diff --git a/app/main.py b/app/main.py
index 3c288e9..d1435af 100644
--- a/app/main.py
+++ b/app/main.py
@@ -1970,6 +1970,29 @@ async def list_models(request: Request):
                 if kb_entry not in model["info"]["meta"]["knowledge"]:
                     model["info"]["meta"]["knowledge"].append(kb_entry)
 
+                # Steering: with knowledge attached, the model gets a
+                # query_knowledge_files tool and tends to call it on every
+                # prompt — including questions unrelated to the co-op — which
+                # adds an embedding call + vector search (latency) before
+                # answering. params.system is merged ahead of any system
+                # content by Open WebUI's middleware, so a short instruction
+                # here keeps the tool for co-op questions without suppressing
+                # it entirely.
+                model.setdefault("params", {})
+                steering = (
+                    "The attached knowledge contains the Inference Cooperative's "
+                    "own documentation (membership, models, API, governance). "
+                    "Query it only when the user's question actually concerns "
+                    "the co-op, its services, or its governance — for general "
+                    "questions, just answer directly."
+                )
+                existing = model["params"].get("system")
+                if existing:
+                    if "Inference Cooperative's" not in existing:
+                        model["params"]["system"] = existing + "\n\n" + steering
+                else:
+                    model["params"]["system"] = steering
+
         return JSONResponse(content=payload)