What is Harry Stine’s Net Worth?
Harry Stine, the founder and owner of Stine Seed, has an estimated net worth of $9.7 billion. He is a prominent figure in the agricultural industry and one of the wealthiest individuals in the United States.
In the 1960s, Stine joined his father’s soybean cleaning business in Adel, Iowa. His keen interest in seed genetics led him to establish the first private soybean research and development company in the United States, Improved Variety Research (IVR), in the early 1970s. This venture laid the foundation for his future success. By the 1990s, Stine had struck lucrative licensing deals with major agribusiness corporations such as Syngenta and Monsanto, significantly boosting his fortune.
Despite his immense wealth, Harry Stine remains deeply connected to his roots. He continues to live in his hometown of Adel, Iowa, and maintains a modest lifestyle.
Known for his philanthropic efforts, Stine has donated to various institutions, including McPherson College and Drake University.
His contributions to the agricultural industry and his community have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame and recognition as one of the top CEOs in STEM by STEMconnector®.
Here’s the breakdown of Harry Stine’s net worth:
Name: | Harry Stine |
Net Worth: | $9.7 Billion |
Date of Birth: | 1942 |
Profession: | Businessperson |
If you’re curious about how we estimate a celebrity’s net worth, you can check out our methodology here.
Early Life
Harry Stine was born in 1941 or 1942 in Adel, Iowa, to Bill and Roselba Stine. He grew up on the family farm that would later become the foundation of Stine Seed Farm. Harry’s great-grandparents, William and Sarah Stine, had established a 160-acre farm in Adel after arriving from Pennsylvania in 1871.
Harry developed a love for farming at a very young age, driving a tractor and picking up straw bales as early as five years old.
Despite facing challenges with dyslexia and mild autism, Stine’s keen interest in seed genetics would later become the cornerstone of his success.
Career
Harry Stine’s career in agriculture began in 1964 when he joined his father’s soybean cleaning business. His fascination with seed genetics led him to establish Improved Variety Research (IVR) in the early 1970s, the first private soybean research and development company in the United States.
Stine’s innovative approach to soybean breeding and his ability to recognize the potential in licensing genetics to larger companies laid the foundation for his immense wealth.
By the 1990s, Stine had secured lucrative licensing deals with major agribusiness corporations like Syngenta and Monsanto.
Today, Stine Seed Company is the largest independent seed company in the U.S., with Stine’s genetics present in an estimated 60% of all soybeans grown in the country.
Politics
Although Harry Stine is a registered Republican, his political views don’t always align with the party’s mainstream positions. In 2019, Stine expressed interest in Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren’s wealth tax proposal, despite his status as a billionaire.
He has also shown support for more moderate Republican candidates in the past. During the 2016 presidential election cycle, Stine indicated he was leaning towards backing Mitt Romney over Chris Christie, citing concerns about the Bridgegate scandal’s impact on Christie’s chances.
Stine has also expressed disagreement with his party’s stance on social issues like gay marriage, citing his understanding of genetics as the basis for his more progressive views on such matters.
Personal Life
Harry Stine, now in his early 80s, continues to live a relatively modest lifestyle despite his immense wealth. He resides in the same area where he grew up, with his home located just a few hundred feet from his childhood house in Adel, Iowa. Stine is married and has four children, all of whom are involved in the family business to varying degrees.
Known for his passion for agriculture and innovation, Stine remains actively involved in his company’s operations and research efforts.
Outside of work, he enjoys activities such as playing table tennis and hunting for morel mushrooms.
Ashley Roberts is the founder of Real-Time Billionaires List. She founded this platform because she likes to know how much celebrities are actually making. She is always curious why these people can make much more money than the ordinary person.
With a Bachelor’s degree in finance, she is skilled at financial analysis and understands numbers related to wealth. Most of the articles on this site are edited by herself before publishing.
