Rooted In Tomorrow

Behind every glass of milk and holiday cheese plate is the work of 1,711 dairy family farmers who form the backbone of Land O’Lakes, Inc., a farmer-owned cooperative spanning nearly 100 years. From the Midwest and Great Plains to local communities across the U.S. and neighboring states, these families bring food from farm to table, shaping the iconic products found on grocery store shelves.

In this festive episode of Rooted In Tomorrow, host Kim Olson traces the journey of holiday favorites like butter and milk, exploring how Land O’Lakes works with its cooperative members to transform raw farm ingredients into beloved products. Guests include Heather Anfang, Senior Vice President of U.S. Dairy Foods, and Lauren Evangelo, Land O’Lakes farmer-owner, as they share stories from the farm, insights on the cooperative model, and the impact of family farming on local and regional food systems.

Something Greater has changed its name to Rooted In Tomorrow. The podcast name change is effective April 2022. Subscribers will not need to resubscribe. Push alerts will remain for those who have subscribed through Apple Podcasts. Search for, "Rooted In Tomorrow" by Land O'Lakes, Inc. on all your podcast platforms. 

"Something Greater" will no longer be searchable content effective May 2022. 

Check out Rootedintomorrow.com for more stories of incredible farmers!

Follow Land O'Lakes Inc at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LandOLakesInc
Instagram: @LandOLakesInc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landolakesinc/

Follow along with our other businesses.
Dairy: www.landolakes.com
Animal Nutrition: www.purinamills.com
Crop Protection: www.winfieldunited.com
Sustainability: www.truterraag.com

authenci.com

Bringing new workers, new families and new ideas to rural small towns mean that the town, its businesses, and schools can thrive for years to come. But recruiting new workers to those small towns can be a challenge. The talent pool is smaller Vs. large urban areas. The visibility for those jobs may not be as apparent in online job postings. The reality is, more people are moving away from small towns than they are moving in. Land O'Lakes, Inc. works directly with many of its ag business members to recruit talent to their small towns. 

When farmers do better, their local grain cooperatives and country stores do better. Therefore, their communities thrive which, if you eat food is good for all of us. This episode outlines the difficulties in bringing talent to small towns and how Land O’Lakes, Inc. is committed to rural vitality. 

Something Greater has changed its name to Rooted In Tomorrow. The podcast name change is effective April 2022. Subscribers will not need to resubscribe. Push alerts will remain for those who have subscribed through Apple Podcasts. Search for, "Rooted In Tomorrow" by Land O'Lakes, Inc. on all your podcast platforms. 

"Something Greater" will no longer be searchable content effective May 2022. 

Check out Rootedintomorrow.com for more stories of incredible farmers!

Follow Land O'Lakes Inc at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LandOLakesInc
Instagram: @LandOLakesInc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landolakesinc/

Follow along with our other businesses.
Dairy: www.landolakes.com
Animal Nutrition: www.purinamills.com
Crop Protection: www.winfieldunited.com
Sustainability: www.truterraag.com

authenci.com

Agriculture is more high-tech than ever, with artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital tools transforming how farmers grow crops, raise livestock, and manage sustainable operations. To fully leverage these innovations and feed a growing global population, reliable rural broadband connectivity is critical.

In this episode of Rooted In Tomorrow, host Kim Olson sits down with Teddy Bekele, Chief Technology Officer at Land O’Lakes, Inc., and Ranveer Chandra, Chief Scientist of Microsoft Azure Global, to discuss their new strategic alliance. Together, they explore how Land O’Lakes and Microsoft are bridging the digital divide across the U.S, connecting farmers to cutting-edge technologies that enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability.

Something Greater has changed its name to Rooted In Tomorrow. The podcast name change is effective April 2022. Subscribers will not need to resubscribe. Push alerts will remain for those who have subscribed through Apple Podcasts. Search for, "Rooted In Tomorrow" by Land O'Lakes, Inc. on all your podcast platforms. 

"Something Greater" will no longer be searchable content effective May 2022. 

Check out Rootedintomorrow.com for more stories of incredible farmers!

Follow Land O'Lakes Inc at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LandOLakesInc
Instagram: @LandOLakesInc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landolakesinc/

Follow along with our other businesses.
Dairy: www.landolakes.com
Animal Nutrition: www.purinamills.com
Crop Protection: www.winfieldunited.com
Sustainability: www.truterraag.com

authenci.com

As a farmer-owned cooperative Land O’Lakes has a vast network of farmers and families whose professional skillset exceeds farm work. In a challenging farm economy, Land O’Lakes launched its ‘Supplemental Work Program’ where our farmers or their families who may have IT, accounting – or other business-related skills can be hired as part-time workers in their knowledgeable field. Join host Kim Olson and Land O’Lakes Farmer-Owners Suzanne Vold and Josie Peters on how this unique program is bringing new income opportunities to the families that provide your food. 

