After a 15-year run as the chairman of the Land O’Lakes, Inc. board of directors Pete Kappelman is stepping away from his duties. In addition to his board experience, he’s been a dairy farmer his entire life. He still farms his 1,100-acres in Manitowoc, Wis. along with his 465 dairy cows.

Pete’s father (also a dairy farmer), was a 26-year member of the Lake-to-Lake Co-op board -- which eventually merged with Land O’Lakes, Inc.

“My dad kept asking about getting involved," says Kappelman in the podcast. But his dad was a local elected representative at the time. "I said, 'I would like to get involved with Land O’Lakes, but I told him I would have to run against [him].'" 

Join Pete and host Kim Olson for the second episode of Something Greater as they talk about his involvement as a member-owner and a leader; and, the role he sees Land O’Lakes playing in the future of agricultural innovation.

Excerpts from the episode:

Kappelman: “Farmers don’t think of themselves as providing this noble service to our country. And it really is.” 

Olson: “We are co-op proud. Talk to me about that model. Why is it powerful?”

Kappelman: “None of us is as smart as all of us. There is a benefit to working together. We can accomplish more together than individually we ever could. We have shared governance over an industry that is essential to the existence of humankind.”

Olson: “You have championed ways to get our younger members more equipped for deeper engagement. Talk about those leader development programs.”

Kappelman: “If you are at all interested to be more engaged you have to say yes. I think its valuable for people to see the opportunity, may I say even obligation, to learn and grow and lead.”

Listen now

The podcast is available in the Connections newsletter. You’ll also be able to subscribe through iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever podcasts are available -- and please subscribe and rate each episode. And if you missed epside one, go here.