Howard Buffett, the son of the legendary investor Warren Buffett, may not be as well-known as his father, but he has carved out a unique path for himself. A passionate philanthropist, successful businessman, and humble farmer, Howard has dedicated his life to various causes and has made a significant impact on people’s lives. We will explore the early life of Howard Buffett, his net worth, and the various ways he has made a difference in the world.
Net Worth: $400 Million
Date of Birth: Dec 16, 1954
Place of Birth: Omaha, Nebraska
Gender: Male
Profession: Businessman, Author
Howard Buffett Early Life
Born on December 16, 1954, Howard Graham Buffett is the middle child of Warren Buffett and Susan Thompson Buffett. Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Howard was raised alongside his two siblings, Susie and Peter. Despite his father’s immense wealth, the family led a relatively modest life, emphasizing the importance of humility, hard work, and generosity.
As a child, Howard was a true outdoorsman, captivated by nature and the agricultural world. He was often found exploring the woods and fields surrounding his home, fostering a deep appreciation for the environment. This passion ultimately led him to pursue a degree in Agriculture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After completing his education, Howard began his career in the agricultural sector, working for a large food processing company and later managing a farm of his own.
Howard’s interest in agriculture eventually led him to his true calling – using his knowledge and resources to make a positive impact on food security, conservation, and sustainable agriculture.
Howard Buffett Personal Life
Howard Buffett leads a relatively private life, focusing on his family, philanthropy, and farming. He has been married twice and has four children. His first marriage was to Marcia Sue Duncan, with whom he had a son named Howard Warren Buffett. His second marriage is to Devon Gundry Buffett, and together they have three children. Howard is known for his down-to-earth nature and enjoys spending time with his family on their farm in Illinois.
Outside of his family life, Howard is an avid photographer, having published several books showcasing his work. His photography often highlights the beauty of the natural world and the people he encounters through his philanthropic endeavors. In addition to photography, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors.
Howard Buffett Career
Howard Buffett’s career has been a diverse journey encompassing agriculture, business, and philanthropy. After gaining experience in the agricultural sector, Howard ventured into various businesses, serving on the boards of numerous companies, including Berkshire Hathaway, Coca-Cola, and Archer Daniels Midland.
In 1989, Howard was elected as a county commissioner in Douglas County, Nebraska, where he served for one term. This experience in public service provided him with valuable insights into local governance and the importance of addressing community needs.
Howard’s true passion, however, lies in his philanthropic work. As the Chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, he has dedicated his life to tackling global challenges, such as hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation. Through the foundation, he has funded a diverse range of projects that aim to empower communities and create lasting change.
In recent years, Howard has also taken on an advisory role in his father’s company, Berkshire Hathaway. In 2011, Warren Buffett announced that Howard would be his chosen successor as the non-executive Chairman of the company. This role will not involve managing the day-to-day operations but will serve to preserve the company’s culture and values after Warren’s eventual departure.
Howard Buffett Net Worth
Howard Buffett’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 million. While his father, Warren Buffett, is one of the world’s wealthiest people, Howard has not sought to accumulate massive personal wealth. Instead, he has focused on using his financial resources for philanthropic endeavors.
As the Chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Howard has been instrumental in supporting projects that address global hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation. The foundation, established in 1999, has invested over $1 billion in various initiatives, primarily in Africa, Central America, and the United States.
In 2006, Warren Buffett announced that he would be giving away the majority of his wealth to charity, with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and his children’s foundations being the primary beneficiaries. As part of this commitment, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation has received substantial annual donations, allowing it to expand its philanthropic reach.
Notably, Howard has also been involved in several business ventures, including Berkshire Hathaway – his father’s multinational conglomerate. He has served on the board of Berkshire Hathaway since 1993, as well as the boards of several other companies, including Coca-Cola, Archer Daniels Midland, and ConAgra Foods.
Howard Buffett The Philanthropist Farmer
Though his net worth is significant, what truly sets Howard Buffett apart is his dedication to creating a more sustainable and equitable world. Through the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, he has funded numerous projects that address the most pressing issues of our time.
Howard’s approach to philanthropy is heavily influenced by his passion for agriculture. He believes that by empowering smallholder farmers, particularly in Africa, with the knowledge and resources to increase productivity and income, the world can make significant strides in combating hunger and poverty.
In addition to supporting agricultural initiatives, the foundation has also funded projects in the areas of water and sanitation, conservation, and education. One of the most notable endeavors was the creation of the 7,500-acre Howard Buffett Foundation Research Center in Decatur, Illinois, which focuses on developing innovative farming techniques to increase food production while minimizing environmental impact.
