120 Years in Agriculture: Pioneering Innovations for Modern Farming 

This year, we’re celebrating a huge milestone—Hankkija’s 120th anniversary! Since 1905, we’ve been at the heart of Finnish agriculture, growing alongside farmers, evolving with technology, and shaping the future of food production with  feed innovations. But how did it all start? And what makes Hankkija such a key player in Finland’s farming success story? Let’s take a look…

Founding and Early Expansion

In 1905, amidst a national awakening and the rise of cooperative movements, Hankkija was founded as a central organization to support Finnish farmers. The first warehouse was established in Malmi in 1906, marking the beginning of Hankkija’s extensive network. By 1907, the company expanded in Viipuri, followed by Kuopio in 1908, Turku in 1909, and Tampere in 1911. These expansions facilitated better support and distribution channels for farmers across the nation. A key milestone was its participation in the 1906 Kuopio Agricultural Exhibition, where it introduced its first functional model dairy. This marked the beginning of its ventures into dairy, refrigeration, and HVAC equipment.

Pioneering Agricultural Initiatives

Recognizing the need for quality seeds, Hankkija established its own seed inspection laboratory in 1910, adopting the motto: “Selected – Inspected – Guaranteed.” This initiative aimed to improve the reliability of seed commerce in Finland, ensuring farmers had access to high-quality seeds. Through the collaboration of Hankkija experts and Turku Ironworks, the first Finnish tractor, the Kullervo engine-powered tractor, was created in 1918. This milestone underscored Hankkija’s role in mechanizing Finnish agriculture and improving efficiency on farms.

The company has also been a pioneer in adopting new technologies, even establishing its own transport fleet and exploring aviation.

Hankkija’s Innovative milestones in Animal Nutrition

Hankkija’s commitment to research and product development has led to valuable innovations within the feed sector. At the core of this progress, however, has always been Nordic values—emphasizing wellbeing, nature, and sustainability. For example,the launch of feed enzymes Avizyme® and Porzyme® was in the 1980s and in late 1990s was launched natural betaine Betafin®. This marked significant milestones in Finland. Later, within the same period, we launched the popular glycogenic Acetona® Energy feeds for ruminants.

Progut® Extra

In the early 2000s, Hankkija introduced Progut®, a unique yeast hydrolysate scientifically proven to enhance gut function and animal performance.It was later further developed into a more hydrolyzed form for ruminants, leading to the creation of Progut® Rumen, which was recognized as the Best New Product at the AgriScot exhibition in 2014. The product name was later changed to Progut® Extra, as it was shown to be beneficial also for monogastric animals. 

Progres®

In 2015, Hankkija pioneered the use of resin acids in animal nutrition and launched the resin acid-based innovation Progres®.  Scientifically proven to strengthen the epithelium in animals’ intestines, strengthen immunity, and enhance growth and productivity. As a result, in 2018 Chemical Industry Federation honred Progres®  with Innovation Award status. In 2023, AB Vista acquired the Progres® innovation, while Hankkija continued as the distributor in home market area within Northern Europe and used Progres in its own feeds. Both Progut® Extra and Progres® have become international success stories, demonstrating Hankkija’s strong focus on innovative feed solutions. 

Continuing the Legacy: Introducing ProHumi® and Resipro® Foam

The development of new innovations requires long-term commitment and investment in research and product development. Indeed, for 120 years, Hankkija has been at the forefront of agricultural advancement and remains committed to shaping the future of farming. Continuing this legacy of innovation, Hankkija has recently introduced two novel products: ProHumi® and Resipro® Foam. 

ProHumi: Proven Wellbeing from Nature 

The newest member of Hankkija’s Pro-product family is ProHumi® is a feed ingredient developed in collaboration with Neova Oy and made from carefully selected peat. ProHumi® provides a rich source of prebiotic fiber and humic acids, which literature shows benefit the intestinal fermentation of monogastric animals. As a result, animals experience improved wellbeing, resilience, and growth. Initially used in pig and poultry feeds domestically, ProHumi® is now expanding to benefit farm naimals with international exports set to begin this year.  
 

 
Resipro® Foam: Effective, Safe and Sustainable Cleaning from Nature 

Hankkija has researched resin acids through a long-term collaboration with Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland and the Poulpharm research institute in Belgium. This has led to the development of Resipro® Foam, a foaming detergent that offers excellent cleaning performance by effectively breaking down dirt and biofilms. Resipro® Foam is safe for users, animals, the environment, and farm infrastructure. It ensures high efficiency and safety in livestock facilities, enabling regular cleaning routines to prevent the spread of pathogens. Resipro® Foam is produced with circular economy principles, incorporating Finnish natural components. It is biodegradable, free from corrosive substances, and designed to protect both farm infrastructure and the environment. This solution not only enhances cleaning efficiency but also promotes sustainable, healthy livestock production. 

Hankkija Today

Hankkija is Finland’s largest agricultural supplier, leading the way in feed innovation and sustainable farming solutions. With over 1,000 employees, Hankkija produces millions of kilos of feed annually, supporting livestock wellbeing and improving farming efficiency. Hankkija’s feed innovations are also distributed to over 30 countries worldwide, reinforcing the company’s global presence. Committed to sustainability and research, Hankkija continues to shape the future of farming with nature-driven, science-backed solutions.