It is informal. Time commitments should be minimal. Time and locations should be developed to best suit the members. Planning may be for the season or one meeting at a time. Try to keep formalities to a minimum.
Networks work best if people are located close geographically and have similar interests.
This will make planning easier. Larger groups may start and then break into subgroups that will carry on. Dairy producers often have specific nutrition questions that do not apply to beef and sheep producers Pasture networks can be very rewarding for all involved. They are a mix of learning and of socializing. The challenge is to strike the right balance for the members and to have the frequency of meetings meet the members needs.