"Given that global and U.S. grain inventories remain very tight, grain prices will continue to reflect growing conditions and yield potential for both U.S. and global crop production, " Agrium said, citing a June report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which anticipates global grain and oilseed stockpiles to scrape 35-year lows through 2009.

FORBES: Agrium Cropping Up A Strong Year

High crop prices (especially for corn) and tight grain inventories are expected to create huge demand for nutrients.

FORBES: Shovel On Some More Agrium For A Nice Crop Of Gains

The front baffle couples with Nordic birch, another cold climate wood with an extremely tight grain, to project the most ideal sound reverberation properties.

ENGADGET: Sony reveals SS-AR2 loudspeaker, wants an invite to your next house party

Created through exhaustive processes testing countless samples and configurations, the AR1 and AR2 loudspeakers feature a final front cabinet baffle laminated to a thickness of 50 mm and 40 mm respectively from hand-selected maple cultivated from Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, whose cold climate produces maple of a tight grain, contributing markedly to the R's beautiful sound.

ENGADGET: Sony reveals SS-AR2 loudspeaker, wants an invite to your next house party

Instead of spacious skies and amber waves of grain, Thompson looks out onto tight streets and flickering traffic lights.

FORBES: Lord of the Rigs