john risk - wheat price direction?, page-56

yup... def parallels with gold/silver in that paper futures mkt is manipulated. But it's suddenly going to catch-up when shortage of grain becomes riots in major cities. The other issue that media ignores is that if S.Africa is removed, Africa today produces less grain than 35 yrs ago. Incredible when science has improved yields substantially over time. Just read a USA farmer set new world record of 25ton/ha for maize. I remember when 30 bags/acre was considered good. Agriculture requires astute management along with scientific knowledge. mono cropping means disease etc can spread rapidly if not monitored carefully. Hence, fewer and fewer countries are self sufficient as pops explode. Just read a horrible story re insecticide application in Niger. The farmers apply massive amounts of organophosphates to kill resistant bugs and end up poisoning themselves. Half of Africa doesn't eat bread. Don't know if i can make it any clearer.