PRODUCTION. TRADE. POLICY. ENVIRONMENT.
Welcome to Agricultural Studies
Agricultural studies delves into the relationships between the social, economic, political and environmental factors that affect the agricultural sector.
Located in Southern Alberta, the University of Lethbridge is an ideal location to select a major in agricultural studies. Farming and ranching activities are among the most important regional sources of wealth and of direct and indirect employment. The diversity of landscapes provides the foundation for a wide variety of productive activities related to livestock (primarily cattle, hogs and poultry), grains, oilseeds, pulses and numerous specialty crops. In this setting, aspiring agriculturalists learn about the physical and economic interrelationships between agricultural production, marketing, trade and nutrient management, water, grazing, rangeland and riparian management. This unique program focuses on both the art and the science of agricultural practices from theoretical and applied perspectives, including extensive lab experience and special emphasis on current issues and cutting-edge research. As a multidisciplinary major, agricultural studies take full advantage of resources and course offerings in the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Geography & Environment and Economics. This broad range of perspectives helps expand the understanding of issues such as policy development, the farm as a production unit and the environmental implications of land use.
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Program Highlights

Undergraduate Courses in Agricultural Studies
Students who pursue an undergraduate degree in agricultural studies will also take courses in biological sciences, economics, and geography, depending on their chosen degree.
Course Highlight: Agricultural Studies 1000 | The Evolution of Agriculture
A survey of the major achievements in agriculture, spanning its origins until the present. Particular emphasis on agricultural-related activities in Europe and North America. The role of Indigenous peoples and women in agriculture, world food issues, and the environmental consequences of modern agriculture.

Aggies take Grow the Future Gala online, raise $10,000 to donate to local non-profit organization Ag for Life
The Grow the Future Gala could not be held in person this spring, so the University of Lethbridge Agricultural Students’ Society (The Aggies) went online and still managed to raise $10,000 to donate to the local non-profit organization Agriculture for Life.
The Aggies annually present their Grow the Future Gala, an event designed to bring together students and industry while raising money for a non-profit organization of the club’s choice. The COVID-19 pandemic put an end to all in-person events, but it did not deter The Aggies and with support from multiple sponsors and donors, they were able to still achieve a substantial donation.
Honouring a love of learning and community: An invitation to contribute to the Blaine Thacker Memorial Award
Dr. Blaine Thacker (LLD ’06) was always fond of the University of Lethbridge. It is this fondness that inspires the Blaine Thacker Memorial Award, an endowed scholarship for graduate students conducting agricultural …
Co-op gave Skylar Nikkel a solid foundation for the future
Skylar Nikkel (Sky) is a fifth-year applied statistics student with a minor in computer science and a geography concentration. Combining her enthusiasm for research and keenness for a challenge, Sky has completed three agriculture and research-related …
Dr. Shelley Hoover is here for our bees
Biological sciences and agriculture research associate, Dr. Shelley Hoover is a dedicated beekeeper of over 20 years. She sits as the current president of the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists and was the …
Career Bridge: Centre for Work-Integrated Learning and Career Development

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