Agriculture Technician

Overview

The Agriculture Technician (ATEC) Program develops students’ knowledge, skills and abilities in six major areas of agriculture production. These six areas of production are: Crop Production; Cow/Calf; Feedlot; Dairy; Sheep; Pork (initially, Pork will be developed as an ATEC program but may eventually be elevated to a designated trade.)

The courses within each area of production are organized into three levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities: introductory, intermediate, and advanced. Introductory modules help students gain knowledge and build skills used in the day to day operation of the particular sector. They form the basis of further learning. Intermediate modules build on the competencies developed at the introductory level; they broaden or refine the knowledge, skills and abilities used in a particular sector. Advanced modules demand that students acquire a higher level of knowledge skills and abilities in the particular production sector.

Philosophy and Rationale

Saskatchewan is a world leader in traditional primary production agriculture. Today, there is ever increasing and intense global competition for primary production agriculture products. This means that Saskatchewan Agricultural producers and employees need to have knowledge, skills and abilities in a variety of areas in order to maximize production and remain viable.

Providing students with practical knowledge, skills and abilities in cow/calf production will help them provide meaningful contributions to their family farming operations or pursue related career and educational opportunities.

Aim

The aim of each of the course outlines is to provide students will knowledge skills and abilities in the primary production sector including farm safety procedures, communication skills, and basic knowledge of machinery and livestock equipment operation as well as the care and handling of livestock, where appropriate.

Each of the 10, 20, 30 courses requires 100 hours of instruction per credit. The guidelines have been developed to provide a balance between: knowledge of all facets of primary production in the sector including farm safety; skills and abilities provided by information and practical application of concepts; exposure to farms involved in the primary production sector; and, opportunities for mentoring, job shadowing, or work study using resources in the community.

Modular Approach

The ATEC Program guidelines are organized into two sets of modules: Core Modules (50-65 hours of in-class or practical instruction) and Optional Modules (used to meet the particular interests of individual students). To successfully complete each of the primary production sector courses, students must spend a range of 25-50 hours of every 100 hours receiving practical instruction at a worksite.

Training Plans

Each sector guideline includes training plans in the form of checklists that can be used by teachers or farmer-trainers (worksite supervisors) for organizing, planning and monitoring work study or instruction as a worksite. Student expectations include observation, assistance or demonstration of a skill or a set of skills.

Considerations for Program Delivery

Community Partnerships Involve Using Local Farms and Farmers to Learn.

Throughout the ATEC program, producers, equipment and machinery dealers and primary production sector specialists (e.g., livestock specialists) are recommended as resource persons to enhance student learning and to provide practical experience. Students should also use related livestock production businesses and services such as: feed mills; livestock auction markets; producer orgainizations; farm building contractors; veterinarians; grain companies and buyers; short-line equipment manufacturers or machinery dealers. Teachers will need also to seek assistance from producers in the community in order to provide opportunities for practical experience and to act as resources, as required. Adjustments should be made to accommodate the particular circumstances of the community as well as related experiences of the students. Work study opportunities are a requirement of the course (i.e., 25 to 50 hours per credit).

Course Overviews

Cow/Calf 10, 20, 30

Module Code

Modules

Suggested Time (hours)

CALF01

Module 01: Farm Safety (Core)

7-9

CALF02

Module 02: Communications (Core)

3-4

CALF03

Module 03: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

CALF04

Module 04: Planning for Livestock Production (Core)

4-6

CALF05

Module 05: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

12-14

CALF06

Module 06: Marketing (Core)

4-5

CALF07

Module 07: Beef Cattle Breeds (Core)

4-6

CALF08

Module 08: Basic Handling of Beef Cattle (Core)

3-4

CALF09

Module 09: Cattle Nutrition (Core)

4-5

CALF10

Module 10: Livestock Handling Equipment (Core)

6-8

CALF11

Module 11: Beef Cattle Health Care (Optional)

5-10

CALF12

Module 12: Pasture and Pen Maintenance (Optional)

5-7

CALF13

Module 13: Riding and Handling a Horse (Optional)

1-3

CALF14

Module 14: Record Keeping in a Cow/calf Operation (Optional)

