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Blake, Wm. Elegy Written in a Country Church-Yard- Page 7. 1797.

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The Mormon church has acquired around 370,000 acres in Nebraska, putting its total U.S. agricultural holdings at a value of at least $2 billion.

At this current rate, the institution is on track to surpass CNN founder Ted Turner as the single largest landowner in Nebraska. Across the U.S., the church’s 895,000 acres are more than China’s (383,935 acres) and Bill Gates’ (270,000) combined.

John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union, criticized the church's land purchases for driving up prices and displacing local farmers: “It's not fair competition when folks bring in that much outside money and bid against local farmers and ranchers.”

The church's total U.S. land, including Florida and Nebraska properties, is valued at up to $12 billion, with a significant portion managed by for-profit and nonprofit subsidiaries.

Critics question the transparency and intent behind the church's vast real estate investments, while supporters point to its history of responsible land stewardship. Some wonder if the institution is prepping for a doomsday scenario as foretold in its teachings.

Reports estimate the church could be worth as much as $1 trillion in 20 years. Some members have sued in past years, accusing the institution of misusing hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations.