#USA #Des Moines #Land Report #Stan Kroenke #Landowners

Stan Kroenke Crowned America's Largest Landowner

The latest report from The Land Report reveals that Stan Kroenke has secured his position as the largest landowner in the United States, boasting an impressive total of more than 2.7 million acres. This remarkable achievement follows his acquisition of nearly 1 million acres in New Mexico from the heirs of Dr. Henry Singleton in December 2025. The acquisition has not only expanded his considerable landholdings but also propelled his ranching enterprise, Kroenke Ranches, from fourth place to the top of the 2026 Land Report rankings.

Kroenke's rise to the number one spot has overshadowed several prominent figures in the landownership landscape. In second place is California's Emmerson Family, owners of 2.44 million acres, followed closely by Liberty Media’s John Malone at 2.2 million acres, and CNN founder Ted Turner with 2 million acres. The Land Report's annual ranking serves as a crucial indicator of significant landholdings across the nation, marking a key resource in understanding landownership trends.

The report's unveiling took place at the annual Land Investment Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, where Eric O'Keefe, the magazine’s editor, presented the findings to an audience keenly interested in real estate and land investments. Stan Kroenke's acquisition comes at a time when interest in land investment is surging, attributed to various factors including the increasing value of agricultural land and changes in land use policies that have made expansive holdings more desirable.

Beyond Kroenke and his fellow land moguls, the rankings also highlight other notable figures such as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who ranks 21st with 462,000 acres, and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates at 44th with 275,000 acres. The list further includes Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone, who ranks at 49th with ownership of Texas's historic Four Sixes Ranch. These listings showcase a diverse spectrum of individuals involved in land investment, from entertainment moguls to tech giants.

The Land Report has established itself as a respected voice in the realm of landownership since its inception in 2007. It has been widely recognized for its in-depth analysis and coverage of land-related issues, making the Land Report 100 a trusted reference for interested parties ranging from real estate professionals to potential investors. Media outlets such as Bloomberg, Forbes, and Fortune regularly reference the report to provide insights into the shifting landscape of private land ownership in America.

In an era where land is increasingly viewed not just as property but as a vital resource with significant economic implications, the findings of The Land Report serve to highlight ongoing trends and shifts in ownership patterns. Kroenke’s success reflects not only personal ambition but also the broader movement towards substantial land investments as a form of wealth accumulation.

As the interest in land ownership continues to evolve, it's evident that the landscape will keep changing. With Kroenke setting the standard for landownership in 2026, it remains to be seen how other investors might respond in this competitive market. As environmental concerns and agricultural practices evolve, the ongoing valuation of land will play a pivotal role in shaping investment strategies moving forward. For now, Stan Kroenke stands tall as the foremost landowner in America, with a landscape of possibilities ahead as land continues to be a key focus area for investment and development.