In The U.S. Midwest, A Farmland Bubble May Be Growing

Sales of everything from compact tractors to combines have jumped at Jim Lichtenberg’s Nebraska store this year as farmers try to make the most of a boom in corn and soybean prices. “Yields were good this year and crop prices are real good right now, so guys have been spending some money,” said Lichtenberg, who

Reforms Can Unlock Potential Of Eurasia Farms

Russia and Ukraine, where drought-hit harvests this year sent world grain prices soaring, could massively boost output with the right reforms, according to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). One key to development is land ownership classification, for example, allowing farmers to use land as collateral, or a system of crop receipts, as


Ancient Seeds In Mexico Fight Warming Effects

More than 500 years after Spanish priests brought wheat seeds to Mexico to make wafers for the Catholic Mass, those seeds may bring a new kind of salvation to farmers hit by global warming. Scientists working in the farming hills outside Mexico City found the ancient wheat varieties have particular drought-and heat-resistant traits, such as

World Bank Urges Transparency In Foreign Farmland Deals – for Sep. 16, 2010

The World Bank is urging greater transparency in land investment transactions to protect local land owners as the volume of foreign farmland investment in poor countries swells. Foreigners investing in agricultural land in developing countries should be open in their transactions and recognize the rights of existing owners to avoid weak governance, the World Bank


Dollar Seen Softer In Coming Months – for Sep. 9, 2010

The Canadian dollar rallied sharply on Sept. 1 in response to a renewed appetite for risk in the global financial markets. But a generally softer tone is more likely over the next several months given the general economic uncertainty still pervading the globe, according to a currency analyst. Matthew Strauss, senior currency strategist with RBC

The Jacksons – for Sep. 2, 2010

Jennifer Jackson and Kendra Toews grabbed a couple of towels from the top of the pile on the blanket that was spread out on the sand, but didn’t bother to use them before they settled their still-dripping bodies into their beach chairs. Jennifer took the chair next to the lounger on which her mother, Rose,





BMO Offers Flood Relief Program – for Aug. 5, 2010

The Bank of Montreal is giving flooded farm clients a break on loan payments. BMO says it will defer principal payments over the next 16 months for farmers and other agribusiness borrowers directly affected by extensive flooding across the Prairies this year. The bank will also waive fees to renew loans and make new loan

Creeping Jenny For The Container

You have a dilemma: you have not filled all of your patio pots and hanging baskets but your gardening/ plant budget is shot! This is a common conundrum faced by many gardeners as we near the end of the planting season. Where did all my plant money go and what can I do to avoid