The bill gates farmland portfolio has expanded once again, as a company linked to Bill Gates purchased thousands of acres in southern Benton County, Washington.
According to county assessor records, Delaware-based 100C LLC acquired 8,080 acres of farmland for approximately $131.4 million. The deal, finalized in early May, includes 28 parcels of irrigated crop circles located north of the Columbia River between Paterson and Crow Butte, covering about 12.5 square miles.
Linked to Gates’ Investment Network
The purchasing entity, 100C LLC, is tied to Cottonwood Ag Management, which manages farmland assets for Gates. The transaction documents were signed by a senior executive from the firm, confirming its involvement.
Cottonwood operates under Cascade Asset Management, which oversees investments connected to the Gates Foundation Trust. While a spokesperson declined to comment on the latest purchase, the deal aligns with Gates’ long-term strategy of investing in U.S. farmland.
Expanding Presence in Benton County
This is not the first major investment by Gates-linked entities in the region. In 2018, 100C LLC acquired 14,500 acres in the same area for around $171 million, significantly increasing its agricultural holdings in eastern Washington.
Gates has also previously attempted to acquire additional farmland in Benton County. In 2021, he placed a bid on a 22,500-acre portfolio owned by Easterday Ranches and Farms. However, the land was ultimately purchased by Farmland Reserve Inc., affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
One of the Largest Farmland Owners
According to The Land Report, Gates is the largest private farmland owner in the United States, holding more than 250,000 acres across 17 states. His agricultural investments have been made through large-scale acquisitions, including deals with institutional investors such as the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
These investments collectively represent hundreds of millions of dollars, reflecting a strategic focus on high-quality, productive farmland.
Focus on Productivity and Resources
Gates has previously stated that his farmland investments are intended to improve agricultural productivity and create economic opportunities, rather than serve speculative purposes.
At the same time, corporations are increasingly investing in farmland across the western United States, often to secure valuable water rights. With ongoing drought conditions and declining snowpack levels, access to water has become a critical asset, adding another layer of value to agricultural land holdings.
The latest acquisition further strengthens Gates’ position in the U.S. farmland market and highlights the growing importance of land and water resources in long-term investment strategies.