University of York and Askham Bryan College: Sustainable Farming Courses

This one-day, face-to-face course provides a practical introduction to the role of microbiology in improving farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability. It explores how microbiological processes influence soil health, crop performance, livestock wellbeing, and overall farm efficiency.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of how better management of farm microbiology can support more informed decision-making, reduce risks, and enhance economic performance. The course contributes to continuing professional development by building applied knowledge, analytical skills, and awareness of risk, regulation, and emerging practice within land-based industries.

• Explain the role of microbiology across farm systems (soil, livestock, water, infrastructure) 
• Interpret key microbiology terminology and concepts relevant to farming 
• Evaluate the economic impact of microbiology on productivity and profitability 
• Assess soil health, crop performance, and pathogen risks 
• Understand microbiology’s role in livestock health, gut function, and welfare 
• Identify opportunities to reduce reliance on prophylactic antibiotics 
• Recognise equipment and system requirements to support microbiological management 
• Identify biological, operational, and health & safety risks and mitigation strategies

Face-to-face (F2F), including:
● Tutor-led teaching
● Case study discussion
● Applied, practice-based learning

Course Structure & Timed Agenda

09:30 – 10:00 | Introduction & Context (0.5 CPD hours)

• Course aims and learning outcomes
• Why microbiology matters: asset management, hygiene, productivity, profitability 

10:00 – 10:45 | Foundations of Farm Microbiology (0.75 CPD hours)

• Terminology demystified
• Where microbiology impacts the farm system

10:45 – 11:15 | Case Studies & Practical Insights (0.5 CPD hours)

• Positive and negative examples
• Understanding underlying microbiological processes 

11:15 – 11:30 | Break

11:30 – 12:15 | Decision-Making & Advisory Skills (0.75 CPD hours)

• Key questions farmers should ask
• Knowledge required for agents and advisors
• Applying microbiology to farm decision-making

12:15 – 13:00 | Economics of Microbiology (0.75 CPD hours)

• Moving from yield-focused to margin-focused thinking
• Financial implications of microbiology management

13:00 – 13:45 | Lunch

13:45 – 14:15 | Systems & Equipment (0.5 CPD hours)

• Equipment and flow systems
• Key learning recap
• Q&A and discussion
• Application to professional practice
• Integration into existing farm operations 

14:15 – 15:00 | Soil, Crops & Water (0.75 CPD hours)

• Soil health and microbiology
• Crop production, yield, and pathogen control
• Soil–water interactions

15:00 – 15:45 | Livestock & Microbiology (0.75 CPD hours)

• Transition from prophylactic antibiotics to microbiological approaches
• Gut health, probiotics, bedding, and productivity
• Animal welfare and performance links 

15:45 – 16:00 | Break

16:00 – 16:30 | Risk Management & Compliance (0.5 CPD hours)

• Biological risks
• Machinery and operational risks
• Health & safety and regulatory signposting 

16:30 – 17:00 | Consolidation & Reflection (0.5 CPD hours)

This one-day, face-to-face course explores whether anaerobic digestion (AD) is a practical and commercially viable option for farm businesses. It provides a clear, accessible overview of AD systems, including feedstocks, microbiology, economics, and operational requirements.

Participants will gain the knowledge needed to assess costs, benefits, risks, and opportunities, enabling informed decision-making about adopting AD as a potential additional revenue stream. The course contributes to continuing professional development by enhancing knowledge, critical thinking, and applied skills relevant to sustainable land-based systems.

• Evaluate the commercial viability of AD within a farm business
• Interpret key AD terminology, reports, and system data
• Assess feedstock suitability and its impact on system performance
• Understand the role of microbiology in digester efficiency and stability
• Analyse economic performance, including energy generation and resource use
• Identify infrastructure and equipment requirements for AD systems
• Recognise operational risks, emissions, and mitigation strategies
• Apply knowledge to make informed, evidence-based decisions on AD adoption

Face-to-face (F2F), including:
● Tutor-led teaching
● Case study discussion
● Applied, practice-based learning

Course Structure & Timed Agenda

09:30 – 10:00 | Introduction & Context (0.5 CPD hrs)

• Course aims and learning outcomes
• Why AD? Asset management, diversification, resource efficiency

10:00 – 10:45 | AD Fundamentals (0.75 CPD hrs)

• Terminology demystified: key language, metrics, and reporting
• Overview of AD systems and farm integration

10:45 – 11:15 | Case Studies & System Performance (0.5 CPD hrs)

• “Slurry not bio crop” – practical realities
• Positive and negative examples
• Underlying microbiological drivers of success/failure

11:15 – 11:30 | Break

11:30 – 12:15 | Decision-Making & Feasibility (0.75 CPD hrs)

• Key questions for farmers and advisors
• Assessing technical, economic, and operational suitability

12:15 – 13:00 | AD Economics (0.75 CPD hrs)

• Electricity generation, storage, and usage
• Heat utilisation and efficiency
• Managing inputs and outputs for profitability

13:00 – 13:45 | Lunch

13:45 – 14:15 | Systems & Infrastructure (0.5 CPD hrs)

• Equipment requirements and system design
• Flow systems and integration into farm operations

14:15 – 15:00 | Microbiology & Feedstocks (0.75 CPD hrs)

• Microbiology within the digester
• Feed rates, slurry types, and microbial interactions
• Feedstocks: suitability, limitations, and co-digestion options

15:00 – 15:45 | Outputs, Innovation & Environmental Impact (0.75 CPD hrs)

• Digestate use and water management links
• Emerging AD technologies

• Operational pitfalls, emissions, and carbon considerations

15:45 – 16:00 | Break

16:00 – 16:30 | Risk Management & Compliance (0.5 CPD hrs)

• Biological and machinery risks
• Health & safety requirements
• Regulatory awareness and best practice

16:30 – 17:00 | Consolidation & Reflection (0.5 CPD hrs)

• Key learning recap
• Q&A and discussion
• Application to participant contexts

Assessment & CPD Evidence

• Informal knowledge checks through discussion and Q&A
• Reflective learning (participants identify potential application on their farm or advisory role)
• Certificate of attendance issued (7 CPD hours)