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 support U.S. agriculture and food systems.

“Justin brings strong policy experience, deep roots in production agriculture, and a clear understanding of the economic realities facing farmers and ranchers,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said in a statement. “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.”

As chief economist, Benavidez will lead USDA’s economic research, analysis and forecasting efforts, ensuring USDA’s policies and programs are informed by sound, data-driven economic insights that support America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

“Texas Farm Bureau has worked closely with Dr. Benavidez throughout his career, including during his time with the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture,” said Laramie Adams, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Government Affairs. “We have seen firsthand his commitment to sound policy and practical solutions for agriculture. His strong Texas roots, economic expertise and proven dedication to the rural community will serve America’s farm and ranch families well in this role. We look forward to our continued work with Dr. Benavidez in his new position.”

Before joining USDA, Benavides 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.

Prior to his work on Capitol Hill, Benavidez worked as an agricultural economist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, 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.