Topic: Wheat Farming

Mississippi River nears crest in Memphis, but concern shifts south

Mississippi River floodwaters might pose more of a threat to the Delta region south of Memphis than they do to Memphis itself. In the Delta, the flood brings back memories of 1927.

In Israel, even cows keep kosher for Passover

In Israel the Passover restrictions that rule out leavened bread and wheat apply to livestock as well so that their milk can be considered kosher for Passover.

Can economy's 2010 growth spurt last? Five clues.

The US economy grew at a relatively healthy 3.2 percent annual rate in the final quarter of 2010, the Commerce Department reported Friday. That is an improvement from a 2.6 percent rate in the third quarter.

But to many Americans, it's hard to tell if anything is really better. Buried in the new report are clues to why that is – and what might happen to the economy in the year ahead. Here are five things that the government’s preliminary report on gross domestic product reveals about the health of the economy.

Afghanistan poppy production could skyrocket due to spike in prices, drought

Afghanistan poppy farmers see 'cash bonanza' due to price spike, says United Nations, forewarning of increased planting of the opium-producing crop that pads insurgents' wallets.

Russia grain export ban benefits US farmers, sparks talk on climate change

The International Grains Council cut its projected world grain output Thursday. Drought in eastern Europe has sparked a Russia grain export ban.

Russian drought: When wheat withers, the world squirms

Russia imposed a ban on exports of wheat due to a severe drought, causing a spike in world prices. But the ban's most important effect may be to raise questions about long-term food security, especially if global warming continues.

Wheat prices soar: How will that affect the grocery bill?

Wheat prices have jumped about 75 percent since early July. Drought in Russia and, perhaps, speculators in the commodity markets are behind the increase.

Wheat does the Malthusian shuffle

With Russia's wheat fields ravaged by fire, the speculators are having a field day. But what could the final outcome be, especially now that Russia has banned wheat exports?

Were speculators behind last year's oil-price spike?

Investors flood commodity markets even though they know little about oil or wheat. Is more regulation the answer?

Drought threatens China’s wheat crop

The region that produces 95 percent of the country’s wheat is facing its worst drought in 50 years.

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U.S. wheat acreage rises – even in New England

Under the radar for 50 years, it stages a comeback in the region, due to rising demand.

Wheat prices hit record high

The cost of March spring wheat hit $24 a bushel Monday, double its cost two months ago.