(NAFB) – Land O’ Lakes Incorporated reports year-to-date net sales totaling $8 billion, with net earnings of $236 million.

That’s a year-over-year increase of nine percent in net sales. Dairy Reporter says during the same period a year ago, the company reported net sales of $7.3 billion and net earnings of $118 million. For the second quarter ending on June 30, 2021, the company reported net sales of $4 billion and net earnings of $100 million. That’s a 14 percent year-over-year net sales increase and a 22 percent increase in net earnings. Net sales growth reflects strength in crop inputs and animal nutrition and higher pricing across the portfolio to offset rising input and supply chain costs.

“We are pleased that we’ve been able to maintain the strength and accelerate the momentum of last year’s performance,” says Land O’ Lakes CEO Beth Ford. “Despite increasing costs, the fundamentals of our industry remain favorable, and our differentiated approach has delivered a sustained performance in all business segments through the first half of the year.“

Ford also says the company recognizes that the third quarter could be the toughest year-over-year comparison in their historically smallest quarter. Earnings for the quarter were driven by strong performance in crop inputs with higher volumes and favorable product mix in crop protection and improved margins in crop nutrients.