1-3

CALF15

Module 15: Work Study Preparation and Follow-up Activities (Optional)

5-10

CALF16

Module 16: Work Study (Optional)

25-50

CALF17

Module 17: Farm Safety (Core)

7-9

CALF18

Module 18: Communications (Core)

3-4

CALF19

Module 19: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

CALF20

Module 20: Planning for Livestock Production (Core)

4-6

CALF21

Module 21: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

5-7

CALF22

Module 22: Marketing (Core)

4-5

CALF23

Module 23: Cattle Breeds (Core)

2-4

CALF24

Module 24: Beef Handling (Core)

3-5

CALF25

Module 25: Cattle Nutrition (Core)

5-7

CALF26

Module 26: Livestock Handling Equipment (Core)

5-7

CALF27

Module 27: Pasture and Pen Checking (Core)

4-5

CALF28

Module 28: Repair and Maintenance of Cow/calf Facilities (Core)

5-6

CALF29

Module 29: Veterinary Drugs (Optional)

4-6

CALF30

Module 30: Calving Procedures (Optional)

5-10

CALF31

Module 31: Record Keeping in a Cow/calf Operation (Optional)

4-6

CALF32

Module 32: Causes and Prevention of Farm Accidents (Core)

4-5

CALF33

Module 33: First Response for Farm Accidents (Core)

3-4

CALF34

Module 34: Communications (Core)

2-3

CALF35

Module 35: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

CALF36

Module 36: Farm Planning (Core)

3-4

CALF37

Module 37: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

5-7

CALF38

Module 38: Cattle Anatomy (Core)

4-5

CALF39

Module 39: Culling and Breeding Plans (Core)

5-6

CALF40

Module 40: Specialized Livestock Equipment (Core)

7-9

CALF41

Module 41: Cattle Behaviour (Core)

4-6

CALF42

Module 42: Marketing Beef Cattle (Core)

5-6

CALF43

Module 43: Pasture Management (Core)

5-6

CALF44

Module 44: Animal Identification (Optional)

4-6

CALF45

Module 45: Code of Ethics in Animal Practice (Optional)

4-6

 

Crop Production 10, 20, 30

Module Code

Modules

Suggested Time (hours)

CROP01

Module 01: Farm Safety (Core)

7-9

CROP02

Module 02: Communications (Core)

3-4

CROP03

Module 03: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

CROP04

Module 04: Planning for Crop Production (Core)

4-6

CROP05

Module 05: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

12-14

CROP06

Module 06: Marketing (Core)

4-5

CROP07

Module 07: Field Crops in Saskatchewan (Core)

2-4

CROP08

Module 08: Crop Production Machinery (Core)

2-3

CROP09

Module 09: Basic Maintenance and Operation of Crop Production Equipment (Core)

4-6

CROP10

Module 10: Basic Operation of Tillage Equipment (Core)

3-5

CROP11

Module 11: Basic Operation of Combine Equipment (Core)

3-6

CROP12

Module 12: Basic Operation of Swathers (Core)

3-4

CROP13

Module 13: Basic Operation of Forage Equipment (Optional)

3-5

CROP14

Module 14: Developing a Crop Plan (Optional)

3-4

CROP15

Module 15: Land Leveling for Irrigation Equipment (Optional)

5-10

CROP16

Module 16: Irrigation Pumping Equipment (Optional)

5-7

CROP17

Module 17: Work Study Preparation and Follow-up Activities (Optional)

5-10

CROP18

Module 18: Work Study (Optional)

25-50

CROP19

Module 19: Farm Safety (Core)

5-6

CROP20

Module 20: Communications (Core)

3-4

CROP21

Module 21: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

CROP22

Module 22: Planning for Crop Production (Core)

2-4

CROP23

Module 23: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

5-7

CROP24

Module 24: Marketing (Core)

2-3

CROP25

Module 25: Cultivation and Seeding Equipment (Core)

10-12

CROP26

Module 26: Fertilizer Storage, Handling, and Application (Core)

5-7

CROP27

Module 27: Harvesting Equipment (Core)

10-12

CROP28

Module 28: Weed and Pest Control (Core)

5-6

CROP29

Module 29: Operation and Maintenance of Gravity Type Irrigation Systems (Optional)

