Several fellow producers have already signed up for the Applied Sustainable Ranching program, but we understand that it is a serious investment for hard working producers with limited time.
Here are some of the top questions we’ve received about The Applied Sustainable Ranching Program:
Q: I’m struggling with the cost, how can I make it work?
A: Cost and time are big issues! We know what it’s like to struggle financially as ranchers. We also know that the industry knowledge and networks you make in The Applied Sustainable Ranching program can help you save you hundreds of hours of labor, increase your production, show you how to make more profit with diversification enterprises and enjoy a better quality of life as a result. We are going the extra mile to provide extraordinary value for our students through our seminars, field days and industry driven content. We have some practical suggestions on how to make this program a fit for you. We have significant financial awards available for students. In fact, 85% of our students receive a financial award towards their tuition. The program also qualifies for student loan funding through the government. These courses are block based so you can take courses that fit your budget which allow you to work towards the diploma gradually. If you really want to take this program, call us so we can work with you to make it work.
Q: What’s the deal with online learning?
A: Students are introduced to Moodle, and online course delivery where assignments are uploaded and students can see assignments for the week. Completed assignments are then turned in to instructors. Some research online is required. In-person seminars happen once a week, but if you are on a host ranch, or are at a distance from the Williams Lake campus students have the option of participating through video conferencing. All you need for this is an internet connection.
Q: What’s the deal with applied learning?
A: Applied learning is an integral part of our students learning process. Students who do not have a home ranch to gain experience on during their studies can be placed with host ranches to ensure they are getting the applied skills needed. Work based learning at host ranches will consist of approximately 15- 20 hours per week. Credits from the ASUR 1020- Sustainable Business Enterprise can be applied towards the full Sustainable Ranching Diploma Program. Thompson River’s University has partnered with Olds College in Alberta to confirm the transfer of credits towards their Applied Bachelor in Agri-Business degree program. Students with a grade point standing of 2.5 can transfer directly into 3rd year of this program at Olds.
We really hope that being at your home ranch or on a host ranch can help offset part of the cost of enrolling in the course for our students because it allows them to work on their own enterprises or have accommodation provided at host ranches while they attend school.
Q: I am not a rancher yet but I want to be one, can I still join the program?
A: Yes! In fact several of our graduate students were not ranchers but wanted to gain the benefits of the program to apply to related fields or enterprises. The program focuses on a strong foundation of business skills. We encourage students to become familiar with the basic principles of all aspects of ranching- business, production, bio-diversity, soils, grazing management -all with a strong environment component.
The content of the course is presented in a modular block learning approach, we believe that serious ranchers of all levels will be able to follow along and get great value out of it, given that they are familiar with the basic principles of agriculture.
Pairing you with one of our host ranches will give you invaluable lifetime experiences that will remain with you throughout your life.
Q: What kind of jobs can the program help me get?
A: The agriculture industry is huge! Here are a few of the areas students can work towards:
- Successful agriculture business owners
- Farm and ranch foreman and managers
- Banking and finance sectors
- Agriculture supply industry – sales and management positions
- Environmental stewardship and resource management positions
- Agri-toursim enterprise operators
- Economic development positions within communities
- Marketing, sales and management positions in the agri-business sector from irrigation to equipment, feed supplements, forage supplies and animal health care products
Q: I’m already really busy with ranching and other responsibilities, will I have the time?
A: When you join the Applied Sustainable Ranching Program, you’ll be expected to do approximately 20 hours per week of homework. The work is paced to work around applied learning on a host ranch or on your own operation, meaning you can go as fast or slow as your schedule allows as long as your homework is completed within the week.
We know that many ranchers have periods of time that are very busy based on demands from their operations. The Applied Sustainable Ranching Program was designed to help ranchers get an education while being able to work on the ranch. Allocating the time properly, you can set yourself into the most comprehensive path for growing a profitable ranching enterprise
