NetWorth
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II
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Rank #753
UNITED STATES•food-beverage•Cargill

Austen Cargill II

Net Worth
$5.44B
0% (24h)
Austen Cargill II, born in 1951, is a billionaire heir and rancher, and a retired executive of Cargill, the world's largest privately held company by revenue. As the great-grandson of Cargill's founder, William Wallace Cargill, he holds a substantial ownership stake in the family-controlled agribusiness and food production giant. His career at Cargill included roles as a marine biologist and later as a board member, serving as vice president until his retirement in 2001. With a net worth of $5.4 billion, Austen Cargill II continues to be a key figure among the Cargill family and is a significant shareholder in the company.

How to read Austen Cargill II's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Austen Cargill II, we anchor the narrative to Cargill, Incorporated and Cargill, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $5.44B alongside global rank #753, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

Austen Stowell Cargill II was born in 1951 to James R. Cargill and Mary Janet Cargill. He is the great-grandson of William Wallace Cargill, who founded Cargill in 1865. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Minnesota. His pursuit of higher education led him to Oregon State University, where he earned a Ph.D. in marine biology.

Rise to Success

Austen Cargill II joined Cargill Inc. after completing his Ph.D. from Oregon State University, starting as a marine biologist. He later served on the board of directors from 1995 until his retirement in 2001. His tenure aligned with Cargill's revenue exceeding $50 billion for the first time in fiscal year 1995.

Key Business Strategies

During his time at Cargill, Austen Cargill II contributed to the strategic direction of the company, which included global expansion and diversification. His role as vice president and board member coincided with Cargill's growth in the agricultural and food sectors. The company is known for reinvesting a significant portion of its earnings back into the business, which has allowed for long-term strategic investments.

Philanthropy

While specific philanthropy amounts are not readily available in public records, it is known that Cargill, the parent company, has invested more than $110 million in communities, partnering locally and globally to advance food security, climate resilience, and economic opportunity.

Career Timeline

2001

Vice President

Retired from his role as vice president of Cargill Incorporated.

1995

Board Member

Joined Cargill's board of directors.

Philanthropic Impact

Food Security, Climate Resilience, Economic Opportunity$110M+

Cargill Community Investments

Cargill invests in communities to advance food security, climate resilience, and economic opportunity.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Cargill5.00%$5.4M

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life and Education

Austen Stowell Cargill II was born in 1951 to James R. Cargill and Mary Janet Cargill. He is the great-grandson of William Wallace Cargill, who founded Cargill in 1865. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Minnesota. His pursuit of higher education led him to Oregon State University, where he earned a Ph.D. in marine biology.

Rise to Success

Austen Cargill II joined Cargill Inc. after completing his Ph.D. from Oregon State University, starting as a marine biologist. He later served on the board of directors from 1995 until his retirement in 2001. His tenure aligned with Cargill's revenue exceeding $50 billion for the first time in fiscal year 1995.

Key Business Strategies

During his time at Cargill, Austen Cargill II contributed to the strategic direction of the company, which included global expansion and diversification. His role as vice president and board member coincided with Cargill's growth in the agricultural and food sectors. The company is known for reinvesting a significant portion of its earnings back into the business, which has allowed for long-term strategic investments.

Philanthropy

While specific philanthropy amounts are not readily available in public records, it is known that Cargill, the parent company, has invested more than $110 million in communities, partnering locally and globally to advance food security, climate resilience, and economic opportunity.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Austen Cargill II are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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