5-10

CROP30

Module 30: Operation and Maintenance of Pipe Type Irrigation Systems (Optional)

5-10

CROP31

Module 31: Operation and Maintenance of Hand Move Type Irrigations Systems (Optional)

5-10

CROP32

Module 32: Operating Tractors with Attachments (Optional)

3-4

CROP33

Module 33: Forage Production (Optional)

5-10

CROP34

Module 34: Causes and Prevention of Farm Accidents (Core)

4-5

CROP35

Module 35: First Response for Farm Accidents (Core)

3-4

CROP36

Module 36: Communications (Core)

4-5

CROP37

Module 37: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

CROP38

Module 38: Farm Planning (Core)

3-4

CROP39

Module 39: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

5-7

CROP40

Module 40: Transporting Farm Equipment (Core)

5-6

CROP41

Module 41: Environmental Regulations and Disposal of Farm Chemicals (Core)

6-8

CROP42

Module 42: Grain Marketing Systems (Core)

6-8

CROP43

Module 43: Developing and Using Financial Plans (Core)

6-8

CROP44

Module 44: Grain Storage (Core)

5-6

CROP45

Module 45: Off Season Storage of Farm Equipment (Optional)

5-7

CROP46

Module 46: Operation of Air Seeding Equipment (Optional)

5-7

CROP47

Module 47: Operation and Maintenance of Wheel Move Type Irrigation Systems (Optional)

5-10

CROP48

Module 48: Operation and Maintenance of Pivot Type Irrigation Systems (Optional)

5-10

CROP49

Module 49: Techniques for Gathering Soil Samples (Optional)

5-10

 

Dairy 10, 20, 30

Module Code

Modules

Suggested Time (hours)

DAIR01

Module 01: Farm Safety (Core)

7-9

DAIR02

Module 02: Communications (Core)

3-4

DAIR03

Module 03: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

DAIR04

Module 04: Planning for Dairy Production (Core)

4-6

DAIR05

Module 05: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

12-14

DAIR06

Module 06: Marketing (Core)

4-5

DAIR07

Module 07: Dairy Animal Behavior (Core)

3-4

DAIR08

Module 08: Maintaining Dairy Facilities and Equipment (Core)

4-5

DAIR09

Module 09: Dairy Farm Equipment (Core)

5-6

DAIR10

Module 10: Milking Equipment (Core)

3-4

DAIR11

Module 11: Milking Process (Core)

2-4

DAIR12

Module 12: Calf Care (Optional)

2-3

DAIR13

Module 13: Dairy Cattle Health (Optional)

4-5

DAIR14

Module 14: Prevention and Care of Mastitis in Dairy Cows (Optional)

2-3

DAIR15

Module 15: Feeding Plans (Optional)

2-3

DAIR16

Module 16: Milk Production (Optional)

2-3

DAIR17

Module 17: Work Study Preparation and Follow-up Activities (Optional)

5-10

DAIR18

Module 18: Work Study (Optional)

25-50

DAIR19

Module 19: Farm Safety (Core)

7-9

DAIR20

Module 20: Communications (Core)

3-4

DAIR21

Module 21: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

DAIR22

Module 22: Planning for Dairy Production (Core)

4-6

DAIR23

Module 23: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

7-9

DAIR24

Module 24: Marketing (Core)

4-5

DAIR25

Module 25: Breeding and Reproduction (Core)

3-4

DAIR26

Module 26: Calf Care (Core)

3-4

DAIR27

Module 27: Milking Equipment (Core)

3-4

DAIR28

Module 28: Preparation of the Dairy Cow for Milking (Core)

3-4

DAIR29

Module 29: Sanitation Practices for Dairy Equipment and Facilities (Core)

5-6

DAIR30

Module 30: Monitoring the Health of Dairy Cattle (Core)

5-6

DAIR31

Module 31: Calving Assistance (Optional)

5-6

DAIR32

Module 32: Waste Removal (Optional)

3-5

DAIR33

Module 33: Feeding Systems (Optional)

3-5

DAIR34

Module 34: Causes and Prevention of Farm Accidents (Core)

4-5

DAIR35

Module 35: First Response to Farm Accidents (Core)

