How Did Harry Stine Make His Money?

Harry Stine’s Profile Summary

Company	Stine Seed Company
Position	Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Source of wealth	Agricultural seed genetics and licensing
Also known as	Harry Stine
Age	84
Education	McPherson College
Citizenship	USA
Residence	Adel, Iowa, USA
Family	Married with four children
Website, Social Media	https://www.stineseed.com

Harry Stine’s biography

Harry H. Stine, born in 1941/1942 in Dallas County, Iowa, is an American billionaire businessman renowned for his contributions to agricultural seed genetics. Raised on his family's farm, he developed an early interest in agriculture, driving a tractor by the age of five. After graduating from Central Dallas High School, he attended McPherson College in Kansas, earning a degree that would support his future endeavors in agribusiness.
In 1964, Stine joined his father's soybean cleaning business in Adel, Iowa. His curiosity and innovative spirit led him to discover unique soybean plants in a field, sparking his interest in soybean breeding. This pivotal moment propelled him to establish Stine Seed Company, focusing on the development of high-yield soybean and corn seeds.
Under his leadership, Stine Seed Company has become the world's largest private seed company and the largest independent seed company in the United States. Stine's groundbreaking work in seed genetics, particularly in licensing soybean and corn genetics to multinational corporations like Monsanto and Syngenta, has significantly advanced agricultural productivity globally.
Despite his immense wealth, estimated at $10.2 billion as of January 11, 2025, Stine remains deeply connected to his roots, residing in Adel, Iowa. He is known for his modest lifestyle and continues to be actively involved in the daily operations of his company. Beyond his business ventures, Stine is a philanthropist, contributing to various educational institutions and community projects within Iowa.

How did Harry Stine make money?
Harry Stine's journey to becoming a billionaire is a testament to innovation and strategic foresight in the agricultural sector. His venture began in 1964 when he joined his father's soybean cleaning business in Adel, Iowa. During this period, Stine's discovery of unique soybean plants ignited his interest in plant breeding, leading him to focus on developing higher-yield soybean varieties.

In the mid-1960s, while many seed companies concentrated on corn, Stine took a calculated risk by investing in soybean research. Operating initially from his family's basement, he conducted soybean crosses and packaged products, laying the foundation for what would become Stine Seed Company.

Stine's innovative breeding techniques resulted in the development of superior soybean and corn genetics. Recognizing the potential of his creations, he began licensing these genetics to major agribusiness corporations, including Monsanto and Syngenta. These licensing agreements proved highly lucrative, forming the backbone of his financial empire.

Under his leadership, Stine Seed Company has grown into the world's largest private seed company and the largest independent seed company in the United States. The company's success is attributed to its prolific, high-yielding corn and soybean breeding programs, which have significantly enhanced agricultural productivity.

As of January 11, 2025, Harry Stine's net worth is estimated at $10.2 billion, making him the richest person in Iowa and placing him among the wealthiest individuals globally. His fortune is primarily derived from the success of Stine Seed Company and the strategic licensing of his proprietary seed genetics.
What is Harry Stine net worth?

As of 2025, Harry Stine’s net worth is estimated to be $10.2 B.

What is Harry Stine also known as?

Harry H. Stine is commonly known as Harry Stine, an American billionaire businessman and founder of Stine Seed Company, renowned for his innovations in agricultural seed genetics.

Prominent achievements of Harry Stine

Harry Stine founded Stine Seed Company, which has become the world's largest private seed company. He revolutionized agricultural seed genetics by developing and licensing high-yield soybean and corn varieties, significantly impacting global agriculture.

What are Harry Stine’s key insights?

Harry Stine emphasizes innovation, research, and development in agriculture, focusing on creating high-yield crop varieties to enhance productivity. He values humility and maintains a strong connection to his farming roots, despite his substantial wealth.

Harry Stine’s personal life

Harry Stine is married to his wife, Molly, and together they have four children. The family resides in Adel, Iowa, maintaining a close-knit and private family life.