đïž Welcome to the Soil Network Podcast!
đŸ About Us:
The Soil Network Podcast (formerly Combines & Coffee) is where farmers, agronomists, and soil enthusiasts come together to share real-world stories, practical advice, and lessons learned from the field. Hosted by the Ontario Soil Network (OSN), we explore how different farming systemsâorganic, conventional, no-till, and moreâcan coexist and thrive through shared knowledge and community support.
đ€ Our Mission:
Weâre here to build stronger farms by fostering farmer-to-farmer learning, sparking innovation, and strengthening community ties. Through open conversations, we connect farmers with peers, experts, and fresh ideas to create resilient farms and healthier soils for the next generation.
đ What Youâll Find Here:
Field-Tested Insights: Learn whatâs working on farms across Ontario and beyond.
Innovative Farming Practices: From cover crops to regenerative methods, discover techniques that can transform your farm.
Farmer Stories: Be inspired by the real experiences of farmers committed to continuous improvement.
đ± Letâs Grow Together:
Join us for candid, honest, and practical conversations about what it takes to farm betterâone field at a time.
đ Explore More: linktr.ee/ontariosoilnetwork (https://linktr.ee/ontariosoilnetwork)
No-Till on Heavy Ground: What Actually Works at Hunco Farms | Crop Chats
Jason, Kevin, and Phil from Hunco Farms reveal their no-till planting strategies on heavy ground, discussing planter setups and residue management in this insightful episode.
7 May 2025
Generations of No-Till on the Bay | Crop Chats (Part 1)
Send us a text What happens when you mix three generations of farmers, waterfront clay soils, a serious focus on soil health, and a no-nonsense approach to no-till? You get the Kaiser family farm. In this first half of our two-part deep dive, we sit down with Eric, Max, and Rob Kaiser at their farm near Napanee, Ontarioâright on the shores of Hay Bay. From their early days of acquiring fragmented land to now running a full no-till and livestock-integrated operation, the Kaisers walk us throug...
1 May 2025
Farming the Slopes: How the Honey Family Makes No-Till Work in Norham | Crop Chats
Send us a text In this episode of Winning with No-Till, we visit Bill and Wes Honey on their multi-generational farm in Norham, Ontario. Nestled in the rolling hills near Warkworth, their operation tackles the challenges of steep slopes, irregular field shapes, and a mix of sandy loam and clay â all while staying committed to a no-till system. From Billâs early involvement in Ontarioâs conservation farming movement to Wesâs experience growing up without ever using a plow, the Honeys share how...
24 Apr 2025
Scaling No-Till Without More Equipment: Mark Burnham on Soil, Slopes & Sustainability | Crop Chats
Send us a text What does it really take to scale a no-till system without piling on equipment costs? In this episode of Crop Chats, weâre in Cobourg, Ontario with seventh-generation farmer Mark Burnham of Burnham Farms. Mark shares how his farm transitioned into full no-till over two decadesâwithout the need for flashy new iron or big tillage passes. Mark and his father have built a system that works across steep hills, sandy loam, and large field blocks. From optimizing cover crop timing to ...
16 Apr 2025
30 Years of No-Till on Heavy Clay with Nick Stokman | Crop Chats
Send us a text In this episode of Crop Chats, we visit Nick Stokmanâs farm near Strathroy, Ontario, where heâs been fine-tuning his no-till system on heavy clay soils for over 30 years. With a practical mindset and deep curiosity, Nick shares lessons learned across decades of experimentationâfrom managing residue and customizing drills for bio strip-till to making cover crops work in narrow windows. This conversation explores the real tradeoffs of no-till on challenging soils, how to prioriti...
8 Apr 2025
Making No-Till Work with Livestock & Manure: Swain Beefâs Honest Approach | Crop Chats
Send us a text In this Crop Chats episode, Ian McDonald (Crop Innovation Specialist, OMAFRA) visits Swain Beef near Blackstock, Ontario, for a candid conversation with Scott Swain about making no-till systems work on a mixed farm with livestock, manure, and highly variable soils. Scott doesnât claim to have it all figured outâbut what he offers is an honest look at whatâs worked, what hasnât, and how their team is constantly adapting. From using RTK for precision, to selectively incorporating...
3 Apr 2025
Huncoâs No-Till Setup: Real Talk on Planters, Upgrades & Strategy | Crop Chats
Send us a text Join host Ian McDonald, Crop Innovation Specialist with OMAFRA, as he kicks off the Crop Chats: Seeding Equipment Series by visiting Hunco Farms in Ontario. In this episode, we sit down with Kevin, Jason, and Phil to talk through their planter and drill setup, how they approach no-till planting, and what theyâve learned through years of refining their system. From hydraulic downforce and electric drive to residue management and planting greenâthis episode is packed with practic...
