Business: A New Soviet Grain-Buying Spree

Ivan wants more beef, so U.S. crop sales surge again

The hopes of U.S. farmers are as high as an elephant's eye. After several years of bumper crops that left growers dissatisfied with their incomes, they face the unusual and happy prospect of enjoying both substantial grain harvests and rising prices. The key reason for the price surge: widespread expectations in the commodity markets that the Soviet Union may go on another grain-buying binge, in part to make up for an expectedly poor crop this year. That could cause worldwide demand to outstrip production and lead to shortages. Such speculation has driven...

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