By Scout Nelson
USDA census data shows that Nebraska has lost significant cropland over the past 25 years. From 1997 to 2022, land in farms declined by 4%, with cropland acres dropping by 6%, equivalent to 1.5 million acres.
In 2022, cropland accounted for 21.2 million acres, while pastureland remained steady at 21.5 million acres. Together, cropland and pastureland represented 97% of Nebraska’s farmland, with woodlands making up the remainder.
The intensity of crop production varies across Nebraska. Eastern and central counties show high cropland ratios, often exceeding 90%, while the Sandhills region has much lower cropland percentages, accounting for less than 20% of total land use. This stark contrast highlights clear boundaries in land use between regions.
Counties with the largest land areas, such as Custer, Holt, and Cherry, hold the most agricultural acreage. For instance, Holt County leads with nearly 650,000 cropland acres, while Cherry County boasts over 3.3 million acres of pastureland.
Nebraska’s loss of farmland mirrors national trends. According to researchers at the University of Illinois, the Northern Plains region, which includes Nebraska, lost 9.7 million acres overall. However, while Nebraska experienced a decline in cropland, the region saw a net increase in cropland acreage.
Urban expansion near cities like Omaha and Lincoln is likely contributing to Nebraska’s cropland losses. Despite these challenges, agriculture remains the predominant land use in nearly every county, emphasizing its continued importance to the state’s economy and identity. Further research is needed to fully understand the drivers behind these changes and their long-term implications.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Nebraska, Crops