A few days ago in the discussion of the US-Canada border being guarded, someone mentioned farmers who own land on both sides of the US-Canada border. I cleared this up when I was at the border last week.
Some grain farmers own adjacent lands on both sides of the border, but they are not allowed to plow, plant, or harvest across the line. If two adjacent fields are ready to harvest, the farmer must swath and combine the grain up to the border only, then he has to (I'm not joking) load the combine onto a truck, drive it through customs and then on to the other field to complete the harvest--regardless of how far the land is from he nearest border crossing point. Some farmers can afford to have a set of tractors for each side, but for most this tedious process is the norm. Despite NAFTA, both countries have VERY strict regulations about grain imports and exports. Most farmers have small fences near the borderline so they know where to turn around when planting and harvesting. As well, farmers have to sell the grain from each side of the border to the respective country's wheat board.
Many US farmers buy their grain (for animals in particular) in Canada because it's cheaper. If a US farmer buys grain in Canada, no matter how much or how little, he has to stop at Canadian Customs on the way out to have his grain export form processed and stamped, then he has to have it inspected and taxed at the US Customs office upon entering the country. Apparently it's still cheaper than buying it in the US. If he fails to get the export form processed on his way out of Canada, the next time he crosses back into Canada to buy more grain, or for whatever reason, he risks having his vehicle confiscated and huge fines. The Canadian system is very thorough in this regard because the Wheat Board records all grain that is purchase in Canada for export by Americans. This information is passed on to Canada Customs and vice versa, so there is a good link between the two agencies. The whole situation is fascinating.
Dallen