Deseret Ranches


Deseret Ranches refers to the ranching operations of the [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints] The [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Florida|in Central Florida]. The Ranches include several organizations: Deseret Ranches of Florida, Deseret Cattle and Citrus, Taylor Creek Management, East Central Florida Services, AgReserves, and Farmland Reserve. The ranches are located southeast of the Orlando International Airport and west of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Currently, Deseret Ranches is the most productive cow-calf ranch in the United States.

Geography

The ranch, owned by the LDS Church, spreads over the three central Florida counties of Osceola, Orange, and Brevard. Covering almost of land, 90 ranchers and their families live on the ranch. The ranch maintains 44,000 head of beef cattle. It is a for-profit operation and is not a normal part of the LDS Church's humanitarian efforts. Gordon B. Hinckley, former President of [the Church (LDS Church)|church president], said, "We have felt that good farms, over a long period, represent a safe investment where the assets of the Church may be preserved and enhanced, while at the same time, they are available as an agricultural resource to feed people should there come a time of need."

History

The earliest plans for this ranch were made in 1949, and in 1950 the original were purchased. Deseret Ranch now covers an area, with a separate section surrounding Kenansville in Osceola County.
The church bought the original tract in 1950 and over 50 years, the ranch grew to more than. In 1997, it was the world's largest beef ranch, and the land was worth an estimated $858 million.

Operations

Like their other financial details, the LDS Church does not disclose the revenue or valuation of the ranch. Still, it is known that in 2000, they moved 16 million pounds of calves, which then translated to about $16 million in revenue. In 2008, Deseret Ranch discussed selling part of the property for a development near Orlando, Florida, but the proposed rezoning was withdrawn before approval.
The Deseret Ranch also brings in revenue from the mining of native shell beds, orange groves, hunting permits, and sales of ornamental palm trees.
In 2011, having won control of some of its water from the St. [Johns River Water Management District], it was planning on selling some to Cocoa, Florida.