3-4

DAIR36

Module 36: Communications (Core)

2-3

DAIR37

Module 37: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

DAIR38

Module 38: Farm Planning (Core)

3-4

DAIR39

Module 39: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

5-7

DAIR40

Module 40: Milking Equipment (Core)

5-6

DAIR41

Module 41: The Milking Process (Core)

5-6

DAIR42

Module 42: Maintaining and Repairing Dairy Facilities and Equipment (Core)

8-10

DAIR43

Module 43: Maintaining Herd Health (Core)

7-9

DAIR44

Module 44: Specialized Livestock Equipment (Core)

5-7

DAIR45

Module 45: Animal Identification (Optional)

4-6

DAIR46

Module 46: Artificial Insemination and Herd Analysis (Optional)

10-15

DAIR47

Module 47: Detection of Heat for the Purposes of Breeding (Optional)

5-10

Feedlot 10, 20, 30

Module Code

Modules

Suggested Time (hours)

FEED01

Module 01: Farm Safety (Core)

7-9

FEED02

Module 02: Communications (Core)

3-4

FEED03

Module 03: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

FEED04

Module 04: Planning for Feedlot Operation (Core)

4-6

FEED05

Module 05: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

12-14

FEED06

Module 06: Marketing (Core)

4-5

FEED07

Module 07: Feedlot Cattle (Core)

5

FEED08

Module 08: Cattle Behavior (Core)

4

FEED09

Module 09: Livestock Handling Equipment (Core)

2

FEED10

Module 10: Feedlot Nutrition (Core)

4

FEED11

Module 11: Transportation (Optional)

2

FEED12

Module 12: Animal Health Care (Optional)

4

FEED13

Module 13: Cattle Illnesses, Parasites and Diseases (Optional)

4

FEED14

Module 14: Feedlot Maintenance (Optional)

4

FEED15

Module 15: Horse Care, Handling, and Riding (Optional)

5

FEED16

Module 16: Work Study Preparation and Follow-up Activities (Optional)

5-10

FEED17

Module 17: Work Study (Optional)

25-50

FEED18

Module 18: Farm Safety (Core)

7-9

FEED19

Module 19: Communications (Core)

3-4

FEED20

Module 20: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

FEED21

Module 21: Planning for Feedlot Operation (Core)

4-6

FEED22

Module 22: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

12-14

FEED23

Module 23: Marketing (Core)

4-5

FEED24

Module 24: Feedlot Cattle (Core)

2-3

FEED25

Module 25: Dehorning and Castration (Core)

3-4

FEED26

Module 26: Maintenance and Repair of Livestock Equipment (Core)

3-4

FEED27

Module 27: Using Livestock Equipment Safely (Core)

3-4

FEED28

Module 28: Feedlot Rations (Core)

4-6

FEED29

Module 29: Veterinary Drug Protocols (Core)

2-3

FEED30

Module 30: Marketing Systems (Optional)

4-6

FEED31

Module 31: Forage Production (Optional)

(see crop production 20L)

5-7

FEED32

Module 32: Causes and Prevention of Farm Accidents (Core)

4-5

FEED33

Module 33: First Response for Farm Accidents (Core)

3-4

FEED34

Module 34: Communications (Core)

2-3

FEED35

Module 35: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

FEED36

Module 36: Farm Planning (Core)

3-4

FEED37

Module 37: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

10-12

FEED38

Module 38: Digestive System and Feed Requirements of Cattle (Core)

8-12

FEED39

Module 39: Specialized Feedlot Equipment (Core)

8-10

FEED40

Module 40: Marketing Systems (Core)

5-6

FEED41

Module 41: Animal Identification (Core)

4-5

FEED42

Module 42: Code of Ethics in Animal Practice (Optional)

3-4

Pork Production 10, 20

Module Code

Modules

Suggested Time (hours)

PORK01

Module 01: Saskatchewan’s Pork Industry

3-4

PORK02

Module 02: Farm Safety (Core)

7-9

PORK03

Module 03: Communications (Core)

3-4

PORK04

Module 04: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

PORK05

Module 05: Planning for Pork Production (Core)

4-6

PORK06

Module 06: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

12-14

PORK07

Module 07: Swine Anatomy and Physiology (Core)

