What is the largest farm in the world? The answer might surprise you, as the scale and scope of the biggest agricultural holdings around the globe are truly staggering. These aren’t just big farms; they are immense landscapes dedicated to feeding populations on an industrial scale.
This article will show you the largest farms in the world, exploring their incredible sizes, primary focuses, the total number of animals they manage, and their significant roles in regional and global food production.
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In northeastern China lies an agricultural operation of huge scale—the Mudanjiang City Mega Farm. Recognized as the largest farm in the world, this colossal enterprise signifies a major leap in industrialized agriculture and plays a significant role in meeting the growing demand for dairy products, particularly in the East Asian market and Russia.
Reported to be in the range of 22.5 million acres, the total size of the Mudanjiang City Mega Farm is difficult to fully comprehend—it is often compared to the land area of entire countries or multiple US states combined. This enormous farm is dedicated primarily to dairy production, housing a massive herd of around 100,000 cows.
The farm’s operations are characterized by a heavy reliance on modern technology and large-scale industrial processes. This includes automated milking systems capable of handling the large number of cows efficiently. The integration of technology extends to various aspects of farm management, aiming to optimize production and streamline operations.
As of 2025, the Mudanjiang City Mega Farm continues to be the biggest farm in the world, and shows its capabilities in large-scale agricultural development and its strategic positioning in international trade. Its ongoing operations will likely continue to be observed for their economic performance, technological advancements, and efforts towards sustainable practices in the context of mega-farming.
China Modern Dairy Holdings Ltd. stands as a titan in the Chinese dairy industry, a leading company that has significantly contributed to the modernization and large-scale development of raw milk production in the country. Established in 2005, the company has rapidly grown to become one of the largest dairy farms in the world, distinguished by its integrated business model and embrace of technology.
Headquartered in Ma’anshan, Anhui province, Modern Dairy’s operations span across China, with a network of numerous large-scale dairy farms. As of December 2024, the company operated 47 dairy farming companies with a huge herd exceeding 490,000 dairy cows, with plans to reach 500,000 by the end of 2025. This impressive scale positions them as the biggest dairy farm in the world and as a dominant force in the domestic raw milk market, ranking as the second-largest raw milk producer in China in 2023.
What sets Modern Dairy apart is its pioneering business model, which integrates various stages of the dairy value chain. This “integration of planting, breeding, and processing” approach involves cultivating forage grass and raising dairy cows on large-scale farms.
Today, Modern Dairy continues to be the biggest cow farm in the world, and they are planning to strengthen their position in the future.
Anna Creek Station, a name synonymous with immense scale and the rugged resilience of pastoral life. Recognized as the world’s largest cattle station, Anna Creek is a working icon of Australia’s agricultural landscape, operating in an environment that presents both formidable challenges and a unique way of life.
Anna Creek Station sprawls across an enormous area, often cited as approximately 5.8 million acres, or about 23,677 square kilometers. This makes it the largest cattle ranch in the world and the biggest farm in Australia. Located in South Australia, its nearest township is the tiny settlement of William Creek, which is in fact surrounded by the station’s huge property, while the town of Coober Pedy serves as a key hub for freight and supplies.
The history of Anna Creek Station dates back to 1863. Initially established as a sheep property, the early owners faced significant challenges from dingo attacks, which led to a strategic shift towards cattle farming. Over the decades, Anna Creek became a cornerstone of the legendary S. Kidman & Co empire, founded by Sir Sidney Kidman, famously known as “The Cattle King,” who built a huge network of pastoral leases across Australia. Anna Creek served as a crucial link in Kidman’s strategic movement of livestock across the country, utilizing access to water sources.
In a significant change of ownership in 2016, Anna Creek Station was acquired by the Australian-owned Williams Cattle Company. This transition marked a new chapter for the historic property, keeping it in Australian hands.
Clifton Hills Station, situated in the far north of South Australia, stands as a true titan of the Australian pastoral landscape. This historic cattle station is one of the biggest cattle ranches in the world.
Established in 1876, Clifton Hills Station sprawls across an immense area, reported to be around 16,500 to 17,000 square kilometres. This huge expanse makes it larger than many small countries and highlights the total scale of pastoral operations in the Australian outback. Located approximately 132 kilometres south of Birdsville and 200 kilometres northwest of Innamincka, the station is strategically positioned within the Channel Country, a unique geological region characterized by a network of braided rivers and floodplains.
