The interplays between singularity and genericity of agroecological knowledge in a network of livestock farmers

•Interplays between generic knowledge and singular agroecological practices are more complex than abstraction processes.•The narratives of experiences can play different roles, such as surprising, exploring and legitimizing.•Extension agents' work is crucial to building the meaning of individual experiences.•Agroecological farming combines systemic thinking and singular agreements between the farmer and the managed objects.