I agree Q, having been raised on a mid-west farm and going on to get an MS in agriculture economics, and then working as an Ag lender/advisor for 35 years, as ECU's banker, I would be pushing for ""MUCH"" Greater production from their farm...at least 10 million ounces per/yr. Todays farmers have huge amounts invested in their equipment/seed/fert./fuel/overhead/labor/and everything else that goes with running a business, and they go all out to produce. I have brothers that regularly produce 200 bushel corn per acre. It takes management and know how(and credit) Long story short: Production, is the name of the game, whether farming or mining, all things considered.

The naked shorters would be of little concern, if ECU came up with a production/profit sharing Plan, that would entice shareholders/investors.

Just my thoughts, from a retired Ag lender(ag..silver or agriculture)

harryd