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 and O'Lakes Dairy Foods had a strong year in 2000 in terms of both operational and financial performance, as the
cooperative took positive actions to position the system for continued growth and success.
Land O'Lakes acted on its commitment toward enhancing its dairy infrastructure throughout the membership area in 2000. In the Midwest, it completed the asset purchase of Madison Dairy Produce Co.—the region's largest private label butter manufacturer. In the East, it completed a multi-million-dollar expansion and upgrade of its Carlisle, Pa., facility—doubling the plant's milk processing capacity. Land O'Lakes also joined with Maryland and Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative and Southeast Milk to form the Advantage Dairy Group, which is focusing on more effectively marketing raw milk, thereby enhancing member income. Initial goals are to expand milk supply relationships, increase access to Southeast markets and reduce operational costs. In the West, Land O'Lakes broke ground on a new, world-scale joint venture cheese and whey plant. This project, with Japanese partner Mitsui, will not only enhance Land O'Lakes domestic market presence, but should open the door to new opportunities in the Pacific Rim. Land O'Lakes also acquired the Beatrice Group cheese plant in Gustine, Calif., bringing increased mozzarella and cream cheese production capacity to the system and expanding Land O'Lakes presence in West Coast markets.
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