Throughout October’s National Co-op Month, we showcased the power of the cooperative system and how it allows our business and member-owners to adapt, grow, innovate and build a stronger future together. We also shared ways our cooperative is showing up to support our member-owners and their communities. During National Co-op Month, and every day, we thank our farmer- and ag retail-owners for all they do to help move our cooperative forward, together.

[Watch] Beth Ford on the state of the American farmer

President & CEO Beth Ford joined the Economic Club of New York for a conversation with TIME Editor in Chief Sam Jacobs that highlighted why agriculture matters far beyond the farmgate, exploring the critical connections between food security, economic competitiveness, innovation and national security. 

She shared the realities farmers and the agriculture industry are navigating, underscored the vital role rural America plays in the nation’s future, and helped a broader business and economic audience better understand why the strength of our food system matters to everyone.

Watch on YouTube and read more on Beth's LinkedIn.

 

Beth reflects on our 105-year-old cooperative

Beth also joined the Economic Club of Chicago for a one-on-one conversation with Penny Pritzker. She reflected on why our 105-year-old cooperative and its structure matter, especially during a time of pressure on farm profitability. Beth shared that our success starts with our members’ success. That means helping create market access, investing in innovation and technology, advocating for policies that support our members’ operations and returning value that can be reinvested in their businesses, families and communities.
 

At the heart of the co-op system

Beth visited with farmers, Julie and Kevin Paap, alongside Crystal Valley Co-Op in southern Minnesota. This visit, in the midst of the hard work of harvest, showcased the value cooperatives provide in helping farmers succeed especially during uncertain economic times.

At Land O'Lakes, we're committed to supporting our members by providing market access, investing in innovation and technology, and advocating for policy that supports their operations. Sixty percent of our cooperative's earnings go back to our members to reinvest on their operation, and to support their families and their communities.

We believe that our success starts with member success.
 
 

[Watch] A day in the life: Colfax Farms

At Colfax Farms in Belgrade, Minnesota, Mandy and her husband, Justin, are the sixth generation to carry on their family’s farming tradition. Alongside Justin’s parents, they raise crops, livestock and the next generation.

🎥 Step into Mandy’s boots and see what a day at Colfax Farms looks like.

We asked our member-owners: What does community mean where you live?

As part of Co-op Month, we launched a new photo contest to celebrate the communities our member-owners call home. Inspired by our work with Getty Images to develop the Repicturing Rural collection, we asked them to submit images that answer the question: "What does community mean where you live?" Here's what they had to show and say👇

Letters to the editor

Authored by ag retail CEOs, these letters published in local media outlets across the country promoted the strength of the cooperative system. From creating market access and investing in innovation to strengthening local economies, these perspectives show the power of a model that puts members at the center.
 

Cooperatives bring value to communities Dan Dix NEW Cooperative, Inc The Fort Dodge Messenger		Co-ops bring value to community KC Graner Central Farm Service Truman Tribune
We can accomplish more together Steve Harnish Central Manor Dairy Lancaster Farming		How cooperatives help farmers thrive in tough times Jeff Johnson Centra Sota Cooperative St. Cloud Times Media
Cooperatives designed for innovation, opportunity Jason Klootwyk Agtegra Cooperative Rapid City Journal Media Group		Farm cooperatives helping in these troubled times for agriculture Stan Stark Alliance Ag & Grain, LLC The Wichita Eagle
One of ag's greatest strengths Jeremy Wilhelm Frontier Cooperative Lincoln Journal Star

Stories celebrating National Co-op Month

'I knew the farm needed me' Member-owner Rebeckah Marschall shares her remarkable road to recovery after a car accident nearly took her life.	From Main Street to Times Square Our latest Modern Rural Collective campaign brings rural America into greater focus.
Our co-op through the lens of a 100-year-old camera Land O’Lakes is, as our tagline says, Rooted In Tomorrow. So, as a way to visualize the essence of that mantra, take a look at two modern member farms through the lens of a Houghton Ensign-Cupid, a film camera that is just one year younger than our 105-year-old cooperative.	A grateful reminder of cooperative impact Each year, the Land O’Lakes Foundation invests over $2.4M into member-owner communities. And each year, the foundation received hundreds of thank you notes as a result of those contributions. Take a look at some of the thank-you notes received from community members impacted by member giving.
A living map of American dairy Across the country, dairy preferences tell a unique story about local culture, traditions and everyday habits. And the way the Land O Lakes® brand shows up in each region has never been one-size-fits-all. Take a look at how our customers have helped shape our dairy offerings into a living map of American history.