Alberta Agriculture and Olds College are offering the fourth annual Competitive Advantage Program for Agriculture this fall and winter.
It is a comprehensive, advanced management program emphasizing outcomes and practical application.
“The basis of the whole CAPA program is to provide some of the whole farm strategic planning skills,” said Dann Mattson, financial management specialist for Alberta Agriculture in Olds.
The program allows participants to gain skills to help them analyze decisions they are facing and work through a decision-making process.
The 12-day intensive business course focuses on skills, tools and processes in key areas of marketing, finance management, human resource management and strategic planning.
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“We try to keep the program focused on current conditions.”
Participants will also attend the one-day Thinking About Strategies speaking series. One keynote speaker, Dave Sparling of the University of Guelph, will address global agriculture and the importance of joining a supply or value chain.
“During the program, participants have the opportunity to work on case studies in groups,” said Mattson.
“Diversity … enhances the value of the program and often strengthens their strategic management decision-making. Past participants have also commented that the vast array of experiences others bring creates an informal sounding board that makes it easy to ask questions and seek solutions.”
The CAPA program will be held in three parts at Olds College over 12 days: Nov. 17-20, Dec. 8-11, and Jan. 12-15. Cost is $1,400 for the first participant and $300 for each additional participant from the same farm. Travel and accommodation are not included.
For more information about CAPA, the scholarship program, or to receive a registration package, contact Morley Kjargaard at 403-556-4316.
