Globalization of the world's food economy continues to change the shape of agriculture. The integration of capital, technotogy, and information into a single global market is redefining the significance of national boundaries and restyling consumer preferences. Despite a strong economy in the United States this past year, an economic crises gripped the Asia Pacific region and growth rates slowed dramatically across the emerging economies of Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. The demand for protein and vegetable oils throughout these regions fell precipitously while abundant crops were being harvested from the earth's arable lands. The value of farm commodities declined to the Lowest levels in more than a decade and failed to return the costs of production for most of the world's farmers. Narrowing profit margins brought continued consolidation in agriculture as the entire food chain became increasingly competitive. The realities of our markets constrained our ability to maximize earnings.