Skills Development Programme 2025: Soil Biology and Functionality

The second Skills Development Programme (Scotland) training session of 2025.

This training session will be hosted at Ramstane Farm by Colin and Jill Russell, providing attendees with: a comprehensive understanding of soil biology and its critical role in livestock farming, and how soil biology enhances productivity, sustainability, as well as animal and human health.

The training session will consist of:

• Main presentaton and group discussion led by Colin

This presentation and discussion will cover: Understanding the Soil Foodweb, the role of soil biology in nutrient cycling, how to assess soil biology and soil health qualitatively, how to enhance soil biology through management practices, definitions of soil health amendments and where they are applicable, and how to address soil health challenges holistically.

• Lunch and Refreshments

Included in the ticket price, lunch will be provided by Ramstane farm, with tea and coffee available throughout the day

• An afternoon farm tour and talk led by Colin and Jill

This will consist of further observation and discussion, building on learnings presented by Colin from the morning session while also providing attendees with the oportunity to learn the principles and practices put in place by Colin and Jill, while managing their pastured layer and broiler enterprise as Ramstane Farm.

A £20 discount is available to Pasture to Life members booking a place on this training session, reducing the cost of this session from £80 to £60. This will be refunded upon conformation of a Pasture for Life membership after booking a place at full price.

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Financial assistance may available to cover the cost of this training session. If you live in Scotland go to SkillsHub.scot to browse training funds.

Trainer Info

Jill and Colin own Ramstane Farm, a 16 acre small holding in Ayrshire where they produce 100% pasture raised eggs and poultry as well as 100% grass fed beef and lamb. They are advocates for the integration of trees in farming systems and have implemented a silvopasture orchard which has a broad range of trees, shrubs and plants. Colin has trained with the Soil Food Web school and is now a certified Lab-Tech where he aims to understand soil microbes and how they function.

"Our aim is to produce a thriving eco system that regenerates the land and provides us and others with a sustainable food source, whilst also allowing us to teach others and connect with nature."