More Athletes are Investing in Agriculture: Here’s Why

By: Valeria Ramos

In recent years, a growing number of professional athletes have been turning to agriculture as a way to diversify their income streams and invest in a sustainable industry.

One of the latest examples of this trend is a group of top athletes who recently team up to buy a $5 million farm. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Boston Celtics forward Blake Griffin, and Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton are among about two dozen athletes involved in acquiring a farm in Iowa.

Why are athletes investing in agriculture?

Patricof Co, an athlete investment platform, announced the purchase of a 104-acre northern Iowa farm that specializes in corn and soy production.

The athletes’ investment in the farm is a smart move for a number of reasons. For one, Iowa is one of the top states for soy and corn production in the country. Additionally, investing in a farm can provide a steady stream of income, as well as a sense of purpose and connection to the land.

“As a pro athlete, I’m pitching countless investment ideas and ‘opportunities’ all the time,” Khris Middleton said, according to Patricof’s website. “When it came to this specific deal that Patricof brought to me, I was attracted to it because of how different it was.”

“When I looked at the history of returns, especially how U.S. farms have performed over the last 30 years, including during bad times in the economy, the stability is what stood out. I’m always thinking about the long term when it comes to my wealth and how I can provide for my family after I retire.“

Why this investment trend will continue:

Middleton and Burrow are not the only athletes to invest in agriculture in recent years. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, for example, has invested in a cattle ranch in Texas, while retired NFL player Kyle Rudolph has invested in a dairy farm in Wisconsin.

These investments are not just a trend among NFL players, but also in other sports. For example, NBA player Chris Paul has invested in a farm in his home state of North Carolina, where he grows sweet potatoes, peanuts, and cotton.

One of the reasons for this trend is that many athletes are looking for ways to secure their financial future after their playing days are over. Another reason is that many athletes are interested in sustainable agriculture and want to make a positive impact on the environment.

Investing in agriculture is a smart move for professional athletes, as it can provide a stable source of income and a sense of purpose. With more athletes turning to agriculture as a way to diversify their income streams and make a positive impact on the environment, it is likely that this trend will continue for years to come.