Something Greater has changed its name to Rooted In Tomorrow. The podcast name change is effective April 2022. Subscribers will not need to resubscribe. Push alerts will remain for those who have subscribed through Apple Podcasts. Search for, "Rooted In Tomorrow" by Land O'Lakes, Inc. on all your podcast platforms. 

"Something Greater" will no longer be searchable content effective May 2022. 

Check out Rootedintomorrow.com for more stories of incredible farmers!

Follow Land O'Lakes Inc at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LandOLakesInc
Instagram: @LandOLakesInc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landolakesinc/

Follow along with our other businesses.
Dairy: www.landolakes.com
Animal Nutrition: www.purinamills.com
Crop Protection: www.winfieldunited.com
Sustainability: www.truterraag.com

authenci.com

COVID-19 is impacting everyone, globally. Whether it’s the virus itself or protective measures taken by countries, states, local governments – and businesses to ensure the health and safety of its population and workforce. As part of the food supply Land O’Lakes, Inc. is deemed an essential service by the Federal Government and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. This episode digs into the challenges, the realities, and shares stories about our front line workers helping to keep the shelves stocked during a pandemic. 

Something Greater has changed its name to Rooted In Tomorrow. The podcast name change is effective April 2022. Subscribers will not need to resubscribe. Push alerts will remain for those who have subscribed through Apple Podcasts. Search for, "Rooted In Tomorrow" by Land O'Lakes, Inc. on all your podcast platforms. 

"Something Greater" will no longer be searchable content effective May 2022. 

Check out Rootedintomorrow.com for more stories of incredible farmers!

Follow Land O'Lakes Inc at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LandOLakesInc
Instagram: @LandOLakesInc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landolakesinc/

Follow along with our other businesses.
Dairy: www.landolakes.com
Animal Nutrition: www.purinamills.com
Crop Protection: www.winfieldunited.com
Sustainability: www.truterraag.com

authenci.com

Content recorded in person before the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the 99th time Land O’Lakes, Inc. hosted its Annual Meeting in Minneapolis. Farmers from around the country that are part of our cooperative network gathered to talk about the business, gain insight from consumer panels – and find ways to be better farmers for our future, together. 

There are roughly 4,000 member-owners part of the Land O’Lakes cooperative. Hear from them directly about what’s important to them on their farms and in their communities – and what drives them to do what they do every day. 

Something Greater has changed its name to Rooted In Tomorrow. The podcast name change is effective April 2022. Subscribers will not need to resubscribe. Push alerts will remain for those who have subscribed through Apple Podcasts. Search for, "Rooted In Tomorrow" by Land O'Lakes, Inc. on all your podcast platforms. 

"Something Greater" will no longer be searchable content effective May 2022. 

Check out Rootedintomorrow.com for more stories of incredible farmers!

Follow Land O'Lakes Inc at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LandOLakesInc
Instagram: @LandOLakesInc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landolakesinc/

Follow along with our other businesses.
Dairy: www.landolakes.com
Animal Nutrition: www.purinamills.com
Crop Protection: www.winfieldunited.com
Sustainability: www.truterraag.com

authenci.com

Farming is one of the most rewarding professions — but it can also be one of the most stressful. Economic uncertainty, weather variability, and long hours can take a toll on farmers’ mental health, particularly in rural communities across the Midwest and Great Plains. 

In this episode of Rooted In Tomorrow, we explore how Land O’Lakes, Inc. is advocating for farmers and supporting mental wellness through initiatives like Harvesting Hope, a series of community events designed to educate farmers and their families about the signs of stress and resources for support. Host Kim Olson discusses the importance of building networks of care, fostering resilience, and connecting rural residents with the help they need.

Listeners will gain insight into how cooperative principles, local engagement, and targeted programs are helping farmers across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and the broader American Heartland manage stress, improve well-being, and strengthen the long-term health of rural communities.

Something Greater has changed its name to Rooted In Tomorrow. The podcast name change is effective April 2022. Subscribers will not need to resubscribe. Push alerts will remain for those who have subscribed through Apple Podcasts. Search for, "Rooted In Tomorrow" by Land O'Lakes, Inc. on all your podcast platforms. 

"Something Greater" will no longer be searchable content effective May 2022. 

Check out Rootedintomorrow.com for more stories of incredible farmers!

Follow Land O'Lakes Inc at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LandOLakesInc
Instagram: @LandOLakesInc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landolakesinc/

Follow along with our other businesses.
Dairy: www.landolakes.com
Animal Nutrition: www.purinamills.com
Crop Protection: www.winfieldunited.com
Sustainability: www.truterraag.com

authenci.com

Note to our listeners: Something Greater has changed its name to the Rooted In Tomorrow podcast. The name change is effective April 2022. Listeners won't need to resubscribe.  

