4.21.2010

Betcha Didn't Know....

that the church owns the largest for-profit cattle operation in America....

It is over 300,000 acres,
Has over 72,000 head of cattle,
Is leased by hunting groups who hunt for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, some wild boar, and very large alligators,
Also grows potatoes - yes, that's right - potatoes in FLORIDA!
and citrus fruits,
Sells many, many palm trees on the land,
And is home to lotsa alligators, which roam freely in all the water holes.

In central Florida, the challenge is to get water off the land, rather than to get water on the land.

If you eat at a fast-food restaurant, your chances are 1 in 10 that the french fries you will have come from the church's ranch in Florida. The potatoes are harvested in May - at night or they will spoil in the heat - are driven to a processing plant in central Florida, are processed, bagged, and potato chips in 8 hours!
One other thing about the Deseret Ranch is that it is very committed to the environment, and has improved the land since it was purchased in 1950.
Visiting the Deseret Ranch will definitely be a highlight of this amazing trip that RAH has put together.

2 comments:

Lauralee said...

You're right! Just fascinating to read about the church ranch. I had absolutely no idea. Enjoy your wild and wonderful visit.

Mrs. Olsen said...

Wow! I had no idea. Do those cows have pasture to graze on? (I hope!)

Grandkids...How I LOVE Them!

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