Meet Howard Buffett: The Farmer Who Just Became Berkshire's New Chairman

So, you’ve heard the big news, right? Howard Buffett—yes, that Buffett—just stepped into the chairman’s seat at Berkshire Hathaway. And no, it’s not Warren. It’s his son, Howard, a guy who’d rather be knee-deep in soil than sitting in a boardroom. Wait, the boardroom? Actually, Howard’s last board meeting was probably on a tractor.

Let’s be real: how many billionaires’ kids are out there planting crops? Not many, right? Howard Graham Buffett isn’t your typical heir. He’s spent decades farming in Illinois, Nebraska, and even Africa. He’s not just a farmer with a famous last name—he’s a farmer through and through.

Wait, Why a Farmer?

You might be thinking: “Berkshire Hathaway is a massive empire—insurance, railroads, Coca-Cola. Why pick a farmer to lead it?” Fair question. But here’s the thing: Howard has been on Berkshire’s board since 1992. He knows the business, but he brings something totally different to the table.

His dad, Warren, once said, “He’s the only one who can be chairman.” That’s a big vote of confidence. Howard’s job isn’t to run the day-to-day—that’s for the CEO. His role? Protect the culture, be the guardian of Berkshire’s soul. And what better guardian than a guy who understands patience, cycles, and long-term growth?

Farming and Investing: More Alike Than You Think

Think about it: farming is the ultimate long game. You plant seeds, wait for rain, deal with droughts, and hope for a harvest. Sound familiar? Warren Buffett’s whole thing is “buy and hold forever.” Howard lives that philosophy—literally, in the dirt.

A philanthropist and farmer at heart, Howard, the charitable heir of

He once said, “If you don’t like volatility, you shouldn’t farm.” Same goes for investing, right? The stock market has its storms, just like the weather. Howard’s lived through both. He’s not rattled by a bad quarter or a tough season. That’s exactly the calm hand Berkshire needs in a chaotic world.

Okay, But What’s He Like?

Picture this: a 70-year-old guy who still wakes up at dawn, checks his fields, and talks about soil health like it’s poetry. Howard isn’t flashy—he drives a pickup truck, not a Porsche. He donates millions to fight global hunger, but he’d rather talk about your compost pile than his net worth.

In 2016, he even wrote a book called “40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World.” The title says it all: you only get about 40 harvests in a lifetime. Every crop matters, every decision counts. That kind of urgency and humility is rare in a chairman. It’s honestly refreshing.

Meet Howard Howie Buffett,, Warren Buffett's Middle Child And Heir

What Does This Mean for Berkshire?

People get nervous when a legendary CEO steps away. Will the magic fade? But Howard isn’t trying to be Warren—he’s being Howard. He’s not a dealmaker, and he’s told investors that outright. His focus is on protecting the house his dad built.

Imagine a museum guard who also painted the walls—that’s Howard. He’ll keep the collection safe, but he won’t rehang the exhibits. For Berkshire, that continuity is gold. No wild acquisitions, no flashy pivots, just steady stewardship.

Everything You Need to Know About Howard Buffett, the Successor of

A Fun Comparison: The Gardener of a Fortune

Think of Berkshire as a giant, ancient oak tree. Warren planted the seed and watered it for decades. Howard? He’s the groundskeeper who checks the roots, prunes the dead branches, and makes sure the soil stays rich. He’s not growing a new tree—he’s keeping this one alive for another century.

It’s a little like passing the family farm to the kid who actually loves the land. You’d trust a farmer with your crops, right? So why not trust a farmer with your investments?

So, What’s the Catch?

Is there a catch? Howard isn’t a financial wizard—he’ll be the first to admit it. Some worry he’s too hands-off. But remember: Berkshire’s success came from letting its businesses run themselves. Howard’s unusual leadership style might be exactly what’s needed in a world obsessed with quarterly earnings.

Howard Buffett Is Getting His Hands Dirty

He’s also deeply passionate about philanthropy, especially in Africa. That gives him a global perspective most chairmen lack. He’s not just thinking about profits; he’s thinking about people. And in a company that owns GEICO and Dairy Queen, that humane touch matters.

The Bottom Line: This is Cool, Not Scary

Change can feel unsettling, but Howard Buffett’s promotion is actually a cool story. It’s proof that you don’t have to be a Wall Street shark to lead a corporate giant. A farmer with dirt under his nails can be the guardian of a $900 billion empire. How inspiring is that?

So next time you see a combine harvester rolling through a cornfield, think of Howard. He’s probably out there, checking the yield, thinking about the future. And honestly? I’d trust that guy with my money over a slick-suited banker any day. Pass the popcorn—and the soil.