The Potatoes for McDonald’s fries are grown on Bill Gates’ farmland
Have you ever chomped on a McDonald’s fry and wondered where those golden sticks of deliciousness come from? Brace yourselves because here’s a plot twist: some of those spuds are grown by none other than Bill Gates! Yes, the tech guru himself is behind some of the iconic fries you know and love. Intrigued yet? Let’s dig into this juicy nugget of information.
The Potato Mogul: From Spuds to McDonald’s Fries
Bill Gates is a name synonymous with tech innovation and philanthropy. But did you know he’s also the biggest private farmland owner in the United States? With a staggering 269,000 acres spread across 18 states, the man’s agricultural empire would make anyone green with envy. Now, before you start picturing Bill in overalls and a straw hat, let’s get to the crispy details on how he’s connected to McDonald’s fries.
A large chunk of Gates’ farmland is dedicated to potato farming. In fact, some of his potato fields are so large that astronauts could probably spot them from space. Despite his focus on various climate-related initiatives, these massive patches of potatoes are pure moneymakers, not environmental projects. Even Gates himself admitted in a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) that the farming venture is an investment, not a green initiative.
Farming on a Grand Scale
When we say Bill Gates’ farmland holdings are colossal, we mean it. Picture this: 70,000 acres in Louisiana growing soybeans, corn, cotton, and rice. Over in Nebraska, he’s got another 20,000 acres producing soybeans. But the pièce de résistance is in Washington State, where he owns 14,000 acres dedicated mainly to—you guessed it—potatoes. And these aren’t just any potatoes; they’re the kind that end up in your McDonald’s fries, making Gates an indirect enabler of our fast-food indulgences.
Now, if you think Bill Gates is chowing down on Big Macs like the rest of us, think again. He’s actually partial to Burgermaster, a small Washington-based chain. Nevertheless, his foray into potato farming adds a whole new layer to his already diverse investment portfolio.
Which Gates Gets the McDonald’s Fries?
As Bill and Melinda Gates navigate their high-profile divorce and divide their assets, those vast farmlands are definitely a hot topic. Being the fourth-richest person on the planet, Bill’s properties, including his agricultural holdings, have broad implications. And it’s not just about who gets what in the divorce; it’s also about the future of American farmland.
About 40% of American farmland is owned by individuals aged 65 or older, hinting at a significant turnover in the coming years. For young farmers looking to get a foothold, this creates a tough landscape. Competing with deep-pocketed investors like Bill Gates drives up land prices, making it harder for the next generation of farmers to break in.
But let’s not single out Gates. Even financial giants like Prudential and Hancock have their own farmland investment divisions. Why? Because farmland is seen as a countercyclical asset—steady and reliable, even when the economy takes a nosedive.
Conclusion
The connection between Bill Gates and your McDonald’s fries is just one more example of how multifaceted his investments are. Whether navigating the bumps of a high-stakes divorce or steering an empire of agricultural endeavors, Gates continues to capture our attention. So the next time you munch on those crispy fries, remember there’s a little bit of Bill Gates in every bite. Food for thought, huh?
