OSN Network Challenge
Build your skills.
Grow your network.
Support your soil.
Application window now open:
Sept 8 – Dec 1, 2025
Cohort runs: Jan–Mar 2026
(6-week core + year-round community)
What is the Network Challenge?
A one-year program that helps producers, agronomists, and soil health enthusiasts, build practical skills, connect with other producers, and take real steps on their soil health journey. You’ll also get support to carry out a project of your choosing that makes a real difference.
6-week winter course: 5 online sessions + 1 in-person day
Farmer-to-farmer learning: practical, field-tested ideas
Peer pods: small groups for real problem-solving (evenings)
Year-round community: tours, workshops, and mentorship
Why Join?
The Network Challenge is about learning from people who’ve been there. You’ll meet other producers, agronomists, and soil health enthusiasts who are facing the same challenges, share what’s worked for them, and pick up ideas you can actually use on your own farm. It’s a space for honest conversations, practical advice, and the kind of encouragement that makes it easier to try something new.
“It’s who you meet. Chances are they’ve already solved the problem you’re trying to figure out.”
— Greg Traynor, Otonabee–South Monaghan, ON
“We share mistakes as much as successes — that’s how people learn.”
— Dave Gowan, Bruce County, ON
Collaborative Impact:
Forge partnerships that multiply the benefits for everyone involved.
Community Resilience:
Strengthen strategies to ensure the success of your farm and community, especially in the face of challenges.
Knowledge Sharing:
Share practical wisdom, and learn actionable techniques for improving soil health.
Collective Responsibility:
Take part in a shared commitment to sustaining soil health for future generations
From Essex to Ottawa: The Reach of Our Farmer Network
Our Impact
Program at a Glance
- Orientation — Jan 27, 2026
- Session 1: Let’s Talk Soil Health — Feb 3 (10–12)
- Session 2: In-Person Event + Building Your Resources — Feb 10–13 window (Central ON, exact date TBD)
- Session 3: How to Tell a Story — Feb 17
- Session 4: How to Keep Learning / How to Handle Pushback — Feb 24
- Session 5: Pitch Event — Mar 3 (10–12)
Time commitment: ~2 hrs/week in February + one in-person day
Evening pods: optional small-group meetups
Who Should Apply?
Ontario producers, agronomists, and soil health enthusiasts interested in building healthier soils, stronger farms, and a supportive peer network. Row crop, livestock, horticulture—if you farm in Ontario and care about soil, you belong here.
How to Apply
- Click Apply Now below.
- Share a bit about your operation and interest in soil health.
- Selection committee meets mid-December; all applicants hear back before the holidays.
- Welcome package (video + syllabus + OSN t-shirt) arrives after acceptance.
Applications open Sept 8 – Dec 1, 2025
Everything You Need to Know About the Network Challenge
What is the OSN Network Challenge?
The OSN Network Challenge is a year-long program that helps Ontario farmers build the skills, connections, and confidence to improve soil health on their farms.
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/
Why soil?
Soil isn’t renewable on a human timescale. It can rebuild, but not fast enough to replace what’s lost to erosion each year.
Soil erosion, compaction, salinity, and low fertility are all challenges facing farmers when managing their soils. Soil degradation can lead to the loss of invaluable topsoil, nutrients, and ultimately reduced productivity. Degraded soils are also more susceptible to extreme weather extremes like drought, resulting in even more challenges for producers.
Through best management practices, producers can maintain and improve the soil health on their operations, improving productivity and profitability. The OSN brings together farmers, agronomists, and partners to discuss and collaborate on the steps to building soil health. Through peer connections and shared experience, members drive their own learning, explore new ideas, and strengthen the long-term resilience of Ontario’s farmland.
Source: OMAFA Soil Management BMP Guide (2008), Publication #: BMP06E https://bmpbooks.com/publications/soil-management/
Who can participate?
Any Ontario farmer /agronomists/soil health enthusiast with an interest in being a part of a network to support you on your soil health journey. Whether you are new to these practices or looking to expand your knowledge, this program is designed to benefit you.
What will I learn?
The Network Challenge blends practical learning with peer connection. Over six weeks , participants explore key topics designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and strengthen on-farm decision-making.
You’ll learn about:
Soil Health: Begin the conversation around soil health by engaging in an interactive discussion with others passionate about soil including OSN alumni and agronomists. A chance to share your learnings, ask questions and ideate around the topic of soil and soil health.
Building Resources & Networks: How to find and use the right tools, connections, and learning opportunities to support your goals.
Storytelling & Communication: How to share your story, engage effectively on social media, and recognize credible information in a noisy media landscape.
Continuous Learning & Mentorship: How to facilitate learning, give and receive feedback, and navigate conflict constructively.
Project Pitches : Present your own soil health related project and get feedback from OSN alumni, staff, and peers.
Each year’s cohort adds its own flavour, topics evolve based on participant interests and guest speakers, but the common thread is practical, peer-to-peer learning and a supportive network that helps you take the next step in your soil health journey with confidence.
What are the commitments?
The Network Challenge runs from late January to early March and includes one orientation meeting and five main sessions including four online and one in-person gathering in Central Ontario. Weekly sessions (virtual) are two hours in length scheduled on Tuesday mornings from 10am –12pm EST. The in-person event is a one-day time commitment. You can expect to spend about two hours a week taking part in sessions and connecting with your peers.
Outside of your commitment to attend/participant in the virtual sessions, we also ask that you develop and action a Network Challenge project of your choosing. The project is self-determined, must be related to soil health and can be actioned in a one-year period. There are lots of options, iIt could be testing an idea on your farm, hosting a field day, sharing your story on the OSN podcast, or simply committing to a change you’ve been meaning to make. The OSN team will support you throughout the process, from ideation to action.
