Miners and energy producers are investing to meet record commodity prices and surging Asian demand, and grain farmers are reporting drought-breaking rain. June 4 (Bloomberg) -- Australia's current account deficit probably narrowed in the first quarter as exports climbed and companies paid less interest on their overseas borrowings. The current account deficit represents money Australia has to borrow overseas to pay for the goods and services it imports, and to finance investment not...

He lived through paramilitary purges and steered well clear of the cocaine overlords who swarmed across his rural region. Washington has been struggling for years to persuade Colombian farmers to turn their backs on coca leaf production in favour of other crops. A surge in demand for biofuels derived from agricultural products has unleashed a chaotic land grab by a new breed of gangster entrepreneurs hoping to cash in on the world s thirst for palm oil and related bioproducts. Charities...

Blend 2 cloves pressed garlic, 1 teaspoon each salt and cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon each dried oregano and cayenne pepper; spoon over potatoes and toss to coat. SHOPPING LIST: boneless, skinless chicken breasts, red potatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, cooking spray, fresh asparagus, dinner rolls, butter, sugar, Granny Smith apples, maple syrup, egg, one-layer-size yellow cake mix (such as Jiffy), cinnamon, walnuts, light whipped cream.

Prices for corn and cropland are soaring, and biofuels producers see the state as a source of energy to offset dependence on oil from some of the worlds most unstable regions. A February report done for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association by LECG, a global analysis consultant, said that by the end of 2006, ethanol made from corn and biodiesel made from soybeans boosted the states gross domestic product, which is the value of all goods and services produced in Iowa, by $8. A February...

The army worms' emergence, however, has forced farmers to spray more than 100,000 acres until the insect's three-week larvae cycle runs its course. And for a $15 fee, the phones can feature unlimited Web browsing, picture mail and mobile phone e-mail, including access to Cox's e-mail as well as other e-mail services. Several traditional cable providers including Cox, which has added Internet access and wired telephone service to its business model, signed an agreement with Sprint in...

While the corn crop hasn't yet been crippled, it won't be able to survive without substantial rain. More than three quarters of North Carolina is now suffering from drought conditions, according to state climate figures. He's most worried about his wheat but his corn is twisted and his soybeans are suffering. The hay in Wilkes County is important for beef cattle, and many farmers could be forced to reduce herds. In many areas, farmers have stopped planting soybeans because the soil is too...