NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — The Corn Belt was the real estate place to be in 2010.

Land prices in the states centered on Iowa grew at a 15% to 20% clip, annualized, over the last six months of the year, according to Creighton University economist Ernie Goss.                   Prices were sent soaring by higher commodity prices, as crop failures in some food-exporting countries boosted the demand for U.S. grains and soybeans.

DENVER – Wind farms have no measurable effect on nearby property values, according to a government report published Wednesday.

In the latest study, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory spent three years examining nearly 7,500 sales of homes in 10 communities near two dozen wind farms in nine states.

The findings, however, are unlikely to cool the debate over the placement of massive wind turbines which to some represent progress, but to others an intrusion.

Authorities in Ohio say a fire has destroyed a four-barn complex and killed hundreds of animals raised for a natural food business.

The blaze at the northwest Ohio town of Oregon killed 150 goats and more than 300 chickens, plus rabbits and geese.

Fire Chief Bill Wilkins says the cause of the fire early Friday has not yet been undetermined.