Ranching has been a symbol of wealth and independence and was one of the first businesses to make billionaires what they are today. Some of the wealthiest individuals on the planet own large amounts of land for livestock, conservation, and agriculture.
Rich Ranchers
From U.S. billionaires to Australian tycoons, these individuals have combined traditional ranching with modern enterprises, making them some of the wealthiest people. Here’s a closer look at the top ranchers.
John Malone
John Malone, a telecommunications tycoon, is America’s largest private landowner. He owns over 2.2 million acres, including ranches in Colorado and New Mexico. Malone uses his land for conservation and cattle grazing, promoting sustainable practices.
Ted Turner
Media mogul Ted Turner owns 2 million acres across a few states, including Montana, Nebraska, and New Mexico. His properties host over 50,000 bison, a species he’s helped conserve through ranching.
The Irving Family
Based in Canada, the Irving family manages 1.25 million acres in Maine and the Canadian Maritimes. Their operations focus on forestry, agriculture, and ranching. The family’s sustainable forestry techniques have helped maintain their lands for generations.
The Reed Family
Owning over 2.1 million acres across the southern U.S., the Reed family primarily manages timberlands but also utilizes some of their properties for agriculture and ranching. They are one of America’s largest private landholders, focusing on sustainable land management.
The Singleton Family
The Singleton Ranches, spanning 1 million acres in New Mexico and California, specialize in cattle ranching and horse breeding. The family’s operations are among the largest in the U.S.
Gina Rinehart
Australian mining magnate Gina Rinehart owns vast cattle stations, making her one of the largest landowners in Australia. Her holdings span millions of acres, with her cattle operations supplying meat worldwide.
The Wilks Brothers
Farris and Dan Wilks made their fortune in fracking and owned over 700,000 acres of ranchland in Texas and Montana. They focus on cattle ranching and have become key players in the U.S. ranching industry, emphasizing land conservation and expansion.
Rupert Murdoch
Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch owns several ranches across the U.S. and Australia, including California’s Moraga Estate, which doubles as a vineyard.
The King Ranch
Located in Texas, the 825,000-acre King Ranch is one of the largest and most historic ranching operations globally. Owned by the Kleberg family, the ranch is a leader in cattle breeding, farming, and wildlife management.
The Ford Family
The Ford family, known for their extensive landholdings in Texas and Oklahoma, operates some of the region’s largest ranches. Their properties focus on cattle and horse breeding.
The Koch Brothers
Charles and the late David Koch, known for their industrial empire, also own significant ranchlands in the Midwest and Western U.S. Their holdings support cattle operations, showcasing their interest in diversifying their vast business portfolio.
Stan Kroenke
Stan Kroenke, an American billionaire and owner of major sports franchises, is also a significant landholder. He owns 1.4 million acres, including ranches in Montana, Texas, and Wyoming. His most notable property, the Broken O Ranch in Montana, spans over 124,000 acres and is one of the most productive ranches in the U.S., focusing on cattle and alfalfa production.
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