Livestock Management
Every Head of Cattle. Every Day.
The Livestock Management program at YSA is built for students who want to understand the cattle industry from the ground up — nutrition, herd health, pasture management, and the business of running a ranching operation.
Program Overview
The science of animal husbandry meets the daily reality of the herd.
Livestock production — cattle, in particular — is the defining industry of southeastern Alberta. Yet the skills required to manage a modern herd are sophisticated: animal nutrition science, reproductive management, pasture systems, health protocols, and business acumen all come into play every day on a working ranch.
At YSA, Livestock Management students work directly with cattle and other livestock species on our 76-acre campus. From daily feeding and health monitoring to processing and herd records, students build the practical competency that ranching employers demand.
Graduates of this program are positioned for careers in ranch management, feedlot operations, livestock services, and agricultural lending — or for post-secondary programs in animal science, agriculture business, or veterinary technology.
What You’ll Learn
The full toolkit of a modern livestock operator.
Course Pathway
A three-year progression from foundation to mastery.
Year 1 · Grade 10
Foundation
- Introduction to Agriculture I
- Animal Science I
- Livestock Handling & Safety
- Ag Safety & Effective Communications I
- Ranch Operations Elective I
Year 2 · Grade 11
Specialization
- Livestock Management II (Nutrition & Herd Health)
- Reproductive Management
- Pasture & Rangeland Management
- SAE Project Development — Livestock Enterprise
- Agricultural Business Fundamentals
Year 3 · Grade 12
Mastery
- Advanced Livestock Management (Feedlot & Ranch Systems)
- Livestock Enterprise Management Capstone
- Herd Records & Performance Analysis
- SAE Project Completion & Presentation
- Post-Secondary Transition & Industry Placement
Certifications & Credentials
Graduates leave with industry credentials that travel.
01
Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification
02
Low-Stress Livestock Handling Certification (Bud Williams / Stockmanship methods)
03
Alberta Farm Safety Certificate
04
Livestock Emergency Response Training (introductory level)
05
Pesticide Applicator Certificate (if pursuing pasture management track)
Career Pathways
Where this program leads.
Ranch Manager
Oversee all operations on a cattle ranch, from herd health to financial management.
Feedlot Supervisor
Manage cattle in commercial feeding operations.
Livestock Specialist / Consultant
Provide herd health and nutrition consulting to producers.
Agricultural Lender (Livestock)
Evaluate livestock operations for farm credit institutions.
Livestock Auctioneer / Market Agent
Facilitate buying and selling of cattle through auction markets.
Feed Sales Representative
Sell livestock nutrition products and supplements.
Herd Manager for Large-Scale Operations
Oversee staffing, animal care, and logistics for commercial beef producers.
Veterinary Technician (with post-secondary)
Provide clinical support in large-animal veterinary practice.
Industry Connections
Built with the ranchers you’ll be working alongside.
Livestock Management at YSA is shaped by working ranchers, livestock producers, and large-animal professionals from across southeastern Alberta — mentors who help design the curriculum and open doors to placements.
Become an Industry Partner- YSA Advisory Council ranchers and livestock producers — mentorship and site visits
- Hargrave Ranching — formal letter of support and partnership
- Local auction markets — field trips and work placement opportunities
- Feedlot operations in the Medicine Hat area — site visits and guest speakers
- Lethbridge College and Olds College animal science programs — dual-credit pathway exploration
SAE Opportunities
Real projects. Real outcomes.
Every YSA student designs and runs a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project. Here are five starting points for Livestock Management students:
Apply Now
Ready to build a career in Livestock Management?
Applications for Fall 2027 are open. Get in touch — or jump straight in.