Regions
Nebraska’s two main land regions are the Dissected Till Plains and the Great Plains.
Agriculture
Agriculture continues to be one of Nebraska’s top industries, generating $21.1 billion in revenue for the Cornhusker State. There are approximately 44,800 farms in the state, covering 44.8 million acres. The average size farm comprises 982 acres. Agriculture makes a significant contribution to all 93 counties.
Nebraska’s most valuable commodities are cattle and corn. The state also grows substantial quantities of soybeans, dry beans, hay and wheat. Most of the cropland is found in the eastern part of the state.
Wildlife
Nebraska wildlife is abundant within the state on both land and water. Its primary wildlife includes white-tailed deer, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep. Popular fish species include bowfin, gar, catfish, codfish, drum, and eel.
Nebraska is committed to conserving land resources, improving water quality, and restoring wildlife habitats damaged by natural disasters.
Major Rivers and Lakes
Nebraska’s three longest rivers are the Missouri River, North Platte River, and White River. Their main tributaries include the Cheyenne River, Kansas River, Niobrara River, Osage River, and Yellowstone River.
Lake McConaughy, the largest lake in Nebraska, is located on the North Platte River. The surface area of this lake is approximately 35,699 acres (55.78 square miles). Other significant lakes include Lake Minatare, Ogallala Lake, and Maskenthine Lake.
State and National Parks
Nebraska has 8 state parks and 5 national parks.
National Parks:
- Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
- Homestead National Historical Park
- Missouri National Recreational River
- Niobrara National Scenic River
- Scotts Bluff National Monument
| State Summary | |
| Nickname | Cornhusker State |
| Neighboring States | South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming |
| Regions | Dissected Till Plains and Great Plains |
| State Flower | Solidago |
| State Bird | Western Meadowlark |
| Big Game | White-tailed deer, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep |
| Small Game | Pheasant, quail, prairie grouse, and migratory birds |
| Freshwater Fish | Bowfin, gar, catfish, codfish, drum, and eel |
| Saltwater Fish | N/A |
| Hunting Information | http://outdoornebraska.gov/hunting/ |
| Total Acreage | 49.5 million acres |
| Total Public Land Acreage | 1.12% |
| Average Annual Rainfall | 27 inches |
| Farmland by Acreage | 44.8 million acres |
| Woodlands by Acreage | 1.5 million acres |
| Coastline | N/A |
| Conservation Program | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ne/programs/ |
| Primary Crops | Corn and Cattle |
| Largest Lake | Lake McConaughy |
| Other Lakes | Lake Minatare, Ogallala Lake, and Maskenthine Lake |
| Major Rivers | Missouri River, North Platte River, and White River |
| Other Tributaries | Cheyenne River, Kansas River, Niobrara River, Osage River, and Yellowstone River |
Our Rural Real Estate Offices
Mossy Oak Properties Nebraska began with the goal of becoming a trusted resource for folks looking to buy or sell rural land for sale in Nebraska. Our land brokers and agents understand what people are looking for in rural property because we share the same lifestyle and love for the land as you do. We understand the importance of honor and integrity and that buying or selling land is an emotional and life-changing experience for consumers.
Only Mossy Oak Properties Nebraska can provide the powerful combination of brand strength, local expertise, quality service, and national exposure. Whether you want to buy or sell rural real estate, a Mossy Oak Properties land specialist is a must-have on your team.
Find a Nebraska land real estate agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What regions of Nebraska are most active in the land market?
Central Nebraska around the Platte River has the most active mix of farm and hunting land sales.
The Sandhills region in the north central part of the state is one of the largest grass covered sand dune systems in the world and offers incredible cattle grazing on native grass.
The Platte River is one of the most important resting spots for sandhill cranes and whooping cranes migrating across North America. Eastern Nebraska has highly competitive farm dirt for growing crops.
The Republican River area in the southwest and the Niobrara River area in the north offer great hunting and outdoor fun at cheaper prices than eastern farm dirt.
What are typical Nebraska land prices by region and type?
According to the 2026 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey from the University of Nebraska Lincoln land prices change heavily depending on the region.
Eastern Nebraska irrigated farm dirt with active center pivot systems and strong water rights trades for $9,000 to $12,500 per acre. Eastern Nebraska dryland corn and soybean dirt runs $6,500 to $8,500 per acre.
Sandhills native grass cattle dirt runs $800 to $1,800 per acre depending on grass quality and how many cows it can feed.
Northeast Nebraska river bottom hunting land in Dakota Cedar and Knox counties runs $3,000 to $5,000 per acre for quality deer and duck properties. Western Nebraska Panhandle dryland wheat and grazing dirt runs $600 to $1,000 per acre.
How do Natural Resources Districts affect water rights in Nebraska?
According to the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts the 23 local Natural Resources Districts manage all the groundwater in their specific areas under state law.
In places where the Ogallala Aquifer has been pumped down heavily by farming the local districts have placed strict limits on drilling new water wells. They also force farmers to use water saving methods and sometimes limit exactly how much water existing wells can pump every single year.
If you want to buy irrigated farm dirt in the Platte River Loup River or Republican River basins you absolutely must check the specific water limits and current groundwater depth before you finalize the purchase.