The operation of Clifton Hills is intrinsically linked to the Channel Country’s ephemeral river systems, including the Diamantina, Georgina, and Cooper Creek. While the landscape encompasses diverse terrain, including gibber plains and sandhills, the productivity of the station is heavily reliant on the floodwaters that periodically flow down these rivers. These floods, when they occur, inundate huge areas of the floodplain, depositing nutrient-rich silt and triggering an explosion of feed that is vital for the station’s cattle. The Diamantina River alone is said to consistently flood around 1,500 square kilometres annually, creating prime fattening country.
In recent years, Clifton Hills Station changed hands, being acquired by Crown Point Pastoral Co in 2018. This transition marked a new chapter for the historic property, bringing it under the ownership of experienced Central Australian cattle producers.
Clifton Hills Station remains a remarkable example of large-scale pastoralism in the Australian outback, embodying a history of resilience and adaptation to a challenging yet ultimately rewarding environment. Its continued operation highlights the enduring significance of the Channel Country for Australia’s beef industry.
Alexandria Station, located in the Northern Territory of Australia, is synonymous with large-scale cattle production. As one of Australia’s largest cow farms, it plays a crucial role in the nation’s beef industry and holds a rich history deeply intertwined with the development of the Top End.
Established prior to 1877, Alexandria Station spans an impressive area of approximately 16,116 square kilometres. This makes it the largest pastoral property in the Northern Territory and one of the world’s biggest farms. Situated about 173 kilometres northwest of Camooweal and 273 kilometres east of Tennant Creek, the station occupies a significant portion of the fertile Barkly Tableland, a region renowned for its Mitchell grass plains.
For over a century, Alexandria Station has been a flagship property of the North Australian Pastoral Company (NAPCo), one of Australia’s oldest and largest agricultural enterprises. This long-standing ownership has contributed to the station’s consistent development and its reputation for quality cattle production.
The primary operation at Alexandria is cattle grazing, with a herd size that can reach around 55,000 head. The station’s diverse landscape, featuring open plains, floodplains, and wooded sandhills, provides varied grazing environments. The dominance of Mitchell grass on the plains offers a valuable feed source, supporting the substantial cattle numbers. In addition to grazing, the station also harvests a significant amount of hay from these plains, utilized for their own operations and potentially other properties within the NAPCo group.
Life and work on Alexandria Station, like other remote outback properties, present unique challenges and rewards. The total isolation and scale require a dedicated and self-sufficient workforce. Managing the effects of climate variability, including sea and flood events, is a constant consideration. Maintaining infrastructure across such a huge area and managing issues like weed infestations, as highlighted by efforts to control Parkinsonia, are ongoing tasks.
Despite these challenges, Alexandria Station remains a highly productive and significant enterprise within the Australian agricultural sector. Its long history, huge landscapes, and commitment to cattle breeding and sustainable practices solidify its position as a cornerstone of the Barkly Tableland and a vital part of Australia’s pastoral heritage.
Davenport Downs Station, located in the heart of Queensland’s Channel Country, is a colossal cattle property renowned for its significant size and its crucial role in the Australian beef industry, particularly as a prime bullock fattening operation. As the largest cattle station in Queensland and the fourth largest in Australia, it has huge landscapes and relies on the unique Channel Country ecosystem, making it a subject of considerable interest.
Situated in the Diamantina Lakes area of southwestern Queensland, approximately 184 kilometres southeast of Boulia and 262 kilometres northeast of Birdsville, Davenport Downs is strategically positioned within the famed Channel Country. This region is characterised by a network of braided rivers and floodplains that, after infrequent but often substantial rainfall events upstream, become inundated, transforming the dry landscape into a vibrant and fertile area.
The station, which includes the aggregation of the original Davenport Downs and the neighbouring Springvale property, covers an immense area of approximately 1.51 million hectares (about 15,100 square kilometres). This makes it a truly colossal enterprise, capable of carrying a substantial number of cattle, with a reported capacity of over 29,000 head.
The history of Davenport Downs dates back to before 1878, with notable early ownership by pastoralist James Rutherford. Over the decades, the property has changed hands, eventually being acquired by Paraway Pastoral Company, its current owner, with the purchase of Davenport Downs in 2009 and Springvale in 2011. Paraway Pastoral Company is a significant player in the Australian agricultural sector, and Davenport Downs is a linchpin in their northern cattle operations.
