Stan Kroenke has made waves in the sports and real estate worlds. He owns the Los Angeles Rams and, recently, became America’s largest private landowner. His land holdings stretch across 2.7 million acres—more than Yellowstone National Park.
In December, Kroenke purchased nearly 1 million acres of ranchland in New Mexico from the Singleton family, a deal worth noting as it is the biggest land sale in the U.S. in over ten years. This purchase not only boosted his land ownership ranking but also emphasized a trend: wealthy investors are turning to farmland as a safeguard against inflation and market fluctuations.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farmland values have risen by about 5.8% annually from 2019 to 2024. This growth attracts billionaires like Bill Gates, who owns 275,000 acres, primarily focused on crops like soybeans and corn for major brands. Other notable landowners include Jeff Bezos with 462,000 acres and Thomas Peterffy with 647,000 acres.
Interestingly, a lot of these top landowners are not public figures. The second-largest landowner, the Emmerson family, owns about 2.44 million acres through forestry, while the Singleton family still ranks on the list but at number 98 with 171,000 acres.
Kroenke’s strategy typically involves acquiring vast, historic ranches. For example, he bought the Waggoner Ranch in Texas in 2016 for $725 million. This was a significant shift, as it marked the end of a 160-year family legacy.
As farmland becomes increasingly attractive for investment, experts suggest it’s wise for these wealthy individuals to diversify their portfolios. The unique benefit of farmland is its potential for long-term appreciation, especially amid economic uncertainty.
In a world where ownership of vast tracts of land is increasingly concentrated, Kroenke’s story is both intriguing and reflective of broader economic trends. It’s more than just a real estate investment; it’s about adapting to shifting landscapes in agriculture, finance, and personal wealth.
Source link
Business,Suppress Zephr,Stan Kroenke,New Mexico,Ted Turner,Texas,Jeff Bezos,United States,Bill Gates,Teledyne Technologies Inc,McDonald's Corp,business news