4-5

PORK08

Module 08: Basic Handling of Pork (Core)

4-6

PORK09

Module 09: Pig Nutrition (Core)

4-5

PORK10

Module 10: Feeding Equipment (Core)

6-8

PORK11

Module 11: Pork Health Care (Optional)

5-7

PORK12

Module 12: Swine Barn Routine (Optional)

5-7

PORK13

Module 13: Swine Barn Watering Systems (Optional)

1-3

PORK14

Module 14: Record Keeping in a Pork Operation (Optional)

1-3

PORK15

Module 15: Work Study Preparation and Follow-up Activities (Optional)

5-10

PORK16

Module 16: Work Study (Optional)

25-50

PORK17

Module 17: Marketing Hogs in Saskatchewan (Core)

3-4

PORK18

Module 18: Farm Safety (Core)

3-4

PORK19

Module 19: Communications (Core)

3-4

PORK20

Module 20: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

PORK21

Module 21: Planning for Pork Production (Core)

3-4

PORK22

Module 22: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

10-15

PORK23

Module 23: Reproduction (Core)

5-8

PORK24

Module 24: Feeds and Feeding Systems (Core)

5-8

PORK25

Module 25: Sanitation Practices for Swine Production (Core)

10-12

PORK26

Module 26: Waste Removal (Core)

5-7

PORK27

Module 27: Feeding Equipment (Optional)

3- 5

PORK28

Module 28: Swine Barn Protocol (Optional)

3-5

PORK29

Module 29: Veterinary Drugs (Optional)

3-5

PORK30

Module 30: Farrowing Procedures (Optional)

5-10

PORK31

Module 31: Record Keeping for a Pork Operation

4-6

 

Sheep Productions 10, 20, 30

Module Code

Modules

Suggested Time (hours)

SHEE01

Module 01: Farm Safety (Core)

7-9

SHEE02

Module 02: Communications (Core)

3-4

SHEE03

Module 03: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

SHEE04

Module 04: Planning for Sheep Production (Core)

4-6

SHEE05

Module 05: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

12-14

SHEE06

Module 06: Marketing (Core)

4-5

SHEE07

Module 07: Sheep Behaviour (Core)

4-6

SHEE08

Module 08: Handling Sheep (Core)

4-5

SHEE09

Module 09: Animal Health (Core)

4-6

SHEE10

Module 10: Sheep Nutrition (Core)

5-6

SHEE11

Module 11: Weaning Lambs (Optional)

5-6

SHEE12

Module 12: Crutching Ewes (Optional)

8-10

SHEE13

Module 13: Work Study Preparation and Follow-up Activities (Optional)

5-10

SHEE14

Module 14: Work Study

25-50

SHEE15

Module 15: Farm Safety (Core)

7-9

SHEE16

Module 16: Communications (Core)

3-4

SHEE17

Module 17: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

SHEE18

Module 18: Planning for Sheep Production (Core)

4-6

SHEE19

Module 19: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

12-14

SHEE20

Module 20: Marketing (Core)

4-5

SHEE21

Module 21: Sheep Anatomy and Physiology (Core)

5-6

SHEE22

Module 22: Sheep Care and Handling (Core)

5-6

SHEE23

Module 23: Sheep Herd Health (Core)

6-9

SHEE24

Module 24: Grazing Systems (Core)

6-8

SHEE25

Module 25: Causes and Prevention of Farm Accidents (Core)

4-5

SHEE26

Module 26: First Response for Farm Accidents

3-4

SHEE27

Module 27: Communications (Core)

2-3

SHEE27

Module 28: Career Exploration (Core)

3-4

SHEE29

Module 29: Farm Planning (Core)

3-4

SHEE30

Module 30: Farm Equipment Maintenance and Repair (Core)

10-12

SHEE31

Module 31: Marketing (Core)

4-5

SHEE32

Module 32: Sheep Nutrition and Feed Rations (Core)

6-8

SHEE33

Module 33: Sheep Care (Core)

7-9

SHEE34

Module 34: Shearing Sheep (Core)

4-6

SHEE35

Module 35: Pest Control (Core)

4-5

SHEE36