Top 20 Biggest Farmland Owners in the World
Table of Contents
Here are the top 20 biggest farmland owners in the world, based on available data regarding land ownership:
1. Mudanjiang City Mega Farm (22,239,000 acres, China)
Mudanjiang City Mega Farm is the world’s largest farm, specializing in dairy production. Located in China, this vast agricultural operation is dedicated to meeting the growing demand for milk and dairy products, primarily for the Chinese market. The farm’s massive size allows for highly efficient operations, including the breeding of dairy cattle and the production of milk, yogurt, and other dairy products on an industrial scale. The farm plays a key role in the Chinese agricultural sector, supporting both domestic consumption and export needs.
Location: China
2. Gina Rinehart (23,969,000 acres, Australia & USA)
Gina Rinehart, Australia’s wealthiest individual, controls vast agricultural and cattle properties across both Australia and the USA. Her agricultural holdings are part of her broader business empire, which also includes mining operations. Rinehart’s properties are heavily focused on beef production, where she oversees large-scale cattle ranches that supply premium beef products. These extensive holdings contribute significantly to both Australian and global beef markets.
Location: Australia & USA
3. Inuvialuit People (22,486,000 acres, Canada)
The Inuvialuit People manage over 22 million acres of land in Canada under the Inuvialuit Final Agreement. This land is vital for maintaining traditional Inuvialuit lifestyles and practices, including hunting, fishing, and gathering. It also plays a crucial role in sustainable development initiatives and resource management. The Inuvialuit people use their land to support a blend of cultural preservation and modern agricultural and economic activities, ensuring a sustainable relationship with the land for future generations.
Location: Canada
4. Australian Agricultural Company (17,297,000 acres, Australia)
The Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) is one of the oldest and largest agricultural enterprises in Australia, specializing in cattle ranching. AACo owns and operates millions of acres of farmland, where it raises cattle for the production of high-quality beef.
The company is a key player in both domestic and international beef markets and is also known for implementing innovative and sustainable farming practices, including the use of advanced breeding techniques and land management strategies.
Location: Australia
5. North Australian Pastoral Company (14,826,000 acres, Australia)
The North Australian Pastoral Company (NAPCo) is one of Australia’s largest cattle producers, managing over 14 million acres of land across the northern regions of the country. The company operates vast cattle stations, raising beef cattle for domestic and international markets. NAPCo is a major contributor to Australia’s beef industry, known for its high-quality products and its commitment to sustainable land management practices.
Location: Australia
6. Jumbuck Pastoral Company (14,208,000 acres, Australia)
Jumbuck Pastoral Company is a prominent family-owned business in Australia, operating some of the largest sheep stations in the country. With a strong focus on wool production, Jumbuck manages vast acreages dedicated to the breeding of sheep and the production of high-quality wool. The company is a key player in Australia’s wool industry, which is one of the largest in the world. Jumbuck also engages in livestock farming and beef production across its properties.
Location: Australia
7. Handbury Group (13,047,000 acres, Australia)
The Handbury Group owns extensive agricultural land in Australia and has a significant presence in the country’s agricultural sector. The group focuses on sustainable farming practices and invests in innovative agricultural technologies. Handbury’s operations include cattle ranching and the management of large-scale farming properties across the country, contributing to Australia’s beef and agricultural production.
Location: Australia
8. Williams Family (11,119,000 acres, Australia)
The Williams family is the owner of Anna Creek Station, the world’s largest working cattle station. Spanning over 11 million acres, the property is a key player in Australia’s cattle industry, producing beef for both domestic consumption and export markets. The Williams family is known for their leadership in the Australian beef industry, with a strong emphasis on high-quality beef production and sustainable land management practices.
Location: Australia
9. Paraway Pastoral Company (10,872,000 acres, Australia)
Paraway Pastoral Company operates numerous cattle and sheep stations across Australia, with a focus on the production of both meat and wool products. The company owns extensive properties that contribute to Australia’s status as a global leader in beef and wool production. Paraway Pastoral is committed to sustainability, using advanced agricultural techniques to improve productivity and environmental impact across its landholdings.
