ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Like all other farmers, Joe Lau knows the importance of being a walking and talking economist to survive in today's expanding world of agriculture.

Lau is a 25-year-old first generation farmer who raises crops in six counties in the St. Joseph area, around Weston and near Wathena. He currently farms about 1,200 acres of corn and soybeans. And he's seeking to expand.

The News-Press Now reports that he's chosen to pursue the route of cash rent farming, which allows him to raise the crops by paying landlords. Names on that list include the St. Joseph Business Park Corporati...