The Deseret Ranches is a massive agricultural operation located in Central Florida, spanning over 295,000 acres, making it one of the largest ranches in the United States. It is also often called Deseret Ranch and Citrus.
Deseret Ranches is a subsidiary of Deseret Management Corporation, which is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also called the Mormon or LDS Church. As a profit-seeking, commercial venture, Mormon Church finances dictate that Deseret Ranches pays taxes, even though it is owned by a non-taxable church entity.
Deseret Ranches has a long history dating back to the mid-20th century when the LDS Church purchased large tracts of land in Florida for agricultural development. The ranch primarily focuses on beef cattle production, but it also engages in other agricultural activities such as citrus farming, sod production, and forestry.
The ranch is known for its innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, utilizing advanced technologies and best management practices to optimize production while minimizing environmental impact. It has also played a significant role in the economic development of the region, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy.
The ranch’s sheer size and scope make it a prominent fixture in Florida’s agricultural landscape, and its operations have a significant impact on the state’s economy and environment. Despite its massive scale, the Deseret Ranch remains committed to stewardship principles and sustainable practices, reflecting its owners’ values and beliefs, which include
Deseret Ranches also stands out among other large ranches and farms in the United States due to its size, location, and diversified agricultural operations. In size, it is smaller than King Ranch in Texas, which encompasses over 825,000 acres, and the Waggoner Ranch, also in Texas, which covers approximately 535,000 acres. However, Deseret Ranches is unique in that it is primarily located in Florida, a state not typically associated with large-scale ranching operations.
Deseret Ranches engages in a variety of agricultural activities, including beef cattle production, citrus farming, sod production, and forestry. This diversified approach sets it apart from some other large ranches that may focus primarily on cattle ranching or crop farming. For example, the King Ranch is known primarily for its cattle operations, while other large farms in the Midwest may specialize in grain or vegetable production.
In addition to its agricultural operations, the Deseret Ranch is actively involved in conservation efforts, partnering with various organizations to protect wildlife habitats and promote biodiversity on its vast land holdings. Deseret Ranches is home to more than 350 species of wildlife, including the threatened wood stork, sandhill cranes, white-tailed deer, American alligator, Osceola turkey, wild hog, Florida bass, and nesting bald eagles. Deseret Ranches invests in conservation efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment for these species and many more within its vast land holdings. This is a principle that it takes from the Mormon Church, which emphasizes responsible stewardship in LDS finances as well as spiritual matters. Here are some ways in which the ranch engages in conservation:
1. Wildlife Habitat Preservation: Deseret Ranches actively works to preserve and enhance wildlife habitats within its property. This includes maintaining natural habitats for various species of birds, mammals, and reptiles that inhabit the area. By protecting these habitats, the ranch contributes to the overall biodiversity of the region and helps support healthy ecosystems.
2. Water Resource Management: Water conservation is a key focus for Deseret Ranch. The ranch employs advanced irrigation techniques and water management practices to optimize water use efficiency in its agricultural operations. Additionally, the ranch works to protect water quality by implementing measures to prevent runoff and minimize pollution of water bodies on its property.
3. Soil Conservation: Deseret Ranch is committed to responsible land stewardship practices that promote soil health and prevent erosion. This includes implementing sustainable grazing practices, rotational grazing systems, and soil conservation techniques to maintain the productivity and fertility of the land over the long term.
4. Invasive Species Management: Invasive species pose a significant threat to native ecosystems, and Deseret Ranch actively manages invasive plant species within its property. This includes conducting regular surveys to identify invasive species and implementing control measures to prevent their spread and minimize their impact on native flora and fauna.
5. Partnerships and Collaborations: Deseret Ranch collaborates with various government agencies, conservation organizations, and research institutions to further its conservation goals. By partnering with these entities, the ranch can leverage expertise, resources, and funding to implement conservation projects and initiatives effectively.
6. Educational Outreach: Deseret Ranch recognizes the importance of raising awareness about conservation issues and promoting environmental stewardship within the community. The ranch conducts educational outreach programs, workshops, and tours to engage with local schools, community groups, and visitors, educating them about the importance of conservation and sustainable land management practices.
In fact, Deseret Ranches offers guided tours to the public or educational programs for specific groups, such as schools, community organizations, or agricultural professionals. These tours may provide insights into the ranch’s operations, agricultural practices, and conservation efforts. If you are interested in visiting Deseret Ranches or learning more about its operations, it’s recommended to contact the ranch directly to inquire about any available tour opportunities or educational programs. The visitor’s center is located in St. Cloud, and tours can be scheduled by calling in advance of your visit. Tours can be scheduled Monday through Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. Tours are not available on holidays or Sundays. To learn more about Mormon Church finances, or other tenets of Mormonism, visit Mormonism Explained. .
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