Location: Australia
10. Consolidated Pastoral Company (8,895,000 acres, Australia & Indonesia)
Consolidated Pastoral Company (CPC) operates large-scale cattle operations across Australia and Indonesia, specializing in beef production. The company is a major exporter of beef products, particularly to Asian markets. CPC focuses on sustainable cattle ranching, with an emphasis on environmental stewardship and animal welfare. It owns and manages vast acreages of land dedicated to cattle farming and beef production.
Location: Australia & Indonesia
11. McDonald Family (8,302,000 acres, Australia)
The McDonald family operates extensive cattle ranches across Australia, managing millions of acres dedicated to beef production. The family’s landholdings play a crucial role in supplying both domestic and international markets with high-quality beef products. With deep roots in the agricultural sector, the McDonald family has been instrumental in the development of large-scale cattle farming operations throughout Australia.
Location: Australia
12. Hughes Family (7,660,000 acres, Australia)
The Hughes family is known for owning and managing one of Australia’s largest privately held Wagyu beef herds, with extensive cattle properties across the country. Their operations focus on producing high-quality Wagyu beef, which is in high demand globally. The Hughes family’s commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices has made them leaders in the Australian beef industry.
Location: Australia
13. Crown Point Pastoral Company (7,500,000 acres, Australia)
Crown Point Pastoral Company, a joint venture between two prominent Australian families, manages large-scale cattle operations, focusing on beef production. The company’s vast landholdings are essential to Australia’s cattle industry, contributing to both domestic markets and exports. Crown Point is known for its high-quality beef production and commitment to sustainability and animal welfare.
Location: Australia
14. Brook Family (7,413,000 acres, Australia)
The Brook family operates extensive agricultural properties in southern Queensland and South Australia, with a focus on organic farming practices. Their operations include cattle farming and a strong emphasis on sustainable agriculture, including regenerative farming techniques. The Brook family’s commitment to organic and environmentally friendly farming has helped them gain recognition in Australia’s agricultural community.
Location: Australia
15. Heytesbury Cattle Company (6,671,000 acres, Australia)
The Heytesbury Cattle Company, managed by the Holmes à Court family, operates some of Australia’s most extensive cattle stations, producing premium beef for both domestic and international markets. The company is known for its focus on high-quality beef and sustainable land management practices.
Location: Australia
16. Svenska Cellulosa AB (6,400,000 acres, Sweden & Baltic States)
Svenska Cellulosa AB (SCA) is Europe’s largest private forest owner, with significant landholdings in Sweden and the Baltic States. While the company primarily focuses on timber production and forest management, it also owns vast agricultural land used for sustainable farming practices. SCA’s forestry operations are a key part of the global supply chain for paper and wood products, but the company is also involved in land stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices.
Location: Sweden & Baltic States
17. Brett Blundy (5,930,000 acres, Australia)
Brett Blundy, a prominent Australian businessman, owns extensive cattle properties across the country. His holdings are focused on cattle farming, contributing significantly to the Australian beef industry. Blundy is known for his innovative approaches to agriculture and his investments in large-scale, sustainable farming operations.
Location: Australia
18. Mutooroo Pastoral Company (5,189,000 acres, Australia)
The Mutooroo Pastoral Company, owned by the Morgan and Wells families, manages several cattle properties in South Australia. The company is known for producing high-quality beef and has a strong presence in the Australian agricultural industry.
Location: Australia
19. Hewitt Family (5,065,000 acres, Australia)
The Hewitt family owns vast agricultural land in Queensland and New South Wales, with operations focused on cattle farming and crop production. Their holdings are integral to Australia’s agricultural sector, providing both beef and agricultural products to local and global markets.
Location: Australia
20. Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest (4,779,000 acres, Australia)
Andrew Forrest, known for his mining ventures, also owns substantial cattle farms in Australia. His investments focus on sustainable agriculture, with an emphasis on eco-friendly farming practices. Forrest’s properties contribute to the Australian beef industry while also supporting his broader environmental and sustainability goals.
Location: Australia
These landowners and organizations play pivotal roles in global food production, livestock management, and sustainable agriculture, shaping the future of farming worldwide.
