Who Is The Richest Person In Iowa

Alright, let’s talk about Iowa. You know, the place with more corn than people, the Iowa State Fair, and that one guy who’s so rich he could probably buy a cornfield the size of Rhode Island. So, who is the richest person in the Hawkeye State? Buckle up, because it’s not a farmer selling pickles at the fair—it’s a finance guy from Omaha.

The Big Cheese: Harry Stine

The current title-holder is Harry Stine, a name that sounds like it belongs to a friendly bartender, not a billionaire. He’s worth about $6.4 billion (give or take a few million, but who’s counting?). That’s enough cash to buy every pork tenderloin sandwich in the state—and still have change for a deep-fried Snickers.

Harry isn’t just rich; he’s the reclusive kind of rich. He rarely gives interviews, which makes you wonder if he’s secretly building a Batcave under a grain silo. His company, Stine Seed, is based in Adel, Iowa, and it’s a global powerhouse in agricultural genetics. Yes, he’s literally growing his fortune.

How He Made His Dough (Not the Cookie Kind)

Harry didn’t strike oil or invent a new app. He focused on soybeans and corn—the backbone of Iowa’s economy. His company develops high-yield seeds that farmers love. Think of him as the Beyoncé of agriculture, but with less glitter and more dirt under the fingernails.

He also owns a huge chunk of shares in Bayer, the pharmaceutical and crop science giant. So if you’ve ever used a Band-Aid or eaten a genetically modified taco, you’ve probably helped Harry buy a new tractor. You’re welcome, Harry.

But Wait—Isn’t He From Nebraska?

Funny you ask! Harry Stine lives in Adel, Iowa, but his office is just across the border in Omaha, Nebraska. That’s like being the king of Wisconsin while living in Minnesota—totally allowed, but a little sneaky. Still, Forbes and the Iowa business nerds count him as Iowa’s richest because his primary residence is in Adel. So, take that, Nebraska!

Forbes 400 list has just one Iowa. How much is Harry Stine worth?

He’s so private that Wikipedia barely has a page on him. I’m half-convinced he’s using his billions to hire a team of ninjas to delete his digital footprint. If you see a man in overalls buying a 12-pack of Mountain Dew at a Casey’s, that might be Harry. Or maybe it’s just a farmer—no one knows.

The Other Rich Iowans (Because We Love a List)

If Harry Stine is the top earner, who’s chasing him? The second richest is Dennis Albaugh, a chemical and farming magnate who founded Albaugh Inc. in Ankeny. He’s worth about $3.6 billion. I picture him and Harry having a silent bazooka fight made of cash bales.

Then there’s John Menard Jr. (of Menards fame), but he actually lives in Wisconsin. Sorry, Iowa—you can’t claim him even though his parking lots are everywhere. Also in the mix is Gary Tharaldson, a hotel mogul worth $2.7 billion, who originally made his money building Hampton Inns. Ever stayed in one? You’ve indirectly funded his yacht. You’re welcome, Gary.

Iowa’s Latest Billionaire Made Their Fortune on the Farm

What Does a Billionaire Do in Iowa?

You might think Iowa billionaires zip around in custom Maseratis with corn-emblazoned hood ornaments. But nope—Harry Stine is known for driving a pickup truck and wearing Carhartt jackets. I bet he still goes to the county fair, buys a funnel cake, and says, “That’ll do, pig.”

He also owns a massive ranch in Montana, because of course he does. But his heart—and his tax bill—stays in Iowa. It’s actually kind of charming. He’s like the Willy Wonka of soybeans, minus the Oompa Loompas.

The Iowa Paradox: Cornfields and Cash

Here’s what’s wild: Iowa has over 30 billionaires per capita? No, wait, that’s Nebraska. Actually, Iowa has 5 billionaires total, which is still impressive for a state known for tornadoes and the word “ope.” The richest folks here don’t flash their cash—they just quietly buy another grain elevator.

Seeds of Success: Meet Iowa's wealthiest man

If you visit Des Moines, you won’t spot a Gucci store next to the corn dog stand. But you will see a ton of Cargill trucks and seed research labs. The money is in the dirt, baby. Literally.

So, What’s the Secret to Getting Rich in Iowa?

Step one: Move to Iowa. Step two: Invent a better soybean. Step three: Sell it to the world. Step four: Don’t tell anyone you’re rich. That’s the Stine method.

If you’re not into agriculture, you could try building hotels (like Tharaldson) or buying land (like Albaugh). But honestly? Harry Stine’s path is simpler: Find a problem that grows in a field, solve it with science, and then watch the zeros pile up.

10 Richest People in Iowa

The Uplifting Conclusion (You Made It!)

So, who is the richest person in Iowa? A bean-breeding genius in a pickup truck. And that’s a beautiful thing. It means you don’t need a Silicon Valley startup or a golden toilet to be a billionaire—you just need a passion for seeds and a bit of luck with the weather.

Next time you pass a field of soybeans, give a little wave. You might be nodding to Harry’s legacy. Or a scarecrow. Either way, smile, because Iowa’s wealth is grown, not stolen—and it’s powering your dinner, your feed, and maybe even your dream of owning a cornfield. Now go buy a pork tenderloin and toast to the quiet king of cash crops. You’ve earned it.

— Your friendly, slightly envious humor writer