The Network Challenge is free to join. There’s no cost to participate in sessions, access resources, or work with the OSN team.
The only commitment is to show up, share openly, and stay curious. The more you give to the network, the more you’ll get out of it.
What if I need to miss a session?
Life happens; we get it. If you can’t make a session, you won’t fall behind. The virtual sessions are recorded and can be accessed after each session. The recordings and peer pods help you to stay connected.
The program is designed to fit into a busy season, so while you’ll get the most out of the Network Challenge by showing up live, staying connected in between sessions is what really keeps the learning going.
When and where is the in-person meeting?
The in-person session takes place in early-February. It’s held in Central Ontario to make travel easier for participants from across the province.
This session is one of the highlights of the program — a chance to meet fellow participants, alumni, and speakers face-to-face, share ideas, and build connections that last well beyond the Challenge.
Exact dates and location details are confirmed and shared on a yearly basis – if you have questions or concerns about the in-person event please reach out to Paige Allen (paige@ontariosoil.net) each year once the new cohort is selected.
What is a Network Challenge Project?
Your Network Challenge project is a way to take your curiosities and action them. t is a project of your choosing related to soil health. Outside of two parameters; that it is related to soil health and can be completed in a year, the rest is up to you! Some examples include:
- Hosting an event (field day, shop talk etc.)
- Speaking at conferences
- Doing on-farm research
- Sharing your learning on social media
- Creating your own community or network
- Podcasting
- Creating Videos or media materials
There’s no single “right” format, the goal is to take a step that matters to you and share it with others.
The OSN team will work with you throughout the program to find an idea that fits your goals, schedule, and comfort level, and help you brainstorm what that will look like. You’ll share your idea during the final Pitch Event, where alumni and peers offer encouragement, feedback, and support to help you take action.
How much does it cost?
The Network Challenge is free to join. There’s no cost to participate in sessions, access resources, or work with the OSN team.
The only expense is travel for the in-person session in Central Ontario. All other components of the program take place online, making it easy to participate from anywhere in the province. One night’s accommodation will be covered by the OSN for those who must travel a long distance.
Your biggest investment is your time – showing up, engaging with others, and putting your ideas into action.
Do I need to be a member to participate?
No, you don’t need to be an OSN member to apply for or participate in the Network Challenge. By participating in the Network Challenge, you become a member of the Ontario Soil Network.
The level of commitment and engagement you have with the Ontario Soil Network after the Network Challenge ends is up to you! Many people first get involved with OSN through the Network Challenge – it’s often their entry point into the network. Everyone who completes the program becomes part of our alumni community and stays connected through ongoing events and conversations. The program is open to anyone in Ontario who’s curious about soil health, community learning, and improving their farm practices.
Who funds the OSN?
The Ontario Soil Network is supported through a mix of grants, partnerships, and sponsorships from organizations that share our commitment to farmer-led learning and soil health.
Funding has come from agricultural programs, research institutions, and industry partners. For example, OMAFA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness), Soils At Guelph, and Foodbridge, as well as private sponsors like PepsiCo.
This blend of support allows OSN to stay independent and farmer-driven, while continuing to offer free, accessible programming across Ontario.
Is OSN part of the government?
No, the Ontario Soil Network is an independent, farmer-led organization.
While OSN sometimes receives funding from government programs or collaborates with provincial and federal partners, it operates independently. Our direction, priorities, and programming are shaped by the farmers and partners who make up the network, not by any government department.
How can I stay involved after completing the Challenge?
Finishing the Network Challenge is just the start. Once you’ve completed the program, you become part of the OSN alumni network, a growing community of farmers, agronomists, and soil enthusiasts who keep learning and sharing together.
Alumni often stay connected through on-farm events, workshops, field days, and casual conversations across the network. Some choose to share their experiences with new participants or contribute to future projects and stories, while others simply stay in touch to exchange ideas and updates throughout the year.
There’s no formal commitment, just an open invitation to stay part of the conversation and help keep the network strong.
What other opportunities does OSN offer?
The Ontario Soil Network offers several ways to stay involved beyond the Network Challenge. Alumni can connect through regional field days, workshops, and community events that continue the conversations started during the program.
OSN also supports on-farm innovation through the FIRE Program (Farmer Innovation and Research Ecosystem), which helps farmers turn ideas into real-world trials and share what they learn with others.
There are also opportunities to contribute to OSN’s storytelling — from podcast appearances and video features to collaborative knowledge-sharing projects that highlight farmer experiences and insights.
Whether you’re experimenting on your farm, sharing lessons learned, or simply staying connected, there’s always a next step to take within the Network
What do participants get out of the Network Challenge?
Most participants describe the Network Challenge as a spark, a space that re-energizes their curiosity and reminds them they’re not learning alone.
You’ll connect with farmers and agronomists from across Ontario who are asking the same questions you are, share what’s worked, what hasn’t), and pick up new ideas to try on your own farm. Many participants say the biggest takeaway isn’t a single piece of knowledge, but the motivation that comes from being part of a group that keeps experimenting, talking, and moving forward together.
As one participant put it:
“You realize how much you can learn from just talking to other farmers. Everyone’s trying things, and you pick up pieces that work for you.”
– 2024 Network Challenge Participant
Over time, those connections compound. What starts as a conversation in a session often turns into a new idea, a collaboration, or the confidence to keep trying something different the next season.
The Value of Participating in the OSN Network Challenge
Join a growing community of farmers who have adopted sustainable practices and witnessed tangible benefits in their soil health, crop yield, and community relationships. Hear from past participants about their experiences.