An interesting debate and not really linked to the current...

An interesting debate and not really linked to the current thread.
While I agree partially with Yellowcake, like most areas further scrutiny and analysis usually just increases the level of detail and complexity. The mention of fert prices is one such area. At the recent fert industry briefing in Sydney the supply/demand economics of phosphorous were discussed in detail. The predictive modelling certainly suggested the rise and fall of prices well but as usual failed to pick the gradient or extents, a perfect storm in controlled supply (Morocco) and increased demand spiralled the precurser prices.
While farmers continue to be squeezed by both ends of the business profitability will always be difficult (not that I can see any other way. I certainly come across many farmers who are successful and profitable, eneviably this is due to a combination of excellent planning and business skills, being innovative both in farming and marketing their product plus a good dollop of luck with the weather.

On that, good luck to all those farmers out there. Hope the WA crop lives up to current expectations and we get a bit of rain here in the east to pull through.