From China to America, monumental forces are driving global demand for food, feed and renewable fuel. Faced with a worldwide credit crunch, demand will probably take a breather, but the long-term trends are still strong.

Today’s demand-driven market has many faces. For the American farmer, it’s the face of extraordinary opportunity as the world clamors for your crops and value-added products.

“The Faces of Demand” is designed to provide you with invaluable insight to navigate these exceptional times. This special issue is written and produced by the award-winning staffs and global resources of The Progressive Farmer and DTN. Their stories will help you understand the major factors driving this global appetite for food, feed and fuel.

With a population of 1.3 billion, China has seen its economy grow at a double-digit rate for the past 30 years. U.S. ag exports to China are expected to hit a record $10.5 billion this year.

We sent Senior Editor Jim Patrico to China for an eyewitness account of the country’s growing middle class. Jim’s report explains how a better diet for millions means improved markets for you.

Here at home, livestock and poultry producers continue to be the No. 1 customer of corn and soybeans. Ethanol is also increasing demand for corn. While both industries face challenges today, they will remain powerful forces on your bottom line.

U.S. agriculture, however, will face even stiffer competition from South America to supply this rising demand. DTN correspondent Kieran Gartlan, based in Sao Paolo, Brazil, explains the potential impact as Brazil and Argentina ramp up their ag machines.

Yes, these are exciting but unpredictable times for America’s farmers. This fall’s financial and credit meltdown will likely slow world demand in the short-term. Yet, irreversible forces will drive demand for years to come.

Gregg Hillyer Executive Editor, The Progressive Farmer