Agricultural Productivity

Throughout the cooperative, Land O’Lakes and its members are utilizing a variety of technological advances and modern farming practices to maximize agricultural production as efficiently as possible. Continuing on this path is important because, as the world population increases to an estimated 9 billion by 2050, only 5 percent more arable land is expected to be brought into production and the United Nations estimates two-thirds of the global population will live in water-stressed countries. In order to feed the growing population, agricultural producers will be forced to increase productivity in a sustainable manner, using fewer natural resources.

One way Land O’Lakes is helping accomplish this is by investing in research and development and creating sophisticated technology, innovative products and modern on-farm practices. For example, when producers spray their fields with crop protection products, depending on the conditions, a good portion of the droplets may miss their target due to evaporation, drift or bouncing off. The Spray Analysis System at the Winfield Solutions Product Development Center allows WinField scientists to conduct research to develop new drift reduction and deposition products, optimizing spray efficiency and reducing drift potential. This technology enables WinField to develop products that allow growers to continue to effectively apply crop protection products, which maximizes yield potential and reduces waste.

On the dairy side, Land O’Lakes members are incorporating a variety of on-farm practices to improve their facility’s overall efficiency. Among those improvements includes a Pennsylvania producer who installed a manure digester that transforms waste into energy. The digester converts methane from the waste of 220 dairy cattle, 2,000 hogs and 30,000 chickens and turns it into energy. The digester is expected to generate 1.4 million kilowatt hours per year, which is equivalent to supporting the typical electricity needs of 700 people. Other members have incorporated solar panels, more efficient lighting systems, a variety of water conservation methods and several other techniques to ensure they maintain a high level of production while minimizing their environmental impact.

Learn more about: Malawi Food for Progress Program | First Run Donation Program