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Central Nebraska’s farm economy is robust, with more than 8,600 farms producing $7.6 billion in crops and livestock in 2022—more than a quarter of the state’s total. Yet economic hardship persists for many families, with one in four residents living near or below the poverty line. Despite abundant agricultural output, food insecurity and limited access to fresh, local food remain key concerns.
The Local Farm and Food Economy regional report for Central Nebraska covers Adams, Blaine, Buffalo, Clay, Custer, Franklin, Garfield, Greeley, Hall, Hamilton, Harlan, Howard, Kearney, Loup, Merrick, Nance, Nuckolls, Phelps, Sherman, Valley, Webster, and Wheeler counties.
This report explores opportunities for improving relationships between farm production and community well-being, highlighting the role of federal subsidies, off-farm income, and rural food access in shaping economic and health outcomes.
Written by Ken Meter of Crossroads Resource Center, this report was published for the Center for Rural Affairs and Heartland Regional Food Business Center.
