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The article discusses concerns about global crop supplies. In Russia farmers will plant their winter wheat in lands left parched by drought. Locusts have harasses wheat fields in Australia, while the U.S. government has lowered its forecast for corn. Agricultural economist Scott Irwin observes that small reductions in crop forecasts and stocks could produce large jumps in price.

The article reports that Prime Minister Vladimir Putin of Russia announced that the country would extend its ban on wheat exports until late 2011 after that year's summer harvest. Prices of wheat commodity futures rose following the announcement. The policy's effect on global food prices is discussed. A financial analyst expresses skepticism that Russia will maintain the export ban for that amount of time.

The article focuses on wheat prices and wheat farming. The impact of a drought in Russia and subsequent ban on exports of wheat by that country on prices is discussed. A decision faced by U.S. wheat farmers on whether to plant more wheat to capitalize on what may be only a temporary increase in prices for the crop is examined.

The article reports that a Russian ban on the export of grain, following catastrophic droughts and wildfires in that country, had led to a rise in the price of grains. Fears that this could lead to global food shortages are addressed, and information on the effect of the export controls on international agricultural firms is provided.

The article discusses factors that have caused wheat prices to rise over 60% since June, 2010. In Russia unusually warm weather and drought conditions have ravaged the wheat crop. In some areas half of the crop has been destroyed. In India poorly-stored reserves of wheat are rotting, putting further upward pressure on prices.

The article examines economic aspects of U.S. wheat farming. It is forecast by the Agriculture Department that wheat exports will rise 36 percent in 2010. Prices for wheat are also rising due to increased demand and the effects of a drought in Russia on that country's wheat crop. The increasingly important role U.S. agriculture plays in the international food supply is discussed.