Growing populations, increased urbanization, rising middle class, and globalization of diets are causing food supply to fall short of demand. This reality is results in political instability and economic hardship, all of which will slow meaningful and lasting development. Two systemic problems are poor and eroding soil conditions that limit feed quality and lagging animal science and management skills that limit yields. Securing the production of food – especially protein – has become a top priority in the emerging world. As a result, beef demand has grown dramatically, driving prices to historic high levels. With booming population, emerging nations will compete in the "protein chase" to feed their people and maintain political stability, creating a lasting investment theme.