Mormon Church’s $2 Billion Farmland Ownership Surpasses Bill Gates and China, Igniting Controversy and Local Farmer Outcry

The Mormon Church, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), has acquired 370,000 acres of prime Nebraska ranch land, drawing condemnation from local farmers.

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Mormon Church’s Extensive Land Acquisitions in Nebraska Spark Controversy and Farmer Backlash

Recent land purchases in Nebraska have sparked concerns, making it the state’s largest landowner over the previous five years. The church owns at least $2 billion in agricultural land across the US. According to The Flatwater Free Press, the church’s Nebraska assets, worth $134 million, may exceed CNN founder Ted Turner’s, making it the state’s largest landowner if its acquisitions continue.

The Nebraska Farmers Union opposes the church’s land acquisitions, saying they hurt local farmers. Nebraska Farmers Union president John Hansen said that the church’s vast financial resources unfairly raise land prices and displace local farmers. In the church’s land purchases, outside money is accused of competing against local farmers and ranchers, disrupting fair competition.

This follows the LDS Church’s tradition of acquiring large agricultural holdings, including the most property in Florida. The church owns at least 859,000 acres of farmland in the U.S., which has raised local concerns and raised questions about its finances.

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Controversy Surrounds Mormon Church’s Extensive Land Acquisitions

Critics say the church’s massive land purchases are worsening local farmers’ and ranchers’ economic problems. Some church members are unhappy with the church’s administration of a $236 billion fortune, which is under review. The Mormon Church navigates a difficult public opinion and community relations terrain as concerns over its financial transparency and impact on local economies persist.

The Mormon Church’s large property acquisitions, notably in Nebraska, have angered local farmers who believe they are hurting their businesses and the economy. This scandal raises questions about the church’s large land holdings and financial operations, spurring a transparency and accountability discussion.

READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE Mormon church now owns $2BILLION of US farmland, with more acreage than Bill Gates and China combined: Huge land grabs in Nebraska and Florida spark backlash from local farmers