About the Ontario Soil Network

Rooted in Practice. Driven by People.

The Ontario Soil Network (OSN) is a farmer-led organization focused on practical, peer-to-peer knowledge exchange. We foster actionable solutions, grounded in real-world experiences, to improve soil health, enhance on-farm practices, and amplify what works through farmer-to-farmer learning.

What Guides Our Work

We strengthen connections between farmers, researchers, government staff, and others working directly with producers—positioning them as allies in Ontario’s soil health movement. By applying research in social behavior and learning, our team has successfully mobilized best management practices and built farmer capacity for on-the-ground improvements.

We believe that the best knowledge lives in the field. 

We believe farmers drive change—not just adopt it.

We believe real change happens through trust, not pressure.

We believe sharing insights from successes and setbacks moves us all forward faster.

Peer-Led. Relationship-Focused. Built to Last.

OSN doesn’t operate like a top-down program. We are designed around the idea that farmers learn best from one another—through conversation, practical experimentation, and storytelling.

OSN is:

Peer-to-peer by design

Built for reflection, not perfection 

Grounded in collaboration, not just consultation 

Farmer-led media, not marketing 

Supported by partners who put farmers first 

Learn How We Work

What We Stand For

OSN takes a farmer-first approach to improving soil health by leveraging trusted peer networks, promoting collaborative innovation, and empowering farmers to make impactful changes. 

Sustainability & Resilience:

Promoting environmentally and economically responsible practices to support future generations and global food security.

Practical Knowledge Sharing

Centering farmer experience and applicable research to create actionable insights.

Collaborative Impact

Connecting farmers, researchers, and industry for tangible progress.

Collective Responsibility

Building shared ownership and accountability into every project.

Integrity & Home-Grown Inclusion:

We operate with transparency, fairness, and respect—building a welcoming space where everyone feels valued and heard.

The People Behind the Network

OSN is powered by a small team of organizers, mentors, and past participants who care deeply about soil health, communication, and community.

Our Staff

  • Tori Waugh

    Executive Director
  • Paige Allen

    Program Coordinator
  • Lorraine Vandermyden

    Research and Demonstration Coordinator
  • Ian Virtue

    Marketing and Communicaitons Coordinator

The Board of Directors

  • Woody Van Arkel

    Chair
  • David Gowan

    Vice Chair
  • Paul Smith

    Treasurer
  • Ralph Martin

    Director
  • Warren Schneckenburger

    Director
  • Lyndsay Smith

    Director

Ready to Take the Next Step?

The Ontario Soil Network helps farmers build stronger, more resilient operations through practical solutions and peer-driven support. Explore how our programs, partnerships, and on-farm stories are creating real value across Ontario.