“At a time when protein is reshaping how consumers eat and how the food system operates, this investment positions Land O’Lakes, our Tulare facility and our farmer-owners to lead,” said Heather Anfang, executive vice president of Land O’Lakes and president of Dairy Foods. “We are continuing to build a more resilient, growth-oriented dairy business while creating new demand for member milk and laying the groundwork for long-term opportunity.”

According to Land O' Lakes, this investment creates new demand for member milk and the opportunity to maximize member returns by adding production for higher-value protein applications that support expanded market access and long-term cooperative growth. The investment also recognizes the strength of the Tulare-area dairy community, including about 100 dedicated, innovative farmer-owners and farm families whose operations help make the region one of the most important dairy-producing areas in the country. The Tulare facility, located in one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic milk sheds, offers existing scale, available capacity and strategic access to global markets, including high-growth regions that rely on imported dairy protein.

“This is about more than a single upgrade. It’s about building the future of dairy,” said Anfang. “We are investing in innovation, in our members, and in meeting the evolving needs of consumers around the world.