How cheaper crude oil impacts U.S. farm profits

Agriculture
Al Kluis writes, "At every seminar and webinar I did this winter, I was asked the same question: What will the price of crude do to profits? This is a difficult question to answer. I can envision several different scenarios unfolding. However, the simple answer is in two parts:

• Short-term: Lower energy prices are bearish for grain prices, especially ethanol and corn prices.
• Long-term: It is a very positive economic factor for U.S. and global consumers.