The OSN model blends communication, research, community-building, and peer engagement. We support the growth and resilience of farmer-led networks through:

• Marketing & Comms: social media, podcasting, videos, and the crop tour map

• Recruitment & Events: public engagement, partner collaboration, and welcoming new participants

• Peer Learning Programs: like the Network Challenge, with both virtual and in-person experiences

• Ongoing Support: alumni connections, resource sharing, and access to practical tools and applied knowledge

This integrated structure helps turn ideas into action—supporting local decision-making, soil health, and knowledge exchange across Ontario.

Our methodology is rooted in a mix of behavioral science, adult learning theory, and network analysis:

• Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen): Change happens when intention, social norms, and confidence align.

• Adult Learning Principles: People learn best when the content is relevant, collaborative, and experiential.

• Mental Models (Friedrichsen et al.): Farmers interpret soil management through local context and personal frameworks.

• Social Networks & Peer Diffusion (Centola): Sustainable change scales faster when peer leaders demonstrate real outcomes.

These frameworks shape how we recruit, train, and support farmers—and guide our continuous program evolution.

1. Network Development and Support

We build strong peer-driven networks through relationship development, dynamic communications, and targeted outreach.

• Marketing strategy to maintain brand voice and message clarity

• Tools like the crop tour map, podcast, video series, and social media

• Direct engagement via events, partnerships, and Network Challenge recruitment

2. Network Challenge

This annual cohort program fosters peer-to-peer exchange and real-time learning.

• 1-year program: virtual orientation, 5 peer calls, 1 in-person pitch + reunion

• Skills-based training to help participants share knowledge and inspire change

• Alumni and current participants supported to host on-farm, peer-based events

• BMP integration: cover crops, soil testing, nutrient management, etc.

3. Research and Validation

We test and improve everything we do through real-world trials and formal study.

• Support for independent and partner-led on-farm trials

• FIRE: Farmer Innovation & Research Ecosystem

• Mixed-methods evaluation of program and network effectiveness

• Collaboration with researchers to validate OSN’s impact

• Knowledge shared back to the network via reports, briefs, and events

We translate theory into program design using a feedback-based loop:

1. Design – Grounded in peer engagement and social proof

2. Deliver – Through scalable cohort-based programming like the Network Challenge

3. Evaluate – Through surveys, research partnerships, and real-world observation

4. Refine – Using evaluation insights to evolve each new cohort

Each layer reinforces the others, allowing OSN to deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes.

We don’t just assume our model works—we test it. OSN collaborates with academic partners, farmers, and peer networks to validate our approach.

• University of Guelph – Support on diffusion theory & practice adoption

• Erin Nelson Report – Validation of peer-led learning effectiveness (2025)

• Julia’s Longitudinal Study – Tracking farmer behavior over multiple cohorts

We also run on-farm trials through our new FIRE program (Farmer Innovation & Research Ecosystem), supporting farmers in generating, testing, and sharing their own data.

From a handful of chairs in a farm shop to a province-wide model—here’s how it all came together.