Question for fans of central planning and big government

[Hamloc]

To determine how central planning and socialist ideals hurt productivity, let's use grain production historically in Russia and today. With a little research it appears during the 80's Russia imported as much as 55 million tonnes in 84-85 but realistically 40 million tonnes per year is more realistic. Fast forward to today, article in latest Western Producer states that Russia wants to export 45 million tonnes per year but could be as high as 55 million tonnes. Now there have undoubtably been changes to borders and what was considered the USSR then and now Russia today, actually USSR would have been much larger. So on a smaller land mass they went from being a large importer to a large exporter. Amazing how the desire and ability to have greater control over ones destiny and future prosperity increases productivity. In the west we seem to want more government, more tax and more regulation. We learn very little from history apparently.

[sofa.king]

The dumbing down of society has been very successful as now it seems the majority of people can't think for themselves and want govt to take care of them. It seems as long as the cell phone and Internet works everything is just dandy.

[bucket]

It seems Russia invested in infrastructure like rail and port not stadiums.....who would have thunk it....

[AlbertaFarmer5]

It seems Russia invested in infrastructure like rail and port not stadiums.....who would have thunk it....

Actually, Russia is building 5 new stadiums for the world cup 2018(one across the Don river from my inlaws), plus all the infrastructure and buildings that were built for the Sochi Olympics. All plagued by the same cost and schedule overruns.

Their freight infrastructure is soviet Era. Grain cars are half the size of ours, elevators are decades old, and falling apart, as are locomotives, ports, barges, and loading facilities. Yes they have a huge rail network, and navigable rivers, but they went decades without any investment. Just recently playing catch up, out of necessity.

[furrowtickler]

Bring back the crow .....

[Hamloc]

Actually, Russia is building 5 new stadiums for the world cup 2018(one across the Don river from my inlaws), plus all the infrastructure and buildings that were built for the Sochi Olympics. All plagued by the same cost and schedule overruns.

Their freight infrastructure is soviet Era. Grain cars are half the size of ours, elevators are decades old, and falling apart, as are locomotives, ports, barges, and loading facilities. Yes they have a huge rail network, and navigable rivers, but they went decades without any investment. Just recently playing catch up, out of necessity.

If their infrastructure is so derelict how is it that they now export 45 million tonnes when over 30 years ago they would import 45 million tonnes? We're soviet collective farms that poorly run? I thought more government oversight is the panacea to economic success! It is amazing to me what a small player Canada really is, what is our total grain production 70 million tonnes? How many years before Russia is exporting as much as we produce?

[farming101]

That is what is important to farmers here. It doesn't matter how Russia is getting the grain to export. The fact is they are.