Data from USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service 2017 Census of Agriculture show the number of farms in Nebraska during 2017 was 46,332, down 7% from the 2012 Census of Agriculture. Land in farms, at 45.0 million acres, was down 1% from that reported five years prior. Land in farms accounts for 91.5% of the total land area in the state compared to 39.8% for the U.S. The average size of farm in Nebraska was 971 acres, up 7% or 64 acres from 2012.
The total value of agricultural products sold in 2017 was 22.0 billion dollars, down 5% from 2012. Of the total value of production, 58 % originated from livestock with 42% from crops. Average net income per farm was 87,824 dollars, down 19% from 2012.
During 2017, the average age of producers was 56.4 years compared to 54.3 years in 2012. The number of young producers, defined as age 35 or less, was 9,141, or 12% of all producers. The number of female producers was 24,730, or 32% of all producers. For 2017, data were collected from a maximum of four producers per farm, while for 2012 data were collected from a maximum of three producers per farm.
The Census of Agriculture contains numerous statistics not readily available from other sources. For example, 81% of Nebraska farms have Internet access compared to 75% for all U.S. farms.
Additional information on demographics, decision making, and minor commodity statistics are also available.
In addition to state and county data publications, additional online resources are available such as a Census Data Query Tool, Agricultural Atlas, and Ag Census Highlights. Additional resources, scheduled to be available in September 2019, include Ag Census Web Maps and Zip Code Tabulations. Ranking and Profile tabulations will be available throughout 2019. All Census data products can be found at www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.