Silent Stan Kroenke Overtakes Bill Gates as America's Largest Private Landowner

Silent Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams and a major Walmart shareholder, has surpassed Bill Gates as the largest private landowner in the U.S. Kroenke’s vast portfolio of farmland now exceeds 250,000 acres, giving him more control over this key asset class than the Microsoft co-founder. According to Yahoo Finance

Kroenke’s rise to the top of the U.S. landownership rankings reflects a broader trend. Farmland has become a $4.3 trillion asset class as investors seek diversification and inflation protection. The appeal of farmland lies in its physical nature and the fact that it is a finite resource. As Fortune reports

Landlords like Kroenke lease their farmland to operators, generating consistent rental income while benefiting from long-term appreciation. This model is particularly attractive to investors who want exposure to agriculture without direct operational involvement. According to Yahoo Finance

Why Did This Happen?

The 2008 financial crisis spurred interest in alternative investments, and farmland has remained a popular choice. Investors view farmland as a hedge against inflation and market volatility, much like gold or real estate. Its value tends to rise in line with inflation, making it an attractive option during periods of economic uncertainty. As Fortune notes

A growing global population and rising demand for food have further fueled interest in farmland. According to Steve Bruere of Peoples Company, farmland is seen as a long-term investment because arable land is becoming scarcer. According to Fortune

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are monitoring farmland rental prices and land values for signs of continued demand. Average rent for U.S. cropland increased to $161 per acre in 2025, a modest rise of 0.6% year-over-year. While land values have surged to record levels, rental income remains relatively stable. As Fortune reports

Investors are also watching for shifts in agricultural policy and trade dynamics. Tariff restrictions and trade disputes have impacted U.S. farmers’ access to key markets, potentially influencing land values. The federal government has allocated $12 billion in aid to help farmers affected by trade disruptions. According to Yahoo Finance

The growing popularity of farmland as an investment has led to increased competition among institutional buyers. High-quality properties with strong tenant bases and healthy rents continue to command top prices, while lower-quality farms struggle to attract buyers. As PR Newswire reports

What Does This Mean for Investors?

The trend toward farmland ownership highlights the importance of geographic diversification and property quality. Investors should focus on regions with strong agricultural fundamentals and stable tenant relationships. Southeastern and central regions of the U.S. have shown resilience, with land values remaining strong in high-quality properties. According to PR Newswire

Public companies like Farmland Partners Inc. (FPI) are also benefiting from the growing interest in farmland. The company recently declared a $0.06 quarterly dividend, reflecting its strong performance. Management anticipates flat row crop rent renewals for 2026 but remains optimistic about long-term growth. As Investing.com reports

Private real estate developers are also expanding into farmland. Diversified Properties, for example, has joined the Orange County Partnership to support regional growth. The firm brings over $500 million in development projects and aims to foster economic development through strategic partnerships. According to Morningstar

While farmland offers attractive long-term prospects, investors should remain cautious about short-term volatility. Commodity prices, interest rates, and weather patterns can all impact returns. A well-diversified portfolio that includes farmland can help mitigate these risks while capturing growth potential. As PR Newswire reports

The shift to farmland aligns with broader trends in alternative asset classes. Investors seeking to hedge against market uncertainty are increasingly allocating capital to assets like farmland, private credit, and real estate. This trend is expected to continue as global economic conditions remain unpredictable. As Fortune notes

Conclusion

Silent Stan Kroenke’s rise to the top of U.S. landownership reflects the growing appeal of farmland as an investment. With strong demand and limited supply, farmland offers a unique combination of income and appreciation potential. Investors should carefully evaluate market conditions and property fundamentals to capitalize on this opportunity. According to Fortune