About

With an industry worth more than $95 billion annually in Canada alone, agribusiness is big business. It is a business of local and global importance, encompassing a huge range of activities that contribute to our supply of food and natural fibres.

Agribusiness comes into play at every stage in the food chain, from primary production to the packaging of your favourite snack food. It is also a dynamic business that must respond to advances in technology, changes in trade and policy and to an ever-changing, consumer-driven marketplace.


Quick facts
  • 4 year degree or 2 year diploma
  • Full or part-time program
  • You can enter this program directly from high school
  • You can begin this program off-campus

What you will learn

You will learn about business management, economics, marketing, finance and sales, as well as the legal and institutional environment that characterize agribusiness. You will study the structure and organization of the agri-food sector and develop business skills relevant to farm input, on-farm businesses, processing, transportation, credit and marketing.

A first-year schedule sample

Although there is a great deal of overlap between first year courses for most AgBio programs, it is important to consult the Course and Program Catalogue and contact an academic advisor for information about course selection prior to registration. Here's an example of what a first year in the degree program might look like:

Course Description

Fall Term
AGRC 111 Discovery in Plant and Soil Sciences
ECON 111 Introductory Microeconomics
COMM 101 Introduction to Business
ENG 113* Literature and Composition Reading Narrative
GEOG 120* Introduction to Global Environmental Systems

Winter Term
AGRC 112 Animal Agriculture and Food Science
AGRC 113 Agri Food Issues and Institutions
ECON 114 Introductory Macroeconomics
MATH 104 Elementary Calculus
HIST 155* History Matters Science and Environment

* These are elective courses. You will be able to choose from a variety of electives based on your interests.

The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

AREC 343: Grain and Livestock Marketing
A study of the Canadian grain and livestock marketing systems, procedures and institutions. Examines the price discovery methods used in grains and livestock marketing including: open (futures) market, marketing boards, teletype auctions, etc. Other topics include: the historical evolution of current marketing systems, marketing functions, government policy and regulation and market structure.

AREC 347: Agribusiness Marketing Management
Focuses on the role of the agri-marketing manager as a decision maker who is often responsible for formulating strategic marketing plans. Topics include the agricultural and agribusiness marketing environment, selecting market targets for products/services, and the development of marketing plans. The marketing activities of Saskatchewan's agribusinesses will be examined.

AREC 495: Agribusiness Venture Management
Designed to assist students in developing and understanding the skills and tools required in the preparation and presentation of a complete and professional business plan for a business entity in the agricultural industry. All aspects of the business plan are included in the project: operations, human resources, marketing and finance. Students will be expected to form groups to complete a major project.

Career skills
You will graduate with excellent industry-endorsed scientific training and a foundation of marketable career skills. Our strong ties with industry and our reputation for producing well-rounded, quality graduates means that many businesses look here first when hiring employees.

Small class sizes
AgBio offers a setting that combines the advantages of a full-scale university with the benefits of a small, specialized program. The small class sizes in third and fourth year and supportive atmosphere allows you to get to know your instructors and fellow students, and to build a network of personal and business contacts.

Research
We are committed to finding solutions to sustainably feed a hungry and growing world. Our five departments provide a foundation for our broad array of research activities, both basic and applied. We have over a century of innovative products and practices that have transformed the world.

Opportunities to get involved
AgBio has one of the campus’s most active and spirited student bodies. There are several student clubs in the college to join to enhance your university experience.

Collaborative environment
Our faculty and researchers actively collaborate across the university, as well as nationally and internationally. We have created strong, productive partnerships with numerous governments, private enterprises, producer groups, research centres, and industry associations to develop a sophisticated network for applied science, business and policy development. Outreach, technology transfer and information sharing is an important part our research.

Graduates of degree programs in the College of AgBio are eligible for Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists, allowing them to engage in the practise of Agrology. Graduates of the two-year diploma programs in agribusiness and agronomy are eligible for professional designation as Agricultural Technologists with the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists.

Careers

The transformation of Canadian agriculture has created new demands for knowledge and education. Consumers and the food service industry are demanding a wide variety of high quality, safe foods that are convenient to prepare. Agribusiness prepares you to become

  • agricultural entrepreneurs
  • sales professionals, marketing in agricultural chemical, grain handling, seed production and distribution
  • business managers
  • management consultants
  • agricultural lenders
  • production managers
  • communications and public relations

Graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness degree are eligible for Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists, allowing them to engage in the practise of Agrology.

The Diploma in Agribusiness will provide you with skills to start up your own business, to join the family business or to be part of an industry team. Major employment prospects for agribusiness professionals include:

  • bank loans officers and financial managers
  • processing managers, sales managers, production managers
  • farmers, ranchers, feedlot managers, hog barn managers or manufacturers
  • business consultants, commodity marketers, real estate broker and as a communications advisor

Graduates will possess business skills with particular application to the value-chain extending from farm inputs, through farm businesses, transportation, processing, marketing and sales and are eligible for the Technical Agrologist designation for the practice of agrology.

In addition, Graduates of the Diploma in Agribusiness program are eligible for the Technical Agrologist designation with the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists, allowing them to practice the profession of agrology under the supervision of a Professional Agrologist.

Tuition estimates

Canadian students International students
Tuition $7,618 $31,996
Student fees $1,089 $1,089
Books $1,500 $1,500
Total $10,207 $34,585

Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2023-2024 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.

Program options

The Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness [B.Sc.(Agbus.)] degrees and the Diploma in Agribusiness, Dip.(Agbus.) are offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

To decide which option is the right fit for you, consult with an academic advisor in the college before you begin your studies.

Admission requirements and deadlines

Deadlines

Start term Application DeadlineInternational Deadline
Winter
January 2024
Dec 1, 2023
Documents due: Dec 15, 2023
Sep 1, 2023
Documents due: Oct 1, 2023
Spring
May 2024
Apr 1, 2024
Documents due: May 1, 2024
Feb 1, 2024
Documents due: Mar 1, 2024
Summer
July 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
Mar 1, 2024
Documents due: Apr 1, 2024
Fall
September 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
Winter
January 2025
Dec 1, 2024
Documents due: Dec 15, 2024
Sep 1, 2024
Documents due: Oct 1, 2024

Ready to apply?

A non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD is required before your application will be processed.

Explore related programs

If you are looking for graduate level (Master or Ph.D.) programs please consult our graduate students' website.

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