Principles

Deseret’s reason for existence is best described by Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “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.”

At Deseret, we are farmers and ranchers. We have been ranching in Florida for more than six decades. We love to grow things. We think agriculture is a noble pursuit, and we are proud to be agriculturalists. We help feed the world.

We work with the environment every day, and our livelihood depends on it. We seek not only to protect the environment but to enhance it.

We sincerely believe that ranching is not only compatible with the environment but can also improve it. We literally work with natural systems every day, and our livelihood depends on their successful function and protection. To be “resource right” is one of our core principles, and we seek not only to protect the environment but to enhance it.

As a long time steward and large private land owner in Central Florida, we care deeply about this place we call home. We love the land and strive to be good citizens in the communities where we live and work. We believe that what is good for the region will also be good for Deseret Ranch.

Because it is such a desirable place to live, Florida has experienced rapid growth for decades, and that growth is certain to continue. Florida’s population has increased ten-fold since the Ranch was founded in 1950. We are committed to working with other regional stewards to preserve the things we all love about Central Florida. We believe that long-term visioning and planning are critical to our shared future.

Florida’s population has increased ten-fold since the Ranch was founded and is projected to double in the next 50 years. We believe that long-term visioning and planning are critical to Florida’s future.

As long as people continue to move to Florida, decisions will have to be made about where and how that growth occurs. It is essential to consider options and preserve resources that will allow the Ranch to play a critical, beneficial role in the future of the region. Deseret Ranch is committed to helping Central Florida maintain a high quality of life and a healthy natural environment for generations to come.

The Ranch has been a partner in the community for more than 60 years, and that will continue for many years to come. Under any scenario, agriculture will continue to be the overwhelmingly dominant use of the Ranch for many decades.