Failing Rains, Failing Crops World Faces Hunger
B. McPherson Changing weather patterns around the world are causing droughts and crop failures. The American mid-west which produces more corn and soy than any other country is facing the worst drought in 56 years. While the harvest isn’t in in the US, estimates are that it will be about 30% lower than usual. Already those bidding on corn commodities have pushed the price up by about 50%. Wheat crops in Canada are about normal with adequate rainfall in most areas except the Peace River area in the north which is dry. Drought in the Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan has curtailed grain in those countries. Argentina and Brazil are both experiencing drought conditions. India had disappointing rain yield from their monsoon season. The global food harvest may be as poor as 2008 when hunger drove many to agitate for subsidized food supplies. India curtailed the export of their lower grades of rice so that supplies could be available to their own residents. This year th...