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.