The U.S. and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere are in the midst of the growing season for grain and oilseed crops, and we intently follow weather models and the latest forecasts. Weekly crop condition reports from USDA are studied and compared with past years for clues about U.S. production prospects, while crop tours (both formal and informal) are underway. Considerable attention is also paid to weather conditions and crop prospects in the Black Sea region as well as the rest of Europe since they have become important to word supply/demand balances and grain price values. Being involved in the grain business, we have witnessed more than a half century of growing seasons, including several as a farm owner. Each was unique in their time,...