Crude oil's dive ripples through farm economy

Chicago

CRAIG Uden, who fattens cattle for beef on his Nebraska feedlot, expects to cut his energy costs by as much as a quarter this year because of falling oil prices - a silver lining in an otherwise tough rural economy.

The lowest energy prices since 2009, which have already benefited transport, retail and industrial companies, are giving farmers a boost just as the US Department of Agriculture forecasts their incomes will plunge 32 per cent this year.

Cheaper diesel to run machinery and trucks along with lower prices for propane gas used to dry grain or heat livestock buildings are all easing the pain of …