In Country-Wide December columnist John Horrocks is full of praise for sheep nuts which he used to help negate the ravages of Salmonella Brandenburg. Another columnist Paul Burt has had holes shot in his hubris by farm statistics. It has made him reflect on the huge range in production and profit on drystock farms in New Zealand. Also in this issue we start our series, How farmers learn. How they gather information and use it to improve their businesses. This issue covers the importance of farm discussion groups, self-benchmarking and farmer case studies. Our annual dog food guide is back and a vet clinic has had good success with freezing semen and using it for artificial insemination in dogs. Northern Manawatu sheep and beef farmers Phil and Pam McKinnon achieve high utilisation rates from their pastures. The McKinnons need to because they farm in a tough environment with a short growing season. Geneticist Tim Byrne explains how sheep farmers can cash in with the use terminal sires. In the plant and machinery section a British farmer has trialled three drills including a Cross Slot, to determine which is the best for his farm.  These and many more stories in the December issue of Country-Wide. Terry BrosnahanEditorCountry-Wide Get into it now… To view the virtual issue: If you are a subscriber and are not logged in – click the blue “Log In” button below then you will have access to the remainder of this article. If you are subscriber and are already logged in simply click the blue text saying “Click here to view virtual magazine”  If you are not a subscriber