Washington, DC, USA - June 22, 2022: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Headquarters complex in Washington, DC.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins on Tuesday recognized the service of longtime USDA economist Dr. Seth Meyer and announced the appointment of Dr. Justin Benavidez as the new Chief Economist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Rollins praised Meyer for his tenure at USDA, noting his role in delivering independent, data-driven economic analysis that informed policymakers and helped farmers and ranchers navigate volatile commodity markets and shifting global conditions.
“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,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins.
As Meyer departs the role, Rollins said Benavidez will bring a combination of policy experience and firsthand knowledge of production agriculture to the position. The Chief Economist’s office plays a central role in shaping USDA outlooks, forecasting supply-and-demand trends, and supporting decision-making across farm, food, and rural development programs.
“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.”
The transition comes at a time when agricultural markets are facing heightened uncertainty from tight livestock supplies, shifting trade dynamics, and ongoing pressure from input costs, underscoring the importance of economic analysis within USDA’s policy framework.
