USDA Names Dr. Justin Benavidez as Chief Economist, NCBA Responds
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the appointment of Dr. Justin Benavidez as USDA’s new Chief Economist, a key leadership role responsible for guiding economic analysis and forecasting across the department. Agricultural organizations, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), are welcoming the decision and highlighting the importance of the position for farmers and ranchers nationwide.
The USDA Chief Economist plays a central role in shaping farm policy by ensuring that accurate, timely, and data-driven economic information reaches producers and policymakers. Reacting to the announcement, Ethan Lane, NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, emphasized how critical this role is for cattle producers. Lane said, “U.S. cattle producers depend on economic analysis from USDA to make business decisions every day on their operations. The USDA Chief Economist is crucial to ensuring that quality data reaches farmers and ranchers around the country.”
Lane also pointed to Dr. Benavidez’s extensive background in agricultural economics, adding, “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.”
Dr. Benavidez replaces Seth Meyer, who is retiring after serving as USDA Chief Economist since 2021. During Meyer’s tenure, USDA navigated significant economic challenges affecting agriculture, including inflation, supply chain disruptions, and global market volatility.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins also praised the appointment, highlighting Benavidez’s blend of policy experience and agricultural roots. Rollins said, “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.”
According to USDA, “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.”
As USDA faces ongoing issues such as commodity price volatility, input costs, and global trade uncertainty, Dr. Benavidez’s leadership will play a vital role in shaping economic insights that guide farm programs and policy decisions. Industry leaders say his experience positions him well to support producers and strengthen confidence in USDA’s economic outlooks moving forward.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.