Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates owns approximately 266,000 acres of farmland across the United States, representing one of every 4,000 acres in the country. His strategic investments in agricultural land reflect a growing trend among high-net-worth individuals toward tangible, long-term assets with inflation-resistant potential.
- Bill Gates owns roughly 266,000 acres of U.S. farmland, equivalent to 1 in every 4,000 acres nationally.
- His holdings are primarily in corn- and soybean-producing regions across the Midwest and Great Plains.
- Farmland prices in the U.S. exceeded $6,000 per acre on average in 2025.
- Farmland investment volumes rose 12% year-over-year in 2024, reflecting growing institutional interest.
- Investments in precision agriculture and climate-resilient crops are central to Gates' agri-strategy.
- Farmland's low correlation to equities enhances its appeal as a diversification tool in investment portfolios.
Bill Gates has emerged as one of the largest private farmland owners in the U.S., holding roughly 266,000 acres across multiple states, according to public land records and investment disclosures. This equates to approximately 1 acre of farmland for every 4,000 acres in the nation, underscoring his substantial footprint in the agricultural sector. His holdings are primarily concentrated in key crop-producing regions including the Midwest and the Great Plains, where corn and soybean yields are critical to national and global supply chains. The investment strategy aligns with Gates’ broader focus on sustainable agriculture and food systems. Through his private investment vehicle, he has emphasized long-term land stewardship, precision farming technologies, and climate-resilient crop varieties. These initiatives aim not only to generate returns but also to enhance food security and reduce environmental impact, demonstrating a convergence of philanthropy and capital deployment. Farmland values have risen steadily over the past decade, with U.S. average prices exceeding $6,000 per acre in 2025. Gates’ portfolio, valued in the billions, benefits from this trend, especially in high-productivity zones. The increasing demand for agricultural assets from institutional investors and wealthy individuals has contributed to a 12% year-over-year rise in farmland transaction volumes in 2024, according to industry benchmarks. The move influences broader markets, particularly agribusiness stocks such as CORN, SOY, and AGRI, which may see indirect support from rising land values and increased capital allocation to farming infrastructure. Real estate investors are also taking note, with farmland now recognized as a distinct asset class with low correlation to traditional equities and fixed income.