Abstract
Since 2022, Land O’Lakes has run a Reverse Mentorship Program in which newer employees take on the mentor role, while more experienced team members become the mentees. This gives early-career employees a chance to lead and grow their networks, while seasoned employees get to keep learning and gain fresh perspectives.
Key Words
Reverse mentorship, intergenerational learning
Today’s workforce crosses multiple generations, from Gen Z just starting their careers to employees who are considering retiring. At Land O’Lakes, Inc., these ranges in experience are something to celebrate. Nearly half the team is made up of Baby Boomers and Gen X and the other half is Millennials and Gen Z. Millennials are the largest group for the co-op and country right now, but Gen Z is expected to make up almost a third of the workforce by 2030.
A broad range in demographics means a broad range of expectations. People want more than just a paycheck—they’re looking for connection, belonging and support from their workplace. What makes someone feel valued can vary widely depending on their stage of life and career, and companies need to recognize that to keep employees engaged and loyal.
“Land O’Lakes embraces the unique perspectives each generation brings, and we’re addressing their specific needs,” says Julie Sexton, Land O’Lakes SVP and Chief Human Resources Officer. “By creating a positive work culture and meaningful enterprise-wide programs to care for employees at every career stage, we’re building a more engaged, innovative and productive workforce.”
Reverse Mentorship
Since 2022, Land O’Lakes has run a Reverse Mentorship Program to help employees connect across generations and discover what they have in common. In reverse mentorship, newer employees take on the mentor role, while more experienced team members become the mentees. This gives early-career employees a chance to lead and grow their networks, while seasoned employees get to keep learning and gain fresh perspectives.
“Mentorship is pretty prominent regardless of the industry or sector you’re in, but I feel like the idea of reverse mentorship—flipping those roles—is pretty unique,” says Cody Hoerning, a phenotyping senior scientist at the WinField United Innovation Center in River Falls, Wisconsin, and a mentor in the program. “It’s cool because it’s more of a leadership role that I may not take in a traditional mentorship.”
So far, the program has seen great participation—about 900 employees have joined since it started, with 260 currently enrolled.
Bridging the gap between generations is key to unlocking the team’s full potential. Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods President Heather Anfang says the program helps her stay in touch with how people are feeling at Land O’Lakes. By building real relationships based on trust and respect, Anfang says she gets honest insights and feedback that make the co-op stronger.
“Mentorship is pretty prominent regardless of the industry or sector you’re in, but I feel like the idea of reverse mentorship—flipping those roles—is pretty unique.”
“I can get information from my mentor on how they’re feeling about the company—and having a connection like that helps me gain that different perspective,” she says. “It’s so important that we build the relationships, we get to know each other. That’s how we build trust, and that’s how we solve problems.”
Long-tenured employees
Reverse mentorship thrives at Land O’Lakes because the company values and strives to maintain a strong work culture. While most people switch jobs every few years, having folks who’ve stayed for decades is a huge advantage.
Just over 9% of Land O’Lakes employees, about 800 people, have been with the company for more than 25 years. Seven have even reached the 50-year mark.
Take Marilyn Krause, for example. She’s worked at the dairy plant in Spencer, Wisconsin for 52 years, and the company store is even named after her. Krause started in the plant’s front office right after high school, thinking it’d be a temporary gig, but she never left.
“Looks like I was wrong about that,” she jokes.
Her office job—starting in customer service and now in production scheduling—became a lifelong career. Krause balanced work with life on her family’s farm, helping with chores and raising a family, all while staying close to home.
What’s kept her at Land O’Lakes for so long? She says it’s the real support the company shows her community. Her family farm was even a Land O’Lakes dairy member and won quality awards in the 1980s.
“Working here has always meant a lot to me and my family,” Krause says. “I’ve always felt very proud to work for Land O’Lakes.”
She’s seen the plant change a lot over the years, from handwritten notes and strict dress codes to new technology and leadership shifts. Through it all, her team has been her steady support. Now, as Krause thinks about retirement—she’s reflecting on what her 52 years have meant.
“Working in my hometown with family and friends has been a blessing,” she says. “The benefits and stability here have always mattered most.”
Phased retirement
When employees are ready to retire, it’s important to keep things running smoothly and make sure valuable wealth of knowledge isn’t lost.
“Co-ops and agriculture are generational businesses that require a balance of data-backed decision making plus experience and relationships developed over time,” says Sexton. “We want to make sure we’re retaining that institutional knowledge and setting the next generation up for success.”
“Retirement is a major life change. We have resources available to help people shape their own journey and ensure a smooth transition for everyone.”
For employees who are considering retiring after age 55, there can be options to work reduced hours. This lets employees cut back on hours gradually, so they can keep sharing skills and mentor others while transitioning into retirement.
“Retirement is a major life change,” says Scott Doucette, Financial Wellness Program Manager. “We have resources available to help people shape their own journey and ensure a smooth transition for everyone.”
Jody Huempfner, Plant Administrator Coordinator at Nutra Blend in Neosho, Missouri, has also helped roll out other smart ways to retain decades of knowledge.
For example, the plant’s safety committee pairs up seasoned employees with newer folks so they can walk the production floor together. It’s a great way for new team members to learn the ropes and pick up important safety tips.
Connecting generations at Land O’Lakes
Across generations, Land O’Lakes is proving that when people feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to stay, grow and contribute their best. From reverse mentorship and long-tenured team members to phased retirement, they company is creating pathways for employees to learn from one another and pass knowledge forward. That’s how to keep strengthening the work culture and co-op for whatever comes next.
Jon Miller is Director, Member & Employee Communications at Land O’Lakes, Inc.
