Friday, January 9, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the appointment of Dr. Justin Benavidez as the new Chief Economist, succeeding Dr. Seth Meyer. This leadership change marks an important step for the USDA as it continues to support American agriculture through data-driven economic analysis.
Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins, praised Dr. Seth Meyer for his significant contributions during his tenure as USDA’s Chief Economist. Since 2021, Dr. Meyer provided essential economic insights that supported the department’s leadership, policymakers, and the agricultural community. His work helped guide farmers and ranchers through complex commodity markets and challenging economic conditions.
Secretary Rollins stated, “Seth Meyer has been a trusted and steady leader at USDA, providing rigorous, objective economic analysis that has helped guide USDA and America’s farmers and ranchers’ insights into complex commodity markets. I am grateful for his years of service and the lasting contributions he has made to American agriculture.”
During his time at the USDA, Dr. Meyer played a pivotal role in leading the World Agricultural Outlook Board and overseeing the widely respected World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. His leadership helped steer USDA through significant challenges, such as market volatility and global supply chain disruptions.
As Chief Economist, Dr. Justin Benavidez will now guide USDA’s economic analysis and forecasting efforts. He brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as Chief Economist for the Majority Staff of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture. In this capacity, Dr. Benavidez provided economic analysis on farm bill policy, commodity markets, and agricultural legislation. His deep understanding of agricultural economics and policy analysis will be crucial in shaping future agricultural policies and programs.
Prior to his work on Capitol Hill, Dr. Benavidez was an agricultural economist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, where he focused on farm and ranch management and production economics. He holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University. His diverse background in both policy-making and agricultural management equips him to lead USDA’s efforts in supporting the economic well-being of American farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) at USDA is responsible for providing independent economic analysis that informs USDA’s decision-making processes. This includes producing market outlooks, conducting policy evaluations, and producing global agricultural assessments. The OCE’s work supports the broader mission of USDA to enhance the productivity, sustainability, and resilience of U.S. agriculture and food systems.
Dr. Benavidez will continue the OCE’s commitment to using data-driven research to guide decisions on policy and program development. His leadership will play a vital role in the ongoing efforts to support agricultural innovation, address climate challenges, and promote sustainable farming practices.
Dr. Benavidez’s appointment reflects USDA’s continued focus on strengthening its support for U.S. agriculture through economic analysis that is both robust and actionable. His experience in both agricultural policy and economic research positions him to effectively lead the department in addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by farmers and ranchers across the nation.
One of the key goals for Dr. Benavidez will be to ensure that USDA policies are always informed by sound economic principles that benefit farmers and the broader agricultural industry. This includes responding to the economic realities that farmers face in today’s ever-changing market environment, including challenges related to trade, global supply chains, and climate change.
The appointment of Dr. Benavidez comes at a crucial time for U.S. agriculture. With ongoing global trade shifts, rising production costs, and environmental challenges, there is a growing need for economic leadership that supports agricultural growth while mitigating risks. Through data-driven insights, policy guidance, and strategic planning, Dr. Benavidez will help shape the future of U.S. agriculture.
As the Chief Economist, Dr. Benavidez will also continue to support efforts to promote sustainable agriculture practices, help farmers navigate market volatility, and enhance the overall economic resilience of the agricultural sector. His leadership in these areas will be critical for the long-term health of American agriculture.
Dr. Justin Benavidez’s appointment as USDA Chief Economist signals a new chapter in the department’s efforts to support U.S. agriculture. With a strong background in both policy analysis and practical agricultural economics, Dr. Benavidez is well-positioned to lead USDA’s economic analysis efforts and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the agricultural industry. His leadership will ensure that data-driven decisions continue to guide USDA’s policies, helping to secure a prosperous future for American farmers and ranchers.
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Tags: agricultural economics, sustainability, U.S. agriculture, U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, USDA, woodworking and manufacturing, woodworking industry
