Ford: Rural Areas Anchor U.S. Security

Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford stated on Monday that the current agricultural cycle represents the most expensive crop year in history for American farmers. The executive, who leads one of the nation’s largest farming cooperatives, told Time that input costs have surged across the board. Fertilizer prices have risen, along with the costs of diesel fuel and steel. These factors place considerable pressure on growers who are dealing with high market volatility during the harvest season.

Ford framed the state of American agriculture as a matter of business investment and national security rather than a political debate. She noted that food self-sufficiency remains a core strength of the United States. Ford emphasized that the country must view its food production capabilities through the lens of strategic stability. She urged the public to recognize the operational challenges facing the agricultural sector.

The executive addressed the demographic makeup of rural America, noting that 19 percent of the population lives in these areas. She pointed out that this group accounts for 44 percent of the military. Ford said that rural communities deserve targeted investment to support their economic functions. She pushed back against the perception that residents in these towns are seeking to relocate to coastal cities. She argued that maintaining strong rural economies benefits the entire nation.

Ford also discussed the role of immigration in the agricultural workforce, observing that two-thirds of farm workers are non-citizen immigrants. She described immigration as a key driver of economic growth for U.S. businesses. Citing an internal analysis, Ford said that specific immigration reforms could add 3.3 percent to the GDP. She estimated this growth would amount to more than $1 trillion over the next decade.

Ford’s background includes roles in publishing, consumer goods, and the oil industry. She previously worked as a night warehouse foreman and dock foreman for Mobil in Boston. Before joining Land O’Lakes, she held manual labor positions such as house painter and janitor. She said these early roles gave her a practical understanding of the value of physical work.

On the topic of consumer habits, Ford confirmed that Americans are consuming more butter and cheese. She noted that U.S. per capita consumption of dairy products still lags behind that of European nations. She encouraged consumers to increase their intake of these items.

Ford’s comments were part of an interview series featuring influential business leaders. She used the platform to explain the operational realities facing the farming collective she manages.