News

By Katherine Doyle

Planning for your future is always a daunting task, but Plant Science Diploma student Riley Kilfoil appears to have it all figured out.

In his final semester of the program, Riley made the decision to apply to the Faculty’s newest program, the Bachelor of Technology in Small Business Management.

“I was speaking with my professor after class one day and they mentioned that Dal was coming out with this new program. I knew it’s what I wanted to take,” he explained.  

The Bachelor of Technology in Small Business Management is a two year, post-diploma program that complements technical training and expertise with business skills and knowledge. This powerful combination opens new opportunities for students in business ownership and management. The program is designed for graduates of virtually any non-business, two or three year diploma program who are seeking to take the next steps in their career.

Although he didn’t grow up on a farm, that didn’t stop Riley from getting involved with agriculture at a young age.

“My two uncles are potato farmers and I was always visiting with them in the field and riding with them in the tractor, from a very young age I started helping them do small jobs on the farm. I've always loved the idea of farming and using hard work, love of the land and raising animals to put food on the table for other people.”

Riley is also a member of the AC Woodsmen team.

“My single was Super Swede Double, this year I was captain of the B team and competed in the first competition of the year but cut my leg part way through the competition and had to get stitches. I continued to go to practice and help teach the B team although I couldn't compete in the second completion as my leg wasn't quite fully healed.

That injury didn’t prevent Riley from recently being named one of the Dal AC All Academic Athletes for the 2015-2016 year.

"I became an all-academic athlete by enjoying my classes, I find it easy to learn and remember the subject matter because it's so interesting to me. I had no idea I was going to get the award and was quite surprised.”

Riley plans to utilize his plant science diploma and the business degree he will earn from Small Business Management to start up his own mixed farm.

“I’ll be starting from scratch so I will be putting my knowledge to use. My diploma will give me the science background I need for farm animal nutrition and care. The degree will teach me how to manage my own business. Plus I’ll be able to get my degree in two years, rather than having to do another four years of schooling.”

Riley is passionate about building a farm on his own and producing quality meat grown from feed grown on farm and raised in a sustainable and safe way.

“I want to provide people with food that allows them to see how it's produced, why they are raised, fed and treated medically the way they are and to be able to confidently eat their food without any doubts.”

Dalhousie University is now accepting applications for Fall 2016. For further information or contact Dr. Steven Russell