MONTPELIER, Vt. — Land O’ Lakes Inc. has purchased Vermont Creamery, a pioneer in artisanal cheese-making in the U.S. that says it needs a partner to help reach its business potential amid unprecedented growth.

Vermont Creamery will become an independently operated subsidiary of Land O’ Lakes, a member-based agricultural cooperative, and will continue to make goat cheese, cultured butter and fresh dairy in Websterville. Co-founders Allison Hooper and Bob Reese said Wednesday that Vermont Creamery is a “a good fit” for the Minnesota-based butter and cheesemaker.