This Howard Buffett biography highlights the life and career of Howard Buffett, a prominent American photographer, businessperson, and philanthropist born in Omaha, Nebraska. Howard Buffett is the middle child of Warren Buffett and has built a distinguished legacy through agriculture, corporate governance, and global humanitarian efforts.
Demographic Data and Core Attributes of Howard Buffett
Howard Buffett was born on December 16, 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska, making Howard Buffett currently 71 years old. Howard Buffett is a United States national who identifies primarily as a farmer, photographer, and conservationist rather than solely as an investor.
Howard Buffett attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and was a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. Although Howard Buffett attended several colleges, the individual did not earn a formal degree from any institution. This educational path reflects Howard Buffett’s preference for practical experience in agriculture over traditional academic credentials.
Professional Career and Photographer History of Howard Buffett
Howard Buffett began farming in Nebraska in 1977 after Warren Buffett purchased a 400-acre farm near Tekamah. Warren Buffett required Howard Buffett to pay rent for the property, establishing a strict economic framework for the agricultural operation. This arrangement allowed Howard Buffett to operate the farm while ensuring financial responsibility remained with the junior partner.
Howard Buffett later became president of Buffett Farms and managed agricultural land in both Illinois and Nebraska. These farming operations became closely linked to Howard Buffett’s philanthropic interests in soil health, conservation agriculture, and global food security. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation now operates research farms and ranches in Illinois, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico to study sustainable agricultural practices.
In the corporate sector, Howard Buffett served as a director of Archer Daniels Midland from 1991 to 1995. Howard Buffett also chaired the board of The GSI Group and held board seats at Lindsay Corporation and ConAgra Foods. From 1993 to 2004, Howard Buffett served as a director of Coca-Cola Enterprises, and from 2010 to 2016, Howard Buffett served on the board of The Coca-Cola Company.
Howard Buffett joined the board of Berkshire Hathaway in 1993 and remained a director for more than three decades. In September 2026, Howard Buffett became Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway’s board as part of a long-planned succession strategy. Greg Abel assumed the role of CEO on January 1, 2026, while Warren Buffett transitioned to the position of Chairman Emeritus.
Howard Buffett’s role focuses on non-executive governance, management oversight, and the preservation of Berkshire’s corporate culture.
Howard Buffett established the Howard G. Buffett Foundation in 1999, serving as both Chairman and CEO. The foundation focuses on food security, conflict mitigation, and combating human trafficking. Howard Buffett has directed significant resources toward Ukraine following the 2022 invasion, committing more than $1.4 billion to agricultural support, demining, and reconstruction efforts by 2026.
The foundation is designed to spend down its assets and dissolve by the end of 2045.
Photography and Authorship
Howard Buffett has published numerous books and photography collections focusing on agriculture, conservation, and social conditions. The book “Fragile: The Human Condition” documents people and communities encountered during Howard Buffett’s international travel. Other works include “Threatened Kingdom: The Story of the Mountain Gorilla” and “40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World,” which Howard Buffett co-published with son Howard Warren Buffett in 2013.
Howard Buffett also executive produced several documentary films, including “Virunga,” “The River and the Wall,” and “Path of the Panther.” The documentary “Porcelain War,” which features Ukrainian artists during the Russian invasion, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature. Howard Buffett documented the conflict in Ukraine through the publication “Courage of a Nation: Three Years of War.”
Family, Brand, and Organization Connections of Howard Buffett
Howard Buffett’s professional and personal life is deeply interconnected with the Buffett family legacy and various global organizations. The following connections outline the key relationships and affiliations that define Howard Buffett’s public profile.
- Warren Buffett: Served as the father and mentor to Howard Buffett, establishing the farming arrangement in 1977 and the succession plan for Berkshire Hathaway that placed Howard Buffett in the Chairman role in 2026.
- Susan Thompson Buffett: Served as the mother of Howard Buffett and the wife of Warren Buffett.
- Peter Buffett: Served as the younger brother of Howard Buffett and is a noted musician and filmmaker.
- Susan Alice Buffett: Served as the older sister of Howard Buffett.
- Howard Warren Buffett: Served as the son of Howard Buffett and co-authored the book “40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World” with Howard Buffett in 2013.
- Berkshire Hathaway: Served as a director from 1993 to 2026, after which Howard Buffett assumed the role of Chairman of the Board.
- Howard G. Buffett Foundation: Served as the founder, Chairman, and CEO, directing resources toward food security, conflict mitigation, and anti-trafficking initiatives.
Awards, Rankings, and Achievements of Howard Buffett
Howard Buffett has received recognition for humanitarian work, corporate governance, and artistic contributions. The following list details key accolades and milestones achieved during Howard Buffett’s career.
- Academy Award Nomination: The documentary “Porcelain War,” executive produced by Howard Buffett, received a nomination for Best Documentary Feature.
- Berkshire Hathaway Chairman: Howard Buffett was elected Chairman of the Board in September 2026, marking the culmination of a decades-long succession plan.
- Macon County Sheriff: Howard Buffett served as the sheriff of Macon County, Illinois, from September 2017 to November 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions About Howard Buffett
How old is Howard Buffett?
Howard Buffett is 71 years old. Born on December 16, 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska, Howard Buffett has maintained a career spanning agriculture, philanthropy, and corporate leadership for several decades.
Where did Howard Buffett attend college?
Howard Buffett attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Although the individual attended several colleges, Howard Buffett did not earn a formal degree, preferring to focus on practical agricultural work and outdoor activities.
When did Howard Buffett become Berkshire Chairman?
Howard Buffett became Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway in September 2026. This role followed Greg Abel’s appointment as CEO in January 2026, fulfilling a succession plan discussed by Warren Buffett for many years.
What is the dissolution date of the Foundation?
The Howard G. Buffett Foundation is planned to dissolve by the end of 2045. Howard Buffett designed the organization to spend down its assets rather than exist permanently, focusing on immediate impact in food security and conflict zones.
Which documentary did Howard Buffett executive produce?
Howard Buffett executive produced the documentary “Porcelain War.” The film, which depicts Ukrainian artists during the Russian invasion, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature.