Farmland ownership in the United States is a topic of great interest, particularly when it comes to the largest landowners. As of 2021, as reported by the Land Report, 100 of the top landowners collectively possess over 40 million acres of land in the United States that is prime farmland. This accounts for approximately two percent of all agricultural land in the country. This resource explores the largest farmland owners in the United States and dives into what they're doing with their land.
Who are the Largest Farmland Owners in the United States?
The largest farmland owners in the United States are Bill Gates, Stewart and Lynda Resnick, John Malone, Ted Turner, and Stan Kroenke.
1. Bill Gates
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, and his former wife Melinda Gates are not only renowned philanthropists but also owners of significant amounts of farmland. Bill Gates owns approximately 275,000 acres of farmland in the United States, spread across 17 states. He purchased farmland to improve productivity and create jobs. Bill Gates' investments in farmland are managed through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. Melinda Gates left the Gates Foundation in June 2024.
2. Stewart and Lynda Resnick
Stewart and Lynda Resnick, entrepreneurs behind The Wonderful Company, have made a name for themselves in the agricultural industry. Their company owns approximately 180,000 acres of farmland, mostly in California, and is involved in the production of fruits, nuts, and other agricultural products.
3. John Malone
John Malone, a prominent media executive and business magnate, owns large tracts of land in the United States, including ranches and farmland. His land holdings encompass both agricultural and recreational properties. Overall, John Malone owns approximately 2.2 million acres of land, although its unclear how much of this is farmland specifically.
4. Ted Turner
Ted Turner, the media entrepreneur and founder of CNN, is known for his extensive land holdings, particularly ranches. His properties are not only involved in bison ranching but also serve as conservation areas. Overall, Ted Turner owns approximately 2 million acres of land, although its unclear how much of his landholdings are farmland specifically.
5. Stan Kroenke
Stan Kroenke, a businessman and sports team owner, owns substantial agricultural land, including ranches in various states. His diverse land holdings encompass both agricultural and recreational properties. Stan Kroenke owns approximately 1.7 million acres of land overall, although its unclear how much of land is farmland specifically.
Business-Related Goals for the Largest Farmland Owners
Wealthy individuals and entities, drawn by the potential long-term value and diversification benefits, often consider farmland as an attractive real estate investment opportunity. Some of the largest private landowners in the United States acquire and hold farmland to secure valuable assets that can be appreciated over time, making farmland investments a smart choice. However, the extensive ownership of farmland by such entities can lead to increased land prices, creating challenges for smaller or individual farmers who may struggle to acquire or expand their holdings in the face of rising costs.
In the realm of agricultural enterprises, companies like The Wonderful Company pursue a strategy of vertical integration, seeking complete control over the supply chain of their agricultural products. While this approach may present challenges for independent farmers, as it can limit their market access or bargaining power, it also creates opportunities for collaboration and partnerships. Through working together, independent farmers can potentially benefit from the resources and market presence of larger agricultural enterprises.
Some landowners, like the notable example of Ted Turner, hold vast tracts of land primarily for conservation purposes, biodiversity protection, and sustainable land management. While this stewardship has positive environmental impacts and contributes to the preservation of natural habitats, it may limit the availability of land for traditional farming practices. This can have implications for farmers who rely on agricultural activities as their livelihood, as it reduces the amount of land accessible for their operations.
Philanthropic foundations, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, may also invest in farmland as part of their broader mission to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. While these investments support important initiatives, they can also influence land markets and potentially displace smaller farmers who may struggle to compete with the financial resources of larger entities.
How to Find Farmland Owners in the U.S.
LandGate's LandApp tool contains ownership information for every U.S. parcel of land. For just $10 per month, users can search for land using an owner or organization name, revealing the exact location of their land.