Davenport Downs functions primarily as a bullock fattening facility. Cattle from Paraway’s breeding properties in northern Australia are often sent to Davenport Downs to be grown out before being sent to market, typically on the East Coast.
Davenport Downs stands as a testament to the scale and nature of pastoralism in the Australian outback. Its history, immense size, and strategic importance as a fattening facility within the Channel Country solidify its position as a key asset in the nation’s beef production landscape.
Home Valley Station, situated in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, is a unique and compelling property that blends large-scale cattle operations with a tourism enterprise. Situated on the iconic Gibb River Road, approximately 120 kilometres west of Kununurra, the station is set against the stunning backdrop of the majestic Cockburn Range and is bordered by the mighty Pentecost River.
Home Valley Station, along with the neighbouring Karunjie and Durack River Stations, is owned by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) on behalf of the Balanggarra people, the Traditional Owners of the land. This significant ownership model underscores a commitment to providing economic opportunities, training, and a connection back to Country for Indigenous Australians. The combined area of these three stations is huge, exceeding 1.4 million hectares (3.5 million acres), highlighting the immense scale of the pastoral leases in this remote part of Australia. Home Valley Station itself covers approximately 615,000 hectares.
Historically, Home Valley was a traditional pastoral lease focused solely on cattle grazing. However, the ILSC’s acquisition and subsequent investment have transformed it into a multifaceted operation. While still a working cattle station running the HV8 brand, it has also been developed into a premium tourism destination. This diversification provides a sustainable economic model and creates employment and training pathways for local Indigenous people in hospitality, tourism, and pastoral activities.
The landscape of Home Valley Station is incredibly diverse. It encompasses the imposing Cockburn Range, the expansive floodplains of the Pentecost River, and areas of bushland. This varied terrain supports both the cattle operation and provides the stunning natural attractions that draw tourists. The reliance on natural water sources like the Pentecost River and Bindoola Creek, particularly during and after the wet season, is crucial for both the environment and the station’s activities.
Operating in a remote Kimberley location presents logistical challenges, including accessibility, particularly during the wet season when roads can be cut by flooding. Maintaining infrastructure across such a large area and managing the natural environment are ongoing tasks. However, the station’s integration of cattle production and tourism, coupled with its Indigenous ownership and focus on training and cultural experiences, provides a unique and successful model for sustainable development in the remote Australian outback. Home Valley Station stands as a compelling example of how pastoral heritage and tourism can converge to create opportunities and celebrate the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberley.
Innamincka Station, located in the remote northeast of South Australia, is a huge pastoral lease deeply embedded in the history and unique environment of the Channel Country. This iconic cattle station is not only one of the largest cattle ranches in the world but also holds a significant place in the narratives of early Australian exploration and the challenging realities of outback life.
Established in 1872 by Robert Bostock, Innamincka Station was one of the earliest permanent European settlements along the Cooper Creek. Its name is believed to be derived from Aboriginal words, possibly meaning “your shelter” or referring to a waterhole. The station’s history is intertwined with legendary figures like Sidney Kidman, the “Cattle King,” who acquired Innamincka in 1908, recognizing its potential within his huge pastoral empire, particularly its access to the life-giving, albeit intermittent, waters of the Channel Country.
Today, Innamincka Station spans an impressive area of approximately 1.35 million hectares (around 13,500 sq km). This immense size allows for extensive grazing operations, which are primarily focused on Santa Gertrudis cattle, a breed known for its suitability to dry conditions. The station’s carrying capacity can reach up to 13,000 head, although this can fluctuate significantly depending on seasonal conditions.
The operational heart of Innamincka Station lies in its relationship with the Cooper Creek, a major river system within the Channel Country. While the region is typically dry, floodwaters originating from rainfall in Queensland periodically surge down the Cooper, inundating huge areas of the station’s floodplains. These floods, though irregular, are vital for replenishing waterholes and stimulating the growth of feed, transforming the landscape, and providing crucial resources for the cattle. The station’s location near the picturesque Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park, an area of significant ecological importance when flooded, further highlights its connection to these vital water systems.
