# Beth Ford on Agriculture, National Security, and Economic Growth Land O’Lakes CEO discusses the vital role of rural investment and immigration reform. - **Source:** [TIME](https://time.com/) - **Published:** 2026-11-02 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5a7de864-c041-4204-9e95-d35df06be45c ## Diverse Career Foundations Before leading Land O’Lakes, Beth Ford held various manual labor roles, including house painting, janitorial work, and teaching tennis. She also served as a night warehouse foreman at a Boston barge dock for Mobil. These early experiences provided her with a profound understanding of the human condition and operational management. ## Current Agricultural Volatility American farmers are currently navigating a period of intense pressure due to rising operational costs. Fertilizer, diesel, and steel prices have all surged, making the current harvest season the most expensive in history. This volatility creates significant financial strain for producers who are essential to maintaining the nation's food supply. ## Food as National Security Ford emphasizes that food self-sufficiency is a core pillar of American strength and national security. She argues that agricultural support should be viewed as a business-investment discussion rather than a political one. Recognizing the importance of food production is vital for the long-term stability and prosperity of the entire country. ## Rural Investment Imperatives Rural areas deserve greater economic investment, as they contribute significantly to the nation beyond food production. Ford notes that while rural populations represent 19% of the total, they comprise 44% of the military. Investing in these communities is a strategic advantage that benefits the entire nation's social and economic fabric. ## Immigration and Economic Growth Immigration serves as a critical lever for economic expansion within the United States. With two-thirds of farm workers being non-citizen immigrants, reform is essential for business stability. Analysis suggests that comprehensive immigration policy changes could potentially increase the national GDP by 3.3%, exceeding one trillion dollars over ten years. ## Consumer Trends in Dairy Consumer demand for dairy products remains robust, with Americans continuing to increase their consumption of both butter and cheese. Despite this growth, Ford notes that domestic consumption levels still trail behind European averages. She encourages further growth in these categories, highlighting the ongoing relevance of dairy in the American diet. ## Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide There is a persistent lack of knowledge among urban populations regarding the realities of rural life and farming. Ford challenges the assumption that rural residents are fleeing to coastal cities, noting that many are content in their towns. Bridging this information gap is necessary to foster better national policy and investment. ## Strategic Leadership Outlook Beth Ford’s leadership at Land O’Lakes highlights the intersection of corporate strategy and national interest. By advocating for immigration reform and rural investment, she positions agriculture as a central component of economic policy. Her approach underscores the necessity of aligning business operations with broader societal needs for long-term national success. ## Sources covering this story - https://time.com/collection/the-ceo-moment/2026/land-o-lakes-beth-ford/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._