For ten years or better I've belonged to an email group of about a dozen producers from across North America. We all met one another on agriculture.com a US discussion group similar to this one. The range of discussions is pretty broad from politics to sports to planting rates. Its actually a little easier to be open with folks who are not your next door neighbour and its interesting to learn about differences farming in very different environments. Most of our group grow corn and soybeans but we do also have some growing carrots, rice and lentils. We often refer to one another as each others board of directors. Finding the right mix of people is important so that discussions don't become arguments but I am a real fan of this kind of communication.
I have an informal group of farming friends and we talk regularly about the business, marketing, employees, new business opportunities....it is nice to share ideas and knowledge...I think it makes us all better.