10 Dec 2024
The Soil Network: Episode 6 - Different Farms, Common Ground: Learning Through Farming in Brant County
Soil Network host Ian Virtue explores the diverse farming approaches in Brant County, Ontario, where farmers like Steve Sickle, Gordon Alblas, Doug Donkers, and Lammert Koonstra share their unique experiences and passion for inter-farm learning.
4 Jul 2024
Combines & Coffee: Episode 5 - Shawn Catherwood, Dr. Joel Gruver, and Brandon Schlautman
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Episode 5: Bridging Innovation and Sustainability in Agriculture with Shawn Catherwood, Dr. Joel Gruver, and Brandon Schlautman
Join us for an engaging episode of the Combines & Coffee podcast, recorded live from the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario conference in Kitchener, Ontario. Host Ian Virtue brings together three outstanding guests: Shawn Catherwood, a leading voice in regenerative agriculture; Dr. Joel Gruver, a soil science professor and conservation expert; and Brandon Schlautman, a pioneering scientist in perennial cropping systems.
In this episode, our guests dive deep into their unique perspectives on sustainable agriculture:
Shawn Catherwood shares his dual experience as a family grain farmer in Saskatchewan and his role with PepsiCo, focusing on developing and executing regenerative agriculture programs that align with corporate sustainability goals. Shawn emphasizes the importance of collaboration across the food supply chain to promote sustainability from field to table.
Dr. Joel Gruver discusses his mission in education, facilitating the next generation of sustainable agriculture leaders. He highlights the importance of integrating ecological and global perspectives into the agricultural curriculum and fostering learning communities that support innovation and resilience in farming practices.
Brandon Schlautman brings insights from his work at The Land Institute in Kansas, where he leads efforts in developing perennial legume systems. Brandon talks about the challenges and opportunities of introducing perennial crops into traditional row cropping systems, aiming to enhance soil health and agricultural sustainability.
The conversation covers a range of crucial topics, including:
The impact of climate change on agriculture and the innovative solutions being implemented to address these challenges.
The role of perennial crops and other regenerative practices in building resilient farming systems.
The economic viability of sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of demonstrating their benefits to farmers.
The significance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in tackling complex agricultural problems and driving systemic change.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into:
Strategies for integrating sustainable practices into conventional farming systems.
The role of education and community-building in promoting sustainable agriculture.
Practical examples of how farmers can leverage new technologies and practices to improve soil health and farm resilience.
Guest Information:
Shawn Catherwood: A family grain farmer from Saskatchewan and Canada Regina Engagement Lead for PepsiCo, focusing on regenerative agriculture programs. Connect on Twitter @CatherwoodShawn.
Dr. Joel Gruver: Professor at Western Illinois University, teaching soil science and conservation classes, with research interests in organic grain production and innovative cropping systems. Learn more about his work here (https://www.wiu.edu/cbt/agriculture/faculty_staff/gruver.php).
Brandon Schlautman: Lead scientist for the perennial legume program at The Land Institute in Kansas, working on developing perennial row cropping systems. Learn more about Brandon and the Land Institute here (https://landinstitute.org/about-us/staff/brandon-schlautman/).
Don't miss this inspiring conversation that bridges innovation and sustainability in agriculture, offering practical advice and expert insights for farmers and stakeholders committed to a sustainable future.
4 Jul 2024
The Soil Network: Episode 5 - Shawn Catherwood, Dr. Joel Gruver, and Brandon Schlautman
Soil experts Shawn Catherwood, Dr. Joel Gruver, and Brandon Schlautman join Ian Virtue to explore innovative and sustainable approaches to agriculture that bridge innovation and environmental stewardship.
3 Jun 2024
Combines & Coffee: Episode 4 - Jeff Cook, Murray McLaughlin, and Guillaume Tant
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Join us for an insightful episode of the Combines & Coffee podcast, recorded live from the Innovative Farm Association of Ontario 2024 conference in Kitchener, Ontario. Host Ian Virtue sits down with three distinguished guests: Jeff Cook, a cash crop producer from London, Ontario; Murray McLaughlin, an expert in agricultural bioeconomy; and Guillaume Tant, a French agronomist focused on plant nutrition and health and a current Nuffield Scholar.
In this episode, our guests share their perspectives on the interconnectedness of global markets and their impacts on local farming decisions. Jeff Cook discusses the influence of international trends on his crop choices and profitability. Murray McLaughlin delves into the potential of the bioeconomy and the innovative uses of biomass. Guillaume Tant provides insights into the challenges European farmers face due to the war in Ukraine and the excess grain in the market, emphasizing the need for flexibility in crop planning.
