Network Challenge
A year-long peer-to-peer learning journey helping farmers build confidence, connections, and practical skills to improve soil health.
Dedicated to Doug Robinson — and to the farmers who came before.
Joining Forces for Ontario’s Next Chapter
The IFAO’s legacy continues through the Ontario Soil Network — farmer-led innovation, practical change.
Carrying forward a farmer-led tradition of innovation—built in fields, refined together, and shared openly across Ontario.
A legacy of curiosity and stewardship, proving that progress grows best when it’s rooted in collaboration.
The Next Chapter in Innovation
A story of roots, resilience, and renewal — celebrating the farmers who led, and the network carrying their work forward.
How We Got Here
For decades, the Innovative Farmers of Ontario proved that good ideas grow faster when they’re shared. From early no-till demonstrations in Huron County to province-wide field days, they built a movement of curiosity and collaboration that changed the way Ontario farms. Today, that same spirit lives on — not as an ending, but as a handoff.
“The early years were about proving it could be done — farmer to farmer, field to field.”
— IFAO 25-Year History
“We reversed the role between farmers and researchers. We did our thing — and the research community responded.”
— Don Lobb
What Continues — and What Evolves
The same farmer-led DNA, growing into a broader, year-round network. Here’s how the past flows into what OSN is building now.
“The ball should be carried by the willing. If that’s the group moving forward, they deserve all the support we can give them.”
— Don Lobb
A Network Built Around Curiosity and Collaboration
Every part of the Ontario Soil Network is built around one idea: learning together makes us stronger. Through programs, partnerships, and practical experience, we help turn good ideas into better soil, healthier farms, and a more connected agricultural community.
Questions We Can Answer
Is the IFAO ending?
The spirit continues through OSN — the same community of curiosity and leadership, now connected through a broader, year-round network.
Why bring these communities together now?
Because everything’s better together. The challenges ahead — from soil biology to climate resilience — need a connected community that shares and learns faster than ever.
What is the OSN?
The Ontario Soil Network (OSN) is a farmer-led organization focused on practical, peer-to-peer learning — grounded in real-world, farmer-to-farmer exchange
Who makes up the OSN?
The OSN is made up of more than 150 members from across Ontario – including farmers, agronomists, and soil health enthusiasts who share a commitment to soil health and supporting each other.
Our members represent a wide range of production systems – from cash crop to livestock to horticulture and more – reflecting the diversity of Ontario agriculture. Together, they form a practical, farmer-first community built on sharing what works in the field and helping each other grow.
The OSN is operated by an advisory board as well as 4 staff. To learn more about the team, see https://ontariosoil.net/about-us/
What made IFAO different, and how will OSN carry that forward?
IFAO was built on trust: farmers sharing what worked and what didn’t. OSN carries that same model — growing the circle and making room for the next generation.