Boosting Local Food in Nebraska

By Scout Nelson

The Center for Rural Affairs and Heartland Regional Food Business Center have released the “Nebraska Farm & Food Economy” report, offering an updated view of Nebraska’s agricultural trends and economic potential. Authored by Ken Meter of Crossroads Resource Center, the study outlines significant gaps in local food sourcing and farm income stability.

The report finds that Nebraskans spend more than $5 billion each year on food produced outside the state, which limits economic opportunities for local farms. Despite Nebraska ranking as the fourth-largest farm state in the U.S., only a small portion of food grown feeds residents.

“This can start conversations about strengthening our local food systems,” said Kjersten Hyberger, local foods associate. “Despite being the fourth largest farm state in the country, only a small number of what farmers raise feeds Nebraskans.”

Key findings show ongoing challenges for the state’s agriculture sector. Net farm income has dropped below zero in nine different years since 1969, with the most recent dip in 2017. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also reported a 37% national drop in net farm incomes since 2020.

The number of farms and farmland has also declined. From 2017 to 2022, Nebraska lost nearly 2,000 farms and 1 million acres of farmland. Meanwhile, the state saw an 84% increase in direct-to-consumer food sales between 2017 and 2022, reaching $16.6 million.

Hyberger notes that even small changes could make a difference. “If each Nebraska resident purchased $5 of food each week directly from farms within the state, this would generate $512 million of new farm income.”

The report encourages more attention and investment in local food systems. It is available in English and Spanish at cfra.org/Nebraska-food-farm-economy-report. A public event discussing these findings will be held April 16 in Lincoln.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-valentinrussanov