Benavidez Named New USDA Chief Economist

USDA has a new Chief Economist.

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Tuesday that Dr. Justin Benavidez will take over for Dr. Seth Meyer who recently left the Department of Ag to join the University of Missouri.  Benavidez previously served as Chief Economist for the Majority Staff of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, where he provided economic analysis on farm bill policy, commodity markets, and agricultural legislation.  

Before his time in Washington D.C., Benavidez worked as an Ag economist with Texas A&M, focusing on farm and ranch management, production economics, and policy analysis.  He holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University. 

As USDA Chief Economist, Dr. Benavidez will lead the Department’s economic analysis and forecasting efforts, ensuring USDA’s policies and programs continue to be informed by sound, data-driven economic research that supports America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. 

Meyer Joined USDA In 2021

“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," Secretary Rollins said during Tuesday's announcement.  "I am grateful for his years of service and the lasting contributions he has made to American agriculture,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “As we thank Seth for his leadership, I am pleased to welcome Justin Benavidez to USDA as our new Chief Economist. Justin brings strong policy experience, deep roots in production agriculture, and a clear understanding of the economic realities facing farmers and ranchers. I look forward to working with him as we continue to put Farmers First and ensure USDA’s work is guided by sound, data-driven analysis.”

Prior to and during his time at USDA, Dr. Meyer brought decades of experience in agricultural economics, global trade analysis, and policy evaluation. His leadership helped guide USDA through periods of market volatility, global supply chain disruption, and evolving policy priorities.

Industry Reaction To Benavidez Announcement

“U.S. cattle producers depend on economic analysis from USDA to make business decisions every day on their operations," said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane.  "The USDA Chief Economist is crucial to ensuring that quality data reaches farmers and ranchers around the country. Dr. Benavidez has spent his career analyzing the U.S. agricultural economy from his time at Texas A&M University to being the Chief Economist for the House Agriculture Committee. He is highly qualified for this new role and NCBA is excited to continue working with him to the benefit of America’s cattle producers."

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