How Did Qin Yinglin Make His Money?

Qin Yinglin’s Profile Summary

Company	Muyuan Foodstuff Co., Ltd.
Position	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Source of wealth	Pig breeding and pork production
Also known as	World's richest farmer
Age	60
Education	Henan Agricultural University
Citizenship	China
Residence	Nanyang, China
Family	Spouse: Qian Ying; Children: 1
Website, Social Media	https://www.muyuanfoods.com/

Qin Yinglin’s biography

Qin Yinglin, born in 1965 in Hexi Village, Neixiang County, Henan Province, China, is a prominent figure in the agricultural sector, renowned for his significant contributions to pig farming. Raised in a modest farming family, Qin witnessed firsthand the challenges of livestock rearing when his father's attempt to raise pigs resulted in the loss of 19 out of 20 pigs. This experience motivated him to pursue studies in animal husbandry, leading to his enrollment at Henan Agricultural University in 1985, where he graduated with a degree in animal husbandry.

In 1992, leveraging his academic background and a modest initial investment, Qin and his wife, Qian Ying, began their venture into pig farming with just 22 pigs in their hometown. Through dedication and the application of scientific farming methods, their enterprise experienced rapid growth, expanding to 2,000 pigs by 1994 and reaching 10,000 by 1997. Recognizing the potential for further expansion, Qin established Muyuan Farming in 2000, which later evolved into Muyuan Foodstuff Co., Ltd. Under his leadership, the company has become one of China's largest pig breeders and pork producers, significantly contributing to the nation's pork industry.

Qin's innovative approach to large-scale pig farming, emphasizing biosecurity and vertical integration, has been instrumental in the company's success. Muyuan Foodstuff went public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2014, further accelerating its growth. As of 2023, the company reported revenues of approximately 110.9 billion yuan ($15.7 billion) and sold over 63 million pigs, underscoring its dominant position in the market.

Beyond his business endeavors, Qin is a member of the Communist Party and has held various academic and political positions, including part-time professor at Henan Agricultural University and delegate to the 13th National People's Congress. His philanthropic efforts are notable, with substantial donations to educational institutions such as Westlake University, supporting research and innovation in China.

How did Qin Yinglin make money?
Jonathan Gray's ascent in the business world is a testament to strategic acumen and a keen eye for investment opportunities. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992, he joined Blackstone Group, a leading global investment firm, where he began his career in the private equity division. Recognizing the potential in real estate, Gray transitioned to the firm's newly formed real estate group, a move that would define his professional trajectory.

In the mid-1990s, Gray played a pivotal role in Blackstone's entry into the real estate market, focusing on acquiring undervalued assets. His strategic foresight was evident during the early 2000s when he led the firm's investments in the hotel industry, notably the acquisition of Wyndham Hotels and later Hilton Worldwide. The Hilton deal, valued at $26 billion in 2007, was particularly significant; despite initial challenges, Gray's leadership steered Hilton through the financial crisis, culminating in a successful public offering in 2013.

Gray's investment strategy often involved identifying distressed assets with potential for turnaround. During the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, he led Blackstone's acquisition of numerous residential properties, capitalizing on the housing market downturn. This initiative resulted in the creation of Invitation Homes, which became one of the largest single-family rental home operators in the United States.

Under Gray's stewardship, Blackstone's real estate portfolio expanded exponentially, making it one of the largest real estate private equity firms globally. His success within the firm led to his appointment as President and Chief Operating Officer in 2018, positioning him as a key figure in Blackstone's overall strategic direction.

Gray's wealth is primarily derived from his substantial holdings in Blackstone. As of 2025, his net worth reflects the firm's growth and profitability, driven by successful investments across various real estate sectors, including hospitality, residential, and commercial properties. His business success is marked by a combination of strategic investment decisions, effective management, and an ability to navigate complex market dynamics.
What is Qin Yinglin net worth?

As of 2025, Qin Yinglin’s net worth is estimated to be $16.3 B.

What is Qin Yinglin also known as?

Qin Yinglin is often referred to as the "world's richest farmer" due to his substantial wealth amassed through large-scale pig farming in China, the world's largest pork market.

Prominent achievements of Qin Yinglin

Qin Yinglin transformed Muyuan Foodstuff from a small pig farm into one of the largest pork producers in the world. His company has set benchmarks in biosecurity and large-scale farming efficiency, contributing significantly to China’s food supply. He is recognized as the "world’s richest farmer," highlighting the financial success and influence of his agricultural innovations.

What are Qin Yinglin’s key insights?

Qin Yinglin's business philosophy focuses on efficiency, innovation, and sustainability in agriculture. He emphasizes the importance of vertical integration to control the entire supply chain, ensuring high standards of biosecurity and quality control. His approach revolutionized pig farming in China, making Muyuan one of the most profitable and sustainable pork producers globally.

Qin Yinglin’s personal life

Qin Yinglin is married to Qian Ying, who has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of Muyuan Foodstuff. The couple began their pig farming venture together in 1992 with 22 pigs. Qian Ying currently serves on the company's board, contributing to strategic decisions. They have one child, Qin Muyuan, who holds a vice-president position at Muyuan Group, indicating the family's active involvement in the business.