Financial Times: Food and the spectre of Malthus

Article in Tuesday's Financial Times about what's different about high food prices this time around, and the ramifications that could be felt as a result.

Jim Rogers: US "out of control"

Rogers went on a familiar rampage against US monetary policy yesterday for 750 fund managers in Japan.

I think it's really hilarious how he tears into Bernanke - it never gets old for me. Also interesting to note that although the dollar has tanked quite a bit, he added "you ain't seen nothing yet."

He also mentioned that over the next two decades, the prices for all commodities would go "through the roof." Good to see that he still sees them as cheap based on historical standards, even given this awesome run up we're experiencing.

GoldMoney: More Solid Gains for the Precious Metals

If you're a precious metals fan, GoldMoney's James Turk is probably a must read for you.

DailyWealth: Brazil Key to Upcoming Food Crisis

Full article

Summary:

• UN says world food production must increase by 60% over next 20 years to meet demand
• Grain and meat production is extremely water intensive - many areas in the world do not have the excess water to ramp up grains and meats
• Brazil will be the key - it has 23% of the world's arable land, and 40% of it is currently unused
  

Kevin Kerr: Farmageddon

Full story

Summary:

• Kerr believes a sharp correction could arrive at anytime
• Corn prices are likely to remain high as long as the US gov't continues to subsidize ethanol
• Longer term, the bull market in ag commodities should continue for some time