The conversation shifts to the broader implications of these trends on sustainability and resilience in agriculture. Our guests explore how Canadian farmers can position themselves to better adapt to these changing circumstances, highlighting the importance of innovation, technology, and community cooperation.
Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on:
The effects of global market dynamics on local farming economies.
Strategies for making farming systems more resilient and sustainable.
The role of biomass and bioeconomy in future agricultural practices.
The importance of building strong farmer networks to share knowledge and support innovation.
Tune in to hear real-world examples, expert insights, and practical advice that can help farmers navigate the complexities of modern agriculture.
Guest Information:
Jeff Cook: A cash crop farmer with a strong focus on technology, profitability, and sustainability, farming near London, Ontario. Contact Info (https://mapleviewfarms.ca/contact/). Connect on Twitter (https://x.com/mapleviewfarms?lang=en)
Murray McLaughlin: An agricultural bioeconomy specialist with extensive experience in facilitating the commercialization of biotech innovations.
Guillaume Tant: A French agronomist dedicated to improving plant nutrition and health, helping farmers achieve sustainability and profitability, and a current Nuffield Scholar. (https://www.nuffieldfrance.fr/portfolio/guillaume-tant/)Â Connect on Twitter (https://x.com/gtant_farm)
Don't miss this engaging discussion that connects the dots between global trends and local farming strategies.
3 Jun 2024
The Soil Network: Episode 4 - Jeff Cook, Murray McLaughlin, and Guillaume Tant
Soil experts Jeff Cook, Murray McLaughlin, and Guillaume Tant share insights on soil health and plant nutrition at the Innovative Farm Association of Ontario 2024 conference.
The Soil Network: Episode 2 - Alex Barrie, Larry Dyck, Bill Tenhove
Ian Virtue explores the soil and gears of farming with Alex Barrie, a Ministry of Agriculture soil management expert, and other industry professionals, revealing practical lessons for improving agricultural outcomes.
15 Mar 2024
Combines & Coffee: Episode 2 - Alex Barrie, Larry Dyck, Bill Tenhove
In this episode of "Coffees and Combines," Ian Virtue pulls up a chair with a trio of folks who are as deep into the soil and gears of farming as you can get. First up, we've got Alex Barrie, a fella who's part soil management guru with the Ministry of Agriculture and part hobbyist extraordinaire. Alex kicks us off with tales of tinkering and trial by fireâlessons learned not in the classroom, but out in the field and under the hood, with a side of childhood memories of building alongside his dad.
Then there's Bill Tenhove, a man who not only farms but also throws himself into the world of building and fabricating. Bill's story is all about the spark of creation and the thrill of solving puzzles that the land and machinery throw at him. He's the kind of guy who sees a problem and can't rest until he's crafted a solution from scratch, a testament to the ingenuity that pulses through the veins of those who work the land.
Larry Dyck from Niagara brings a bit of a different flavor to the mix, pouring out gratitude for the kind of security and stability that comes with farming in Ontarioâa luxury, he points out, that's not afforded to everyone in this game. Larry's reflections add a layer of depth to the conversation, nudging us to think about the bigger picture and the responsibility that comes with the privilege of tilling such fertile ground.
As the coffee cools and the episode winds down, the chatter turns towards the heartbeat of farming: community and knowledge-sharing. It's a gentle reminder of the old-school notion that we're all in this together, passing down wisdom, failures, and triumphs like heirlooms. This part of the discussion is a hat-tip to the essence of what "Coffees and Combines" is all aboutâconnecting dots, farmers, and stories in a way that's real and raw.
By the time Ian signs off, you've been taken on a journey through the fields of Ontario, side by side with folks who live and breathe the land. It's an episode that doesn't just talk farming; it feels like farmingâmud on the boots, sun on the back, and all.
18 Dec 2023
The Soil Network Episode 1 - Mark Richards
Mark Richards shares his vision for integrating autonomous technologies into sustainable farming, reshaping the agricultural landscape and offering insights on retirement planning.
18 Dec 2023
Combines & Coffee: Episode 1 - Mark Richards
Join us in this enlightening episode of 'Combines and Coffee' as we ride along with Mark Richards, a visionary in the world of sustainable farming, in the scenic fields of Dresden, Ontario.
In today's conversation, Mark shares his insights on integrating advanced technologies like autonomous vehicles into agriculture, reshaping the way we think about farming. But there's more to Mark than just innovative farming techniques. We also dive into his approach to retirement planning, reflecting his philosophy of forward-thinking and sustainability. Plus, Mark opens up about his leadership style, his role in Ontario's agricultural community, and how he's preparing for a future that balances life on the farm with his dreams of sailing.
Grab a cup of coffee and join us for a chat that's as rich in ideas as it is in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
92,783
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
36
Social presence
0
YouTube
85
Engagement
27
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