Land O’Lakes has announced a strategic investment to expand dairy protein production at its Tulare, California, processing facility, adding ultra-filtered milk capabilities to meet growing global demand for protein-rich nutrition.

According to Land O’Lakes, the investment will enable the production of ultra-filtered milk, allowing the cooperative to produce higher-value dairy protein products while creating additional demand for member milk. The expansion is also intended to provide new growth opportunities for farmer-owners and strengthen the company's position in food markets where protein continues to drive consumer purchasing decisions.

The cooperative said global demand for dairy protein is expected to continue increasing through the remainder of the decade, fueled by greater consumer interest in protein-rich diets and evolving nutrition trends. The expanded capabilities at the Tulare facility are designed to help address that demand while increasing the value of milk supplied by cooperative members.

Land O’Lakes said the Tulare plant offers existing production scale, available capacity and access to domestic and international markets, including regions that depend on imported dairy protein. The company expects the investment to support expanded market opportunities for higher-value dairy protein applications.

The project also reinforces Land O’Lakes' long-term commitment to the Tulare region by supporting local jobs, strengthening the agricultural economy and maintaining the facility as a key part of the cooperative's dairy processing network.

Heather Anfang, executive vice president of Land O’Lakes and president of Dairy Foods, said the investment is intended to position the cooperative, its farmer-owners and the Tulare facility for continued growth as demand for protein reshapes the global food industry.