Agropur is signaling a high-conviction bet on the future of North American dairy, announcing a strategic $130 million investment across its Midwestern footprint. The move, unveiled during the cooperative’s annual general meeting on Feb. 11, targets high-growth markets for whey proteins and milk concentrates while capitalizing on the explosive production growth in South Dakota.
South Dakota: The New Frontier of Dairy Growth
The centerpiece of the expansion is a $60 million modernization of Agropur’s Lake Norden, S.D., facility. This investment is perfectly timed to coincide with South Dakota’s emergence as a national dairy powerhouse.
Over the last decade, South Dakota has transitioned into one of the fastest-growing dairy states in the U.S. While national milk production has faced headwinds, South Dakota has seen consistent year-over-year growth — often in the double digits — fueled by a favorable regulatory environment and the expansion of the I-29 corridor.
- Production Surge: South Dakota recently broke into the top 15 dairy-producing states, with milk production jumping nearly 7% in 2023 alone.
- Processing Powerhouse: The Lake Norden dryer upgrade will allow Agropur to pivot its portfolio toward value-added products like milk concentrates and whey proteins, meeting a global surge in demand for protein-enriched ingredients.
- Economic Impact: Governor Kristi Noem’s support for the dairy industry due to the addition of more than 118,000 cows in the last 12 months contributes nearly $4 billion annually to the state’s economy.
Strengthening the Wisconsin Hub
Simultaneously, Agropur is committing $70 million to three Wisconsin plants: Weyauwega, Luxemburg and Little Chute. These funds are earmarked for increasing whey processing and valorization capacity. By turning what was once a byproduct into high-value nutritional ingredients, Agropur is maximizing the milk check for its members through operational efficiency.
Financial Resilience and Member Returns
These investments are backed by a stellar 2025 fiscal performance. Agropur reported:
- Revenue: $8.9 billion (a 2% year-over-year increase).
- EBITDA: $686.4 million (a 12.6% increase from 2024).
- Patronage Returns: $70 million distributed back to member dairy producers.
“In 2025, Agropur delivered solid financial results, strengthening its ability to continue growing and investing in its future,” says Agropur president Roger Massicotte.
CEO Émile Cordeau emphasizes the strategy is built on resilience. By focusing on value-added products to meet the strong market demand for protein-enriched products, Agropur is positioning itself not just as a processor, but as a specialized ingredients partner in a competitive global market.
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