Billionaire Profile
Qin Yinglin
Global Rank
#135

Image: Yu Qin | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Qin Yinglin

CEO, Pig breeding
CHINA
Real-Time Net Worth
$20.262B
Estimated based on Pig breeding stock value as of April 20, 2026
-0.42% (24h)
Age
60
Source
Pig breeding
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
CHINA

Biography

Qin Yinglin, born in 1965, is a Chinese agriculture tycoon and the world's richest farmer. He is the chairman and CEO of Muyuan Foodstuff, the largest pig breeder and pork producer in China. Qin's net worth is primarily derived from his success in pig breeding, allowing him to amass a fortune estimated at $20.8 billion. His career began in 1992, when he founded Muyuan Foodstuff with his wife, Qian Ying, starting with only 22 pigs. Through innovative farming techniques, strategic expansion, and vertical integration, Qin has transformed his small-scale operation into a global leader in the food-beverage industry. Qin is known for his commitment to quality, sustainability, and his hands-on leadership style. His achievements have made him one of the wealthiest individuals in China.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Qin Yinglin was born in 1965 in Hexi Village, Henan, China. Growing up in a multigenerational farming family, he experienced the challenges of rural poverty. His father's early ventures in pig raising highlighted the vulnerabilities of traditional farming, which inspired Qin to pursue studies in animal husbandry at Henan Agricultural University, graduating in 1989.

Rise to Success

Qin's entrepreneurial journey began in 1992, when he and his wife, Qian Ying, started a pig farming business in Nanyang, Henan, with just 22 pigs. Through dedication and the implementation of scientific farming methods, their enterprise experienced rapid growth. By 1994, they had 2,000 pigs, and by 1997, they reached 10,000. In 2000, Qin founded Muyuan Farming, which later became Muyuan Foodstuff. The company received investments and loans to further expand their business. Muyuan Foodstuff was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2014.

Key Business Strategies

Qin’s success is attributed to several key strategies. He focused on vertical integration, controlling all aspects of the supply chain, from feed processing to slaughter. Innovation was also a key factor, with Muyuan employing modern pig farming techniques and technologies. The company's resilience during the African swine fever crisis in 2018 demonstrated the effectiveness of their biosecurity measures. His business philosophy emphasizes long-term sustainability over short-term profits.

Philanthropy

Qin Yinglin has engaged in philanthropic activities, including donations to Westlake Education Foundation. In 2019, he donated stock worth RMB 100 million. In 2020, he donated shares valued at RMB 800 million for basic research and technological innovation at Westlake University. In July 2022, he donated RMB 1 billion to Henan Agricultural University. In May 2023, Muyuan Foods, under Qin's leadership, donated an additional 100 million RMB to Westlake University.

Career Milestones

1989

Graduated

Graduated from Henan Agricultural University with a degree in animal husbandry.

1992

Founded Muyuan Foodstuff

Started his own pig farming business with his wife, Qian Ying.

2014

Muyuan Foodstuff IPO

Muyuan Foodstuff went public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

2015

Richest in Henan

Ranked as the richest person in Henan and 67th richest in China.

2019

Fastest-Growing Fortune

Saw his net worth increase dramatically due to rising pork prices and the African swine fever outbreak.

2023

Revenues

The company reported revenues of approximately 110.9 billion yuan ($15.7 billion) and sold over 63 million pigs.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Westlake Education Foundation Donation

$145M

Donated to the Westlake Education Foundation.

Education

Henan Agricultural University Donation

$145M

Qin donated 1 billion RMB to his alma mater, to fund the establishment of the Nongda-Muyuan Livestock Industry Joint Research Institute, which focuses on enhancing technological capabilities.

COVID-19 Relief

COVID-19 Pandemic Donation

$28M

Jointly donated 200 million RMB to aid national prevention and control measures.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Leadership Principles

Vertical Integration

Controlling the entire supply chain, from feed to slaughter, to ensure quality and efficiency.

Innovation

Implementing modern pig farming techniques and technologies.

Sustainability

Commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Long-Term Vision

Prioritizing long-term gains over short-term profits.