US Farm Agency Names Justin Benavidez as Chief Economist

US farm agency names Justin Benavidez as chief economist

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday named Justin Benavidez, a former staffer on the House Agriculture Committee, as its new chief economist.

Benavidez to serve as USDA chief economist

By Julie Tomascik Editor A Texan was appointed to serve as chief economist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dr. Justin Benavidez was named to the position this week, succeeding Dr. Seth Meyer, who served as the chief economist since 2021. The Office of the Chief Economist provides independent economic analysis to inform USDA decision-making, including market outlooks, policy evaluation and global agricultural assessments that suppo…

Benavidez named USDA Chief Economist

The USDA has a new chief economist.  Dr. Justin Benavidez has been selected to replace the retiring Dr. Seth Meyer. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says Benavidez brings strong policy experience, deep roots in production agriculture, and a clear understanding of the economic realities facing farmers and ranchers. Ethan Lane with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association […] The post Benavidez named USDA Chief Economist appeared first on Brownfield A…

USDA appoints Chief Economist

(Washington, D.C., January 6, 2026) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today congratulated Dr. Seth Meyer for his years of service to our country and announced Dr. Justin Benavidez as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Chief Economist. “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 comple…

Chairman Thompson Statement on the Passing of Rep. Doug LaMalfa - Oklahoma Farm Report

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statement today on the passing of House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01): “Penny and I are devastated by the news of the passing of Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a champion of rural America and a true friend. We were looking forward to hosting Doug at the Pennsylvania Farm Show this upcoming weekend. I have fond memories …

Justin Benavidez appointed USDA chief economist

Dr. Benavidez will lead department’s economic analysis and forecasting efforts as Dr. Seth Meyer retires from post.