(Grand Island Independent) -- While there are fewer farms in Nebraska than in 2002, the value of production of existing farms is up 60%, according to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, which was released last week. Adding to the value of production during the five years between censuses is an increase in the amount of land irrigated in Nebraska that has helped to boost crop production. The number of farms in Nebraska during 2007 was 47,712, down 3% from the 2002 Census of Agriculture, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office. Market value of production was $15.5 billion, up 60% from 2002. The average market value of production per farm was $324,992, compared to $197,000 in 2002. Market value of crops in 2007 statewide was $6.843 billion, compared to $3.388 billion in 2002. For livestock, the 2007 statewide market value was $8.662 billion, compared to $6.315 billion in 2002.