Building well-connected agricultural markets is critical for global food security and resilient economies. Land O’Lakes Venture37, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliated with Land O’Lakes, Inc., works to strengthen farming communities across the globe by helping farmers maximize productivity while protecting natural resources like soil, water, and air.

In this episode of Rooted In Tomorrow, host Kim Olson speaks with Dai Harvey, Regional Program Director based in Africa, to explore how Venture37 supports locally led agricultural development initiatives across multiple continents. From connecting farmers to new markets to fostering sustainable practices, Venture37 empowers producers to realize their full potential while driving economic growth in their regions.

Listeners will gain insight into how cooperative principles, global partnerships, and innovative agricultural strategies are shaping markets in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, strengthening global food systems and enhancing food security for communities worldwide.

Something Greater has changed its name to Rooted In Tomorrow. The podcast name change is effective April 2022. Subscribers will not need to resubscribe. Push alerts will remain for those who have subscribed through Apple Podcasts. Search for, "Rooted In Tomorrow" by Land O'Lakes, Inc. on all your podcast platforms. 

"Something Greater" will no longer be searchable content effective May 2022. 

Check out Rootedintomorrow.com for more stories of incredible farmers!

Follow Land O'Lakes Inc at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LandOLakesInc
Instagram: @LandOLakesInc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landolakesinc/

Follow along with our other businesses.
Dairy: www.landolakes.com
Animal Nutrition: www.purinamills.com
Crop Protection: www.winfieldunited.com
Sustainability: www.truterraag.com

authenci.com

Note to our listeners: Something Greater has changed its name to the Rooted In Tomorrow podcast. The name change is effective April 2022. Listeners won't need to resubscribe.  

It’s been a little more than a year since Land O’Lakes, Inc. launched Something Greater. We’ve had several guests from inside and outside the company talking about our mission of Feeding Human Progress – from policy, to crop management, sustainable farming and getting communities connected via high-speed internet. During the holidays we’re giving thanks to the farmers and families out there who make our mission possible by being a part of the cooperative. In this episode join host Kim Olson as she reflects on some of the best and most meaningful moments from the podcast thus far. Brand new episodes and topics will be back for the next episode release in late January 2020. 

Something Greater has changed its name to Rooted In Tomorrow. The podcast name change is effective April 2022. Subscribers will not need to resubscribe. Push alerts will remain for those who have subscribed through Apple Podcasts. Search for, "Rooted In Tomorrow" by Land O'Lakes, Inc. on all your podcast platforms. 

"Something Greater" will no longer be searchable content effective May 2022. 

Check out Rootedintomorrow.com for more stories of incredible farmers!

Follow Land O'Lakes Inc at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LandOLakesInc
Instagram: @LandOLakesInc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landolakesinc/

Follow along with our other businesses.
Dairy: www.landolakes.com
Animal Nutrition: www.purinamills.com
Crop Protection: www.winfieldunited.com
Sustainability: www.truterraag.com

authenci.com

Rural America faces a paradox: three-quarters of counties with the highest rates of food insecurity are rural, yet these small farming communities produce much of the nation’s food. Addressing hunger in these regions presents unique challenges compared to urban areas, requiring targeted strategies and collaborative solutions.

In this episode of Rooted In Tomorrow, host Kim Olson sits down with Beth Ford, CEO of Land O’Lakes, Inc., Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, and Allison O’Toole, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland. Together, they explore the complex realities of feeding rural populations across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and the broader Midwest, and share how cooperative leadership, nonprofit partnerships, and innovative programs are helping communities access nutritious food.

Listeners will gain insight into how rural agriculture, data-driven initiatives, and local engagement are creating sustainable solutions to hunger, strengthening food systems, and supporting rural economies throughout the American Heartland.

Something Greater has changed its name to Rooted In Tomorrow. The podcast name change is effective April 2022. Subscribers will not need to resubscribe. Push alerts will remain for those who have subscribed through Apple Podcasts. Search for, "Rooted In Tomorrow" by Land O'Lakes, Inc. on all your podcast platforms. 

"Something Greater" will no longer be searchable content effective May 2022. 

Check out Rootedintomorrow.com for more stories of incredible farmers!

Follow Land O'Lakes Inc at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LandOLakesInc
Instagram: @LandOLakesInc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landolakesinc/

Follow along with our other businesses.
Dairy: www.landolakes.com
Animal Nutrition: www.purinamills.com
Crop Protection: www.winfieldunited.com
Sustainability: www.truterraag.com

authenci.com