Some of the links on this site are affiliate links.
With its rich soil, plenty of sunlight and rain, Iowa is known as a state that’s perfect for sprawling farms.
Iowa has some of the healthiest and most productive soil in the world.
In fact, over 90 percent of Iowa’s total land is used for agriculture.
Top Iowa agricultural products, which are produced on more than 30 million acres of farmland, include corn, soybeans, dried peas, hogs, and eggs.
Red meat is a leading product, too, and 6.6 billion pounds of red meat was manufactured in one recent year.
Iowa is the 2nd largest exporter of agricultural products, shipping $17 billion in agricultural products in 2018. Iowa is ranked as the largest exporter of corn, feeds, and processed grains.
Because of its highly valued farmland, large farming operations such as Amana Farms and Dandyland make Iowa their home.
Iowa’s Largest Landowners
Here are the largest landowners in the State of Iowa.
Top Landowners In Iowa
| Landowners | Total Acres |
|---|---|
| 1. The Holding Family | 400,000 |
| 2. Emmert Grain Company | 139,000 |
| 3. The Federal Government | 126,000 |
| 4. Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation | 100,000 |
| 5. The Nature Conservancy | 56,000 |
| 6. Wells Fargo | 50,000 |
| 7. Rastetter Land | 40,000 |
| 8. Iowa State University | 35,000 |
| 9. Dean Foods | 34,000 |
| 10. JBS USA | 30,000 |
1. The Holding Family
The Holding Family is the most prominent landowner in Iowa, owning 400,000 acres of land.
2. Emmert Grain Company
Emmert Grain Company, specializing in farming and grain production, owns over 130,000 acres of land and is the 2nd largest landowner in Iowa, implementing sustainable agriculture practices.
3. The Federal Government
The Federal Government manages 122,603 acres of land in Iowa, including the notable Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.
Start Buying Farmland Today!
| Platform | Minimum | Link | Accredited Only | Investments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $8,000+ | View Investments | Yes | US Farmland, Timberland, Vineyards |
 | $15,000+ | View Investments | Yes | US Farmland |
4. Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to preserving the state's natural resources, owns over 100,000 acres of land.
5. The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy, a global organization that aims to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends, owns over 56,000 acres of land in Iowa.
6. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo, a financial services giant, owns over 50,000 acres of land in Iowa, investing in farmland, forestry, and recreational properties.
7. Rastetter Land
Rastetter Land, a family-owned business that prioritizes sustainable agriculture practices, operates several farms throughout Iowa and owns over 40,000 acres of land.
8. Iowa State University
Iowa State University owns over 35,000 acres of land, which it uses for research and education, including farming and forestry.
9. Dean Foods
Dean Foods, a food and beverage company, owns over 34,000 acres of land in Iowa, investing in farmland and dairy farms.
10. JBS USA
JBS USA, a global food company, owns over 30,000 acres of land in Iowa, operating several beef processing plants in the state and investing in farmland for feed production.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, non-profit organizations and multinational corporations play a significant role in Iowa's economy and environmental preservation efforts as the largest landowners in Iowa.
They invest in sustainable agriculture practices and conservation initiatives to preserve the state's natural resources for future generations.