Lincoln, the capital city of the major farming state, Nebraska, spends $1.1 billion each year on food sourced from outside its region.
According to the "Lincoln Metro, Nebraska Local Farm and Food Economy" report, compiled by author and food food systems expert Ken Meter, the Lincoln Metro area has strong potential for growing more of its own food. Already, 127 metro farms sell $2.3 million of food directly to household consumers. Farm income in the Lincoln metro could be boosted by $91 million each year if each Lincoln metro resident purchased, or had purchased for them, $5 of food every week directly from a regional farm. That would be a 12% increase over current farm income of $779 million, which comes at a time when 49% of the region's farms are reporting net losses.
“Feeding Lincoln Metro with Ken Meter” was recorded on Sept. 30, 2025, in Lincoln, Nebraska. This presentation provides a snapshot of the agricultural economy in the Lincoln Metro region and provides a starting point for conversations about strengthening local food systems.
Watch here
Partners for this event included the Center for Rural Affairs, Crossroads Resource Center, Family Services Lincoln, Heartland Food Business Coalition, and Rural Prosperity Nebraska. All are equal opportunity providers.
