Land O’Lakes, a historic dairy cooperative, marked a transformative shift by appointing its first Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in 2018. Under Teddy Bekele’s leadership, the cooperative has embraced technological advancements to enhance dairy production, crop yields, and sustainability. Key innovations include the integration of machine learning for data insights, the use of generative AI for real-time farmer support, and a strategic move towards cloud computing. Bekele’s initiatives have improved research accuracy and operational efficiency, positioning Land O’Lakes as a leader in modern agricultural practices.
A Historical Shift in Strategy
Land O’Lakes, a venerable dairy cooperative with a 103-year history, had operated without a chief technology officer (CTO) for nearly a century. This changed in 2018 when Teddy Bekele assumed the role of CTO, signaling a significant shift towards embracing technological advancements in agriculture. Historically, technology was viewed primarily as a productivity enhancer in developed countries. However, Bekele’s appointment highlights a broader realization: technology is not just an enabler but a central driver of business operations and innovation.
The Role of Technology in Modern Farming
Land O’Lakes, generating approximately $17 billion in annual revenue, operates a diversified portfolio that includes dairy products, seeds, crops, and animal feeds. Bekele’s vision focuses on leveraging technology to enhance various aspects of the business. Under his leadership, the cooperative has been integrating advanced technologies to support farmers in optimizing milk production, improving crop yields, and implementing sustainable practices.
Machine Learning and Data Insights
One of the significant advancements under Bekele’s tenure is the integration of machine learning technology. By analyzing extensive data from Land O’Lakes’ network of agricultural research hubs, machine learning algorithms are uncovering valuable insights about geography, soil conditions, and climate. These insights have revealed that nearby plots may not always provide the most relevant data for a given farm. Instead, distant plots with similar conditions can offer more applicable information.
Generative AI and Enhanced Farmer Support
Land O’Lakes is also pioneering the use of generative AI tools in collaboration with Microsoft. This new virtual agent provides farmers with real-time insights on soil and crop conditions. Historically, agronomists relied on cumbersome physical books to access farming data. The new AI tool allows farmers to upload images of weeds or other issues, enabling quicker and more accurate identification and recommendations for management.
Cloud Computing and Infrastructure Upgrades
Bekele’s strategic focus also includes a major shift towards cloud computing. Under his leadership, the Microsoft Azure platform now powers approximately 55% of Land O’Lakes’ applications, a significant increase from 30% before his appointment. While some legacy systems remain on-premises, the goal is to transition more applications to the cloud, optimizing efficiency and scalability.
Research and Development Advancements
Land O’Lakes’ research capabilities have also been enhanced. The company operates over 100 research plots across the United States and a 55,000-square-foot research hub dedicated to studying crop growth under extreme weather conditions. Bekele’s initiatives have improved the accuracy of environmental data used to support farming operations. For instance, assumptions about local farming conditions are now challenged by real-world data from distant research plots, leading to more precise recommendations for farmers.
Teddy Bekele’s appointment as CTO has marked a transformative period for Land O’Lakes, underscoring the importance of technology in modern agriculture. By integrating machine learning, generative AI, and cloud computing, the cooperative is not only enhancing its operational efficiency but also providing valuable support to farmers. As technology continues to evolve, Land O’Lakes is well-positioned to lead the way in innovative agricultural practices.
