How does Yearning for Zion Ranch make money?

Answer 1

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Yearning for Zion Ranch is most likely funded by the church's United Effort Plan. The FLDS believe in a system called the "United Order" or "consecration", in which all of their worldly wealth is given to the church, and then redistributed by the church under the guise of the United Effort Plan. FLDS members who have jobs outside the church (most in construction, farming, or ranching) give their income to the church, and this income is then used to fund church projects and to provide for church members. Much of this outside income comes from men in other FLDS communities, such as Colorado City, AZ. The ranch needs to generate very little income, as they have their own school, printing and manufacturing facilities, gardens, and farms. Church members work in these enterprises in exchange for their goods and services, so little if any cash is ever exchanged. For example, a schoolteacher works for free, but in exchange receives free housing, food, and clothing. A farmer receives no cash income, but in exchange for his produce receives free housing, clothing, and schooling for his children. They produce their own food, clothing, books, homes, etc.