King Ranch is a legendary name in the American ranching world. Located in South Texas, it spans over 825,000 acres and is often a topic of interest for those asking who owns King Ranch. The answer involves a unique ownership structure, historical family ties, and a complex corporate system that has evolved over the years.
King Ranch Company Profile
King Ranch is one of the largest and most historic ranches in the United States. Spanning over 825,000 acres in South Texas, it is often described as being larger than the state of Rhode Island. King Ranch Inc. is the formal name of the business entity that oversees its broad range of operations.
The company was founded in 1853 by Captain Richard King, an Irish-American steamboat captain. He discovered the area that would become King Ranch while working along the Rio Grande. Recognizing its potential, he began acquiring land and building a ranching empire from the ground up. His vision was supported and expanded by his wife, Henrietta King, who later played a vital role in preserving the ranch after Richard’s death.
In the early 20th century, Robert Justus Kleberg Sr., who married into the King family, took over the management of the ranch. Under Kleberg’s leadership, the ranch flourished. He introduced innovative techniques in cattle breeding, water conservation, and land management. King Ranch is credited with developing the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle—the first breed developed in the United States, which became a hallmark of the ranch’s success.
Over time, King Ranch diversified its operations. It entered farming in South Texas and Florida, producing citrus, cotton, and sugarcane. The company also expanded into oil and gas, leasing land to energy companies and earning substantial royalties. In the retail space, the King Ranch Saddle Shop was launched to sell leather goods and branded merchandise. It even licensed its name to Ford Motor Company for a premium truck trim line known as the King Ranch Edition.
Key milestones in King Ranch history include:
- 1853: Founding of the ranch by Richard King
- 1920s: Development of the Santa Gertrudis cattle breed
- 1930s–1940s: Expansion into farming and mineral rights development
- 1990s–2000s: Launch of retail operations and licensing agreements
- Present day: Operations include ranching, farming, hunting, oil and gas, retail, and equipment dealerships
Today, King Ranch Inc. is a private corporation headquartered in Kingsville, Texas. It remains a symbol of American ranching heritage and operates with a modern corporate structure. The company balances deep historical roots with innovative business strategies, continuing the legacy of its founders while adapting to new markets and opportunities.
Who Owns King Ranch: Top Shareholders
King Ranch is a privately held company. It is not owned by a single individual or public entity but is controlled by descendants of the original founders. The company operates under King Ranch Inc., a corporate structure formed to manage its broad assets.
The ownership is closely held among family members and select shareholders. No shares are traded publicly. The company’s board of directors and shareholders make strategic decisions, keeping it deeply rooted in family traditions while evolving with the times.
Here’s a list of the major shareholders of King Ranch:
| Shareholder | Ownership Stake (Estimated) | Role/Stake in Company |
|---|---|---|
| Kleberg Family | ~40–45% | Largest shareholder group. Direct descendants of Richard King. Active in leadership. |
| Kenedy Family | ~10–15% | Related through historical partnerships. Maintain a minority stake. |
| Halff Family Trusts | ~5–10% | Hold mineral rights and energy-related shares. Participate through trusts and investments. |
| Woodberry Family | ~3–5% | Hold ownership in oil and lignite assets. Passive stakeholders. |
| Walsh & Watts Inc. | ~2–3% | External operator and owner involved in mineral development and oil rights. |
| Other King Descendants & Family Trusts | ~20–30% | Include extended King family members. Shares distributed across generations and trusts. |
The Kleberg Family
The Kleberg family, descendants of Robert Justus Kleberg Sr., who married Alice Gertrudis King, hold a significant portion of King Ranch Inc. Their involvement dates back to the early 20th century when Kleberg Sr. took over ranch management. The family’s influence has been pivotal in expanding the ranch’s operations and preserving its legacy.
The Kenedy Family
The Kenedy family, related through early partnerships and marriages, also maintain a stake in King Ranch Inc. Their historical ties to the ranch have ensured continued involvement in its governance and strategic decisions.
The Halff Family Trusts
The Halff family, through trusts such as the Halff Albert L (BRO) Trust and the Halff Henry M Test Trust, holds interests in King Ranch’s oil and lignite operations, particularly in Upton County, Texas. These trusts represent the family’s investment in the ranch’s mineral rights and energy ventures.
The Woodberry Family
Seth M. Woodberry is noted as an owner in King Ranch’s oil and lignite assets. The Woodberry family’s involvement underscores the diverse shareholder base connected to the ranch’s energy resources.
Walsh & Watts Inc.
Walsh & Watts Inc. is listed as an operator and owner in King Ranch’s oil and lignite operations. Their role signifies the integration of external partnerships in managing and developing the ranch’s mineral assets.
Who is the CEO of King Ranch?
As of 2025, Robert Hodgen serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of King Ranch Inc. He assumed the role on August 9, 2021, succeeding Robert J. Underbrink, who retired after a 36-year tenure with the company, including a decade as CEO.
Background of Robert Hodgen
Robert Hodgen brings nearly 25 years of executive leadership and investment management experience in the agribusiness and food sectors to King Ranch. Prior to joining King Ranch, he was the Managing Director at AMERRA Capital Management, where he led private equity investments in six agribusiness and aquaculture platform companies. He also served on the boards of two of these investments.
Before his tenure at AMERRA, Hodgen was the Senior Vice President at J.D. Heiskell & Co., a family-owned company specializing in livestock feed manufacturing, grain trading, logistics, and biofuels production. He began his career in the Animal Nutrition Division of Cargill, Inc.
Hodgen holds a B.S. in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University and an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program and has served as a Director of the National Grain and Feed Association.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
Under Hodgen’s leadership, King Ranch has continued to diversify its operations. In April 2024, the company acquired a 50% stake in Cobalt Cattle, the nation’s fourth-largest cattle feeding operation, marking a significant expansion into the cattle feeding sector.
Hodgen’s strategic vision focuses on leveraging King Ranch’s historical legacy while embracing innovation and sustainability across its various business segments, including agriculture, energy, and branded products.
Board of Directors
The company’s Board of Directors comprises members from the King and Kenedy families, ensuring that the ranch’s operations align with the values and principles established by its founders. The board is responsible for strategic decision-making, overseeing the ranch’s agricultural, commercial, and conservation initiatives.
Family Ownership
King Ranch remains under the ownership of the descendants of Richard King and his partners. This family ownership structure reflects a commitment to preserving the ranch’s legacy while adapting to modern challenges. Multiple generations actively participate in its stewardship, maintaining the ranch’s heritage and influence.
This blend of family oversight and professional management has enabled King Ranch to thrive across centuries, adapting to the evolving demands of ranching and agriculture while expanding into retail, luxury goods, and citrus production.
King Ranch Annual Revenue and Net Worth
As of 2025, King Ranch Inc. continues to be a significant player in the American agribusiness sector, with diversified operations spanning cattle ranching, farming, energy, and retail. Despite being a privately held company, available data provides insights into its financial standing.
Annual Revenue
King Ranch Inc.’s estimated annual revenue for 2025 is approximately $633.6 million. This figure reflects the company’s diversified income streams, including:
- Cattle Ranching and Farming: The ranch manages over 35,000 cattle and produces various crops such as cotton, sorghum, citrus, pecans, vegetables, and sugar cane.
- Oil and Gas Leases: King Ranch generates substantial royalty income from oil and gas leases on its vast landholdings.
- Retail Operations: The King Ranch Saddle Shop and licensed products, including the Ford F-150 King Ranch Edition trucks, contribute to the company’s retail revenue.
- Hunting and Wildlife Tourism: The ranch leases approximately 500,000 acres for hunting retreats, with annual wildlife leases bringing in significant income.
These diversified operations have insulated King Ranch from the volatility often associated with single-industry enterprises.
Net Worth
The collective net worth of the King Ranch family, as of 2025, is estimated to be around $1.1 billion. This wealth is primarily derived from:
- Extensive Landholdings: King Ranch spans approximately 825,000 acres across South Texas, making it larger than the state of Rhode Island. The appreciation of Texas land prices over recent decades has significantly increased the value of these holdings.
- Diversified Business Interests: Beyond ranching, the family’s investments in agriculture, energy, retail, and tourism have contributed to their substantial net worth.
- Strategic Corporate Structure: Incorporated in 1934, King Ranch’s centralized management and distribution of shares among family descendants have preserved and grown the family’s wealth across generations.
The company’s commitment to sustainable land management, strategic diversification, and brand leveraging positions it for continued financial strength in the future.
Here’s an overview of the annual revenue and net worth of King Ranch from 2016-25:
| Year | Estimated Revenue (USD) | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $633.6 million | $1.1 billion | Expansion into cattle feeding (Cobalt Cattle stake); high commodity prices. |
| 2024 | $610 million | $1.05 billion | Strong retail and oil royalties; steady farming returns. |
| 2023 | $585 million | $980 million | Post-pandemic demand boosted cattle and citrus income. |
| 2022 | $560 million | $940 million | Energy prices rose; benefited from oil lease royalties. |
| 2021 | $545 million | $910 million | Recovery from COVID-19 disruptions; leadership change. |
| 2020 | $520 million | $860 million | Pandemic impacted retail and tourism; cattle held steady. |
| 2019 | $540 million | $880 million | Strong citrus yield; stable commodity markets. |
| 2018 | $530 million | $850 million | Moderate growth in hunting leases and ranch retail. |
| 2017 | $510 million | $820 million | Healthy agricultural returns; retail expansion. |
| 2016 | $495 million | $800 million | Growth in cattle exports; stable land valuation. |
Companies Owned by King Ranch
King Ranch Inc. has evolved from its origins in 1853 into a diversified enterprise encompassing agriculture, energy, retail, and tourism. Below is an overview of the key companies, brands, and entities owned and operated by King Ranch Inc. as of 2025:
| Company/Brand | Industry/Focus | Key Activities | Ownership | Location(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Ranch Saddle Shop | Retail & Leather Goods | Produces leather products like saddles, wallets, belts, bags, and apparel | Fully owned | Kingsville, TX & online retail |
| Cobalt Cattle (50% stake) | Cattle Feeding | Operates six feedyards in U.S.; enhances beef production & supply chain control | 50% owned | Texas, Kansas, Colorado |
| King Ranch Citrus | Agriculture (Citrus) | Cultivates oranges, grapefruits; supplies fresh fruit and juice processors | Fully owned | South Texas and Florida |
| King Ranch Ag & Turf | Agriculture Services | Turfgrass production, equipment sales, agronomic consulting | Fully owned | Texas and U.S. agricultural regions |
| King Ranch Energy | Oil, Gas & Renewables | Manages mineral rights, energy leases, and solar/battery storage development | Fully owned | South Texas |
| King Ranch Hunting Leases | Tourism & Conservation | Manages 500,000 acres for game hunting; leases for deer, turkey, quail, etc. | Fully owned | King Ranch properties, South Texas |
| King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management | Education | Graduate education in ranch management in partnership with Texas A&M-Kingsville | Sponsored entity | Kingsville, TX |
| Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute | Wildlife Conservation | Wildlife conservation research and land management studies | Sponsored entity | Kingsville, TX (via TAMU-Kingsville) |
King Ranch Saddle Shop
Established in the early 20th century, the King Ranch Saddle Shop is renowned for its high-quality leather goods, including saddles, belts, wallets, and luggage. Each product features the iconic Running W® brand, symbolizing the ranch’s heritage. The Saddle Shop has expanded its offerings to include apparel and accessories that reflect the ranch’s Western aesthetic.