In recent years, the ownership of Innamincka Station has seen changes. It was part of the portfolio held by Hancock Agriculture and S. Kidman & Co before being acquired by Crown Point Pastoral Company in early 2022. This transition marks a new era for the station under the stewardship of experienced Central Australian pastoralists.
Innamincka Station remains a powerful symbol of the resilience required for pastoralism in Australia’s dry interior. Its deep history, reliance on the unpredictable but regenerative power of the Channel Country floods, and its continued operation as a major cattle enterprise underscore its enduring significance in the story of the Australian outback.
Wave Hill Station, located in the Victoria River District of the Northern Territory, is a name that resonates far beyond the boundaries of a typical Australian cattle property. While it is a huge and operational station, its history is inextricably linked to a pivotal moment in Indigenous Australians’ struggle for land rights—the Gurindji Walk-Off.
Established in 1883, Wave Hill Station is a large pastoral lease covering approximately 13,500 square kilometres. Its landscape is diverse, featuring rolling basalt black soil plains, red breeder country, and areas of spinifex country, watered by the Victoria and Camfield rivers and numerous creeks. For many decades, the station was owned by the British pastoral company Vestey Brothers, who acquired it in 1914.
Today, Wave Hill continues to operate as a large cattle station, primarily running Grey Brahman cattle, a breed well-suited to the Northern Territory environment. The station employs a substantial team, with traditional stock camp activities like mustering on horseback, aided by helicopters and motorbikes, remaining a core part of the operation during the dry season.
The legacy of the Gurindji Walk-Off remains an integral part of Wave Hill’s identity. The events of 1966 and the subsequent struggle for land rights transformed the historical narrative of the station and the surrounding region. While it functions as a modern cattle enterprise, Wave Hill stands as a powerful reminder of the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Australians and the significance of their fight for recognition and land rights. The area around Daguragu remains a place of immense cultural importance to the Gurindji people.
Wave Hill Station, therefore, represents a complex intersection of pastoral industry, challenging outback environment, and a profound history of Indigenous resistance and the pursuit of justice.
Marion Downs Station, situated in the Channel Country of far western Queensland, stands as a prominent and historic cattle property, playing a vital role in the region’s significant beef production. As one of the largest farms in the world, its operations are linked to the unique and often unpredictable flooding regimes of the Channel Country river systems.
Located approximately 56 kilometres southwest of Boulia and 282 kilometres north of Birdsville, Marion Downs occupies a substantial area within the localities of Amaroo and extends into neighbouring areas. The station, which is run in conjunction with the Herbert Downs outstation, encompasses a huge expanse totalling around 12,460 to 1,287,000 hectares.
Established in 1877 during the westward expansion of pastoralism in Queensland, Marion Downs has a long history tied to the fortunes of the Channel Country. It was acquired by the North Australian Pastoral Company (NAPCo) in 1934 and has remained a key asset within their extensive portfolio for several decades. This long-term ownership has contributed to the station’s development and its reputation within the industry.
Marion Downs operates primarily as a cattle grazing property. Its expansive landscape provides diverse environments for livestock. The terrain includes vital floodplains, which are incredibly fertile after inundation, as well as open rolling downs covered with Mitchell and Flinders grasses, and areas of more desert country towards the Simpson Desert on its western boundary.
Operating a property the size of Marion Downs in this environment presents considerable challenges. The reliance on irregular flooding means dealing with periods of drought, which can severely impact feed availability and stocking rates. The huge distances involved require efficient logistics for cattle management, bore maintenance, and overall station operations. A dedicated team of around 15 people is typically employed to manage the day-to-day running of the station and its herd, which numbers around 15,000 head of cattle.
Despite the challenges posed by the dry and variable climate, the regenerative power of the Channel Country floods makes Marion Downs a highly productive enterprise when conditions are favourable. Its long history, significant size, and strategic location within this unique hydrological system solidify its importance to Queensland’s pastoral industry and the broader Australian beef sector. Marion Downs stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to operate on a grand scale in the Australian outback.
Ultimately, the world’s largest farms stand as powerful symbols of humanity’s capacity for large-scale food production. They represent significant investments in land, livestock, and technology, driven by the fundamental need to meet the increasing demand for food globally. Their continued operation, adaptation to environmental realities, and integration of modern practices will undoubtedly shape the future of agriculture on a grand scale, making them subjects of ongoing fascination and importance in the global food story.
