Farmers’ profits dwindle as energy costs rise

Greene County dairyman Charles Buckner is energy-challenged.

Last year, the energy bills for his 800-acre farm doubled to $24,000, from $12,000 in 2004. His fertilizer bills jumped 58 percent to $38,000, from $24,000.

Buckner, like thousands of farmers across the country, is trying to cope with a dwindling income as higher energy prices bite deep into his profits.