USDA Welcomes New Chief Economist as Seth Meyer Retires

(Washington, D.C., January 6, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced significant leadership changes within its economic analysis team. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins congratulated Dr. Seth Meyer for his dedicated service and introduced Dr. Justin Benavidez as the new Chief Economist.

Recognizing Dr. Seth Meyer’s Contributions

Dr. Seth Meyer has been a pivotal figure in the USDA since his appointment as Chief Economist in 2021. His tenure has been marked by rigorous economic analysis and objective market insights that have significantly guided the USDA as well as America’s farmers and ranchers. Secretary Rollins expressed her gratitude, stating, “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.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Meyer oversaw critical initiatives such as USDA’s economic forecasting and leading the World Agricultural Outlook Board, which drives the widely cited World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. His extensive experience in agricultural economics has enabled him to navigate the challenges posed by market volatility, global supply chain issues, and evolving agricultural policies.

Introducing Dr. Justin Benavidez

As Dr. Meyer steps down, Dr. Justin Benavidez has been named his successor. Previously, Dr. Benavidez served as Chief Economist for the Majority Staff of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture. In that role, he provided vital economic analysis on farm bill policies, commodity markets, and various agricultural legislations.

Before his time on Capitol Hill, he honed his expertise as an agricultural economist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, focusing on farm management, production economics, and policy analysis. Dr. Benavidez holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University, equipping him with the academic and practical tools to lead USDA’s economic initiatives.

The Role of Chief Economist

In his role as Chief Economist, Dr. Benavidez will oversee the Department’s economic analysis and forecasting efforts, ensuring that USDA’s policies remain rooted in sound, data-driven research. This direction aligns with the Department’s commitment to support America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

About the Office of the Chief Economist

The Office of the Chief Economist plays a critical role in providing independent economic analysis to inform USDA decision-making. This includes market outlooks, policy evaluations, and global agricultural assessments that ultimately support U.S. agriculture and food systems.

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