Cobalt Cattle
In April 2024, King Ranch Inc. acquired a 50% stake in Cobalt Cattle, the nation’s fourth-largest cattle feeding operation. Cobalt Cattle operates six feedyards across Colorado, Kansas, and Texas, enhancing King Ranch’s presence in the beef industry and allowing greater control over the supply chain.
King Ranch Citrus
King Ranch is one of the largest citrus producers in the United States, with extensive groves in South Texas and Florida. The company cultivates a variety of citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruits, supplying both fresh markets and juice processors. Their citrus operations are integrated with sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term productivity.
King Ranch Ag & Turf
King Ranch Ag & Turf provides a range of agricultural products and services, including turfgrass production, farming equipment sales, and agronomic consulting. The division supports both the ranch’s internal operations and external clients, emphasizing innovation and efficiency in agricultural practices.
King Ranch Energy
King Ranch Energy manages the ranch’s mineral rights and energy assets. The company oversees oil and gas leases across the ranch’s extensive landholdings, generating significant royalty income. Additionally, King Ranch Energy is involved in renewable energy projects, such as the Noria Hondo solar and battery storage facility, developed in partnership with Talen Energy Corp.
King Ranch Hunting Leases
King Ranch offers hunting leases on approximately 500,000 acres, providing opportunities for hunting deer, turkey, quail, and other game. These leases are managed to promote wildlife conservation and habitat sustainability, aligning with the ranch’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management
Affiliated with Texas A&M University-Kingsville, the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management offers graduate-level education and research in ranch management. The institute aims to develop future leaders in the ranching industry by combining practical experience with academic knowledge.
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
Also affiliated with Texas A&M University-Kingsville, the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute conducts research on wildlife conservation and management. The institute’s work supports the ranch’s efforts to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance across its vast landscapes.
Final Thoughts
Understanding who owns King Ranch reveals more than just names—it tells the story of legacy, innovation, and long-term vision. Owned by descendants of Captain Richard King and managed under a private corporate structure, King Ranch continues to be a major force in American agriculture and business.
Despite its vast size and influence, the ranch stays true to its roots. It remains a symbol of Texas heritage, run by a network of families who preserve its values while expanding into new ventures.
FAQs
Is King Ranch publicly traded?
No. King Ranch Inc. is a privately held company with no publicly traded shares.
How big is King Ranch?
King Ranch spans over 825,000 acres, making it larger than some U.S. states.
Who are the major shareholders?
Most shareholders are descendants of Richard King and the Kleberg family, with no single majority owner.
Does King Ranch still raise cattle?
Yes. Cattle ranching remains one of the core businesses of King Ranch Inc., including breeding operations.
Does Ford own King Ranch?
No. Ford uses the King Ranch name for a luxury trim line in its trucks, but it licenses the brand from King Ranch Inc.
Who owns King Ranch in Texas now?
King Ranch in Texas is owned primarily by the descendants of its founder, Richard King. The ownership is shared among several family branches, including the Kleberg and Kenedy families, who hold the largest stakes. The ranch remains a privately held family business managed through a corporate structure that includes family members and professional executives.
How much is a King Ranch worth?
As of 2025, King Ranch is estimated to be worth approximately $1.1 billion. This valuation is based on its vast landholdings of over 825,000 acres, diversified agricultural operations, oil and gas royalties, retail ventures, and other business activities.
Who owns King Ranch today?
Today, King Ranch is owned by multiple shareholders from the King family and related descendants, with the Kleberg family holding the largest share—around 40–45%. Other key shareholders include the Kenedy family, Halff family trusts, Woodberry family, Walsh & Watts Inc., and extended King family trusts.
Who founded King Ranch?
King Ranch was founded in 1853 by Richard King, a steamboat captain turned rancher. He partnered with Gideon K. Lewis initially, but the ranch was primarily built and expanded under King’s leadership, becoming one of the largest and most famous ranches in the United States.