. This module offers guidance on how to attract, hire and keep the right employees, how to build and enhance commitment, motivation and performance and how to assess your own leadership style to bring out the best in your people.
Meet Your Professor
Sara Mann
Professor
Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics
University of Guelph
Module Details
20 minute on-demand video
8 question test
Module 5: Risk Management
What You’ll Learn
Good farm management requires accounting for risk. In this module, you’ll learn the five main sources of agricultural risk, how risk can affect your business and how risk management strategies can help you reduce losses and explore upside opportunities.
Meet Your Professor
Getu Hailu
Professor
Ontario Agricultural College
University of Guelph
Module Details
23 minute on-demand video
8 question test
Module 6: Family Farm Transition Planning I
What You’ll Learn
This first of two modules on farm transition planning covers the two phases of succession planning: The preparation phase, in which the vision for the family and the farm is identified, and the documentation phase that formalizes the plans to achieve that vision.
Meet Your Professor
Alfons Weersink
Professor
Ontario Agricultural College
University of Guelph
Module Details
22 minute on-demand video
8 question test
Module 7: Family Farm Transition Planning II
What You’ll Learn
Learn how to prepare for a successful transition of the farm business. This module touches on three essential areas that can help both senior and junior family members nurture the long-term success of the farm business: Effective leadership, effective communications and effective conflict resolution.
Meet Your Professor
Julia Christensen Hughes
Former Dean
Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics
University of Guelph
Module Details
24 minute on-demand video
8 question test
Module 8: Managing Mental Health and Building Resilience
What You’ll Learn
In this final module, you will learn about the state of farmer mental health in Canada, the impact of poor mental health on your life and your business, and available resources to help. Specific ways to promote farmer well-being are also covered.
Meet Your Professor
Andria Jones-Bitton
Associate Professor
Ontario Veterinary College
University of Guelph
Module Details
20 minute on-demand video
8 question test
Bonus Module: The Hero’s Journey to Making Sustainable Farm Decisions
What You’ll Learn
Learn how three producers from across Canada balance the needs of their people, the planet and their profit to secure a sustainable future for their farms. Bonus modules are not required to earn the Foundations in Agricultural Management Certificate of Completion.
Meet Your Producers
D’Arcy Hillgartner — Hillcrest Acres, Alberta
Pascal Viens — Ferme Vimo, Quebec
Melinda McArthur — Heatherlea Farms, Ontario
Module Details
24 minute on-demand video
8 question test
This bonus module is optional. You do not need to complete it to receive your certificate.
Bonus Module: From Ideas to Action: A Case Study of Sustainable Farm Management
What You’ll Learn
See course concepts in action through a real producer’s approach to transition planning and financial management. Explore how she applies course concepts to make intentional, sustainable decisions that benefit her people, the planet, and her profit. Bonus modules are not required to earn the Foundations in Agricultural Management Certificate of Completion.
Meet Your Producer and Professor
Joleen and Ron Shea — Sheady Farms, Saskatchewan
Christine Baes — Associate Dean, External Relations , Ontario Agricultural College , University of Guelph
Module Details
30 minute on-demand video
8 question test
This bonus module is optional. You do not need to complete it to receive your certificate.
Take Your Agricultural Business To The Next Level
Successfully complete all eight core learning modules and tests to receive a University of Guelph Foundations in Agricultural Management certificate of completion.2
By clicking Start Now, I acknowledge I have read and agree to the Foundations in Agricultural Management’s Terms and Conditions.
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Continue Your Learning Journey
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- The Foundations in Agricultural Management course has been created by the University of Guelph with financial support from RBC and Farm Credit Canada (FCC). This course offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect those of the individual professors and are subject to change.
- The Foundations in Agricultural Management course is intended for personal knowledge and skills development. The course is a non-credit course and does not count towards any University of Guelph program, degree, diploma or certificate.
The University of Guelph and any of its logos and marks are official marks of University of Guelph. Used under license. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is an official mark of Farm Credit